S.O.A.R. Specialist

The Broward Partnership; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 40,500 - 49,500; Full time

Job summary

The Broward Partnership is seeking a full-time position to assist individuals at risk of homelessness in applying for Social Security disability benefits. This role involves implementing the SOAR process, establishing rapport with clients, and managing a caseload effectively.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, at least two years of relevant experience, and required SOAR certification. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential to excel in this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two to three years of related experience in homelessness services.
• SOAR certification required.
• Bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in SSI/SSDI application process using the SOAR model.
• Document all activities and client progress in health records.
• Manage a caseload of 8–10 clients.

Skills

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Job description

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a model that helps individuals experiencing or at risk for homelessness who have mental illness and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder or other medical impairments apply for Social Security disability benefits. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist clients in the application process for SSI/SSDI using the SOAR process.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains effective rapport with clients.
• Screens clients for potential eligibility for disability benefits.
• Initiates SOAR applications with clients by filing documentation with the SSA Office.
• Completes interviews with clients to gather information to support the SSI/SSDI applications.
• Gathers medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications and writes SOAR medical summary reports for clients’ applications.
• Coordinates and/or accompanies clients to appointments at the Social Security Administration, medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain medical documentation for applications.
• Interfaces with outside agencies as appropriate and necessary for obtaining documentation necessary for clients’ applications.
• Works in partnership with the SSI/SSDI office regarding all aspects of the clients’ application process and assists clients with appeals if applications are denied.
• Researches, prepares reports, and negotiates with the Office of Social Security and/or judicial staff to resolve cases as needed.
• Submits court documents and attends court hearings to advocate for clients throughout the SOAR application process.
• Effectively manages a caseload of 8–10 clients and ensures that a maximum of high‑quality SOAR applications are submitted on an annual basis.
• Documents all activities, client progress, and backup documentation in the electronic health records system, following the Agency’s documentation standards and specified timeframes.
• Transfers and/or terminates client cases in a professional manner.
• Participates in staff meetings and attends trainings as assigned.
• Participates in the SOAR Processors affinity group hosted by the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition and provides updates to the Program Services team as appropriate.
• Adheres to Agency policies, procedures, professional/ethical standards, and legal requirements regarding the SOAR process.
• Generates specific activity reports in a timely manner and participates in the collection of outcome data as directed by supervisory staff.
• All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees will be responsible for fulfilling any other job‑related instructions given by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, with at least two to three years of related experience and/or working in the field of homelessness with individuals who have mental illness and/or are dually diagnosed. Years of experience may substitute for formal education.
• SOAR certification required; bilingual preferred.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient use of computer software and excellent time management.
• Ability to effectively resolve and cope with immediate conflict and crisis situations and to develop relationships with a wide variety of external stakeholders.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license and a safe driving record.

Job Type

Full‑time

Salary

$45,000.00