SOAR Specialist - Navigation

LifeWorks Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 PTO days/year

11 paid holidays/year

Premium-free employee medical plan + H

$100/month HSA contribution

Retirement plan with 50% match

Job summary

LifeWorks Austin in Austin, TX seeks a full-time SOAR Specialist to support SSI/SSDI applications for youth experiencing homelessness and related challenges. You will train, advocate, and coordinate with case managers to ensure comprehensive services.

The role involves collecting medical records, completing SOAR applications, accompanying clients to appointments, and maintaining thorough case documentation while promoting client success and access to community resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral sciences or administrative field.
• 2 years relevant experience with youth; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with databases; proficient in Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for clients applying for SSI/SSDI benefits through the SOAR process.
• Assist housing program staff to identify potentially eligible clients and conduct initial eligibility assessments.
• Complete interviews to gather medical records for SSI/SSDI applications.
• Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications.
• Coordinate and accompany clients to SSA and medical appointments to obtain documentation.
• Complete SOAR applications on behalf of clients.
• Assist with appeals if denied; coordinate with SSA and judicial staff as needed.
• Maintain case records and provide referrals to community services.

Skills

Client focus

Interpersonal savvy

Detail oriented

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a SOAR Specialist to join our Navigation team! The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Specialist provides training, advocacy, and assistance to clients who may be eligible and want to apply for SSI/SSDI benefits and helps those clients complete SOAR applications. This position supports youth who experience homelessness, trauma, serious mental illness, and/or co-occurring substance use disorder. This role collaborates with Case Managers and other direct service positions to ensure effective coordination of support for clients through services available at the agency and community providers.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $29.38 - $32.10/hr depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

Responsibilities

• Provide support for clients applying for SSI/SSDI benefits through the SOAR process.
• Work with staff in LifeWorks housing programs to identify potentially eligible clients and conduct initial assessments for benefits eligibility.
• Complete interviews with clients to gather medical records and other information required to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
• Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications.
• Coordinate and/or accompany clients to appointments at the Social Security Administration, medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain medical documentation for application.
• Complete SOAR applications on behalf of clients.
• Work in partnership with the SSI/SSDI office regarding eligibility for clients. Assist client with appeals if denied.
• Research, prepare reports and negotiate with the office of Social Security and/or judicial staff to resolve cases as needed.
• Collaborate with Case Managers and other direct care staff at LifeWorks to ensure effective coordination of services.
• Collaborate with various community programs and agencies to advocate for client needs and provide appropriate referrals to specialized services promoting client success; Keep apprised of available community resources.
• Meet with individual clients to establish a safe, healthy relationship for problem-solving and advocacy.
• Maintain case records and documentation related to SSI/SSDI applications.
• Communicate with members of the community, colleagues, and clients effectively and efficiently.
• Prepare for and actively participate in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings.
• Transport clients to agencies and services, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral sciences or administrative field.
• Requires 2 years relevant experience with youth; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with databases; proficient level experience with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Core Competencies And Skills

• Client Focus - Builds strong client relationships and delivers client-centered solutions.
• Action Oriented - Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm.
• Interpersonal Savvy - Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people across levels, functions, cultures, and geography.
• Values Differences - Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization; is sensitive to socio-economic and cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating.
• Instills Trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability - Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Detail oriented - work with strong focus on accuracy to maintain neat, well-organized records.
• Work independently, exercise initiative, and accomplish tasks without continuous supervision.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 30 days and provide proof of valid insurance.
• Standard First-Aid and CPR Certification as required by individual program, can obtain post hire.

About Lifeworks

With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.

A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.