SOAR Benefits Specialist

• Maintain a caseload of clients that includes persons actively applying for benefits, going thru appeal, and monitoring the case for persons who have previously applied.
• Gather medical history from clients and submit record request to facilitate benefits application.
• Complete SSI/SSDI benefit applications per SOAR process and enter into SOAR system to track applications.
• Facilitate the transfer of SSDI/SSI benefits and entitlements starting prior to transition and within 5 days of transition into the community.
•  Explain representative payee services and assist client to transfer benefits to a new payee, as needed.
• Accompany clients to attend appointments and hearings with Social Security
• Assess client eligibility and complete applications with clients for pharmaceutical assistance programs, housing assistance programs, LINK/food stamps, Medicaid, and other available benefits, when appropriate.
• Assist clients with Medicaid Spenddown Requirements and facilitate completion of all necessary paperwork and supporting activities to establish the spenddown deductible prior to the Class Member moving from the NF/SMHRF/IMD.
• Interpret and communicate, at the service delivery level, Center policies and procedures.
• Meet or exceed productivity target of approximately 50% direct service.
• Remain compliant with internal reporting and documentation requirements as set by Kenneth Young Center and State Funder.
• Participate in a Statewide learning collaborative to share ideas and successful strategies with other SOAR providers.
• Interpret and communicate, at the service delivery level, Center policies and procedures and meet agency quality and compliance standards
• Submit, in a timely and accurate fashion, schedules timesheets, mileage and other reports required by the Center’s policies and procedures

Education & Experience

• BA/BS in Social Work or closely related discipline from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, auto insurance, and access to reliable vehicle
• Basic technology, smartphone, and computer proficiency; knowledge of web-based team communication tools (ex. Microsoft Teams), electronic health records, telehealth programs, and internet skills
• Preferred experience working with adults with serious mental illness and/or adults with other complex physical health and mobility needs
• Preferred experience with review of medical records pertaining to medical conditions and impact on life functioning
• Employee must successfully complete SAMHSA’s online SOAR training within 45 days of being hired

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in the community: within Nursing Facilities, client residences, or public benefits offices
• Roughly half of the employee’s time will be spent in an office space: employee has accessibility to all KYC locations, based on office vacancy.
• While in transit, the employee may experience changing road and whether conditions
• In supporting clients to live independently, employee may be exposed to varying home conditions
• Opportunity for a portion of the week to include Work from Home with Director/Deputy Director approval. This schedule and approval is subject to change based on the needs of program.

Travel Requirements

• Will be required to drive daily for meetings and/or visits to nursing facilities. Will work in varied residential environments based on assigned caseload