Soar Benefits Specialist

Bobit Business Media; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Alliance is seeking a SOAR Benefit Specialist to assist individuals with mental illness in applying for SSI/SSDI, prioritizing those who are homeless or have co-occurring disorders. The role involves gathering medical information, writing summaries, and coordinating with SSA and DDS to expedite approvals.

Candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in a human services field or equivalent experience, demonstrate strong writing and communication skills, and have a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Must have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in creative writing and report writing required.
• Knowledge of mental health and substance use rehabilitation and recovery principles.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Screen individuals for service eligibility based on program criteria and priorities for service.
• Collect medical records and assessment information from multiple sources to expedite the application process.
• Write detailed medical summaries documenting illness severity and functional limitations.
• Coordinate application progress with SSA and DDS on a regular basis.
• Identify community resources and coordinate referrals with other service providers.

Skills

Communication

Creative writing

Report writing

Mental health knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Driving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services related field

Job description

Community Allianceis an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The SOAR Benefit Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals with mental illness in navigating the application process for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for purposes of facilitating access and meeting the recovery needs for persons served. Priority for these services are individuals who experience homelessness and include those with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders.

Duties Include:

• Screen individuals for service eligibility based on program criteria and priorities for service.
• Collect medical records and assessment information from multiple sources to expedite the application process.
• Write detailed medical summaries documenting the severity and duration of the individual’s mental illness and the resulting functional limitations in obtaining gainful employment.
• Communicate and coordinate application progress on a regular basis with Social Security Administration (SSA) and Nebraska Disability Determination Services (DDS).
• Identify other community resources of benefit to the person served and assisting the individual in obtaining services through referral and coordination with other behavioral health, social service, and homeless service providers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services related field, or two years post High School course work in a Human Services field plus two years relevant experience/training of a professional nature.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in mental health and substance use rehabilitation and recovery principles, service delivery, and behavior intervention/management practices on direct service level.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Must be proficient in creative writing and report writing
• Basic knowledge of characteristics and needs of persons with a serious mental illness, including persons with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
• Possession of valid driver’s license and good driving record.