The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

Job Description

Job Title: SOAR Disability Benefits Specialist- Region 3 Coverage

Pay Grade: H

Job Summary:

SSI/SSDIOutreach,Access,andRecovery(SOAR)isamodelthathelpsindividualsexperiencingorat risk of homelessness who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits.

ResponsibilitiesoftheSOARDisability Benefits Specialistincludebutarenotlimitedtothe following:

The SOAR Benefits Specialist will report to the SOAR Program Manager. The SOAR Disability Benefits Specialist must be able to work in the community and meet individuals experiencing homelessness where they are, including in the woods, under bridges, and in abandoned houses. This position requires at least 2 years of experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness who have a serious mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorder; evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance abuse, and/or homelessness; an ability to work in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments; and a valid state driver’s license with a clean driving record. SOAR training is a plus. The position requires someone who is organizedandhasanabilitytoprioritizetasksquickly.TheSOARBenefitsSpecialistwillalsoattendany trainings/certifications as required by the state.

The position is responsible for initial outreach to the providers in the community, DBHDD Hospitals, ongoing outreach services, and completion of the application process, and/or technical assistance as needed to ensure completion of the application. This position reports to the SOAR Program Manager. 

Note: This position is community based and will require moderate to extensive local travel.

Essential Responsibilities include:

Training

·Participate in trainings related to SOAR.

·Facilitate training classes as needed or requested.

·Provide technical assistance to community providers, hospitals, , regional and state agencies such as the GA DBHDD regional offices, GA Department of Corrections and Community Supervision) and other stakeholders with an interest in the SOAR process.

Completion of the SSI Application

·Completion of the SSI/SSDI application according to established policies and procedures of the project. 

oCompile all the medical records, assessments and observations into a medical report that summarizes how their disability impacts their life, their activities of daily living and their ability to work.

·Collection of existing medical evidence, including visiting treating sources.

·Assists qualified mentally and physically disabled homeless individuals to access SSI, SSDI, and mental benefits.

·Utilize interview and engagement skills to complete multiple assessments and collect evidence to substantiate the client’s claim.

Coordination

·Coordination and communication with social workers and case managers.

·Linkage and coordination with SSA, referral to and linkage with other needed services, e.g., housing, health care (physical and mental), other supportive services as needed.

·Coordination with representative payee service.

·Ongoing follow-up as needed to ensure individuals are not lost to services.

·Utilizing substantial independent judgment in prioritizing and problem-solving issues.

·Collaborate with the disability adjudicators to help advocate for the client’s approval.

·Attending relevant community meetings to represent the department.

·Work closely with the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Recovery (PATH) to assist individuals with SMI obtain mainstream benefits.

Data/Reporting

·Organizing and recording data consistent with project goals and priorities.

·Responsible for maintaining timely and thorough charting/record keeping on each client and assisting in monitoring performance and outcome measures.

·Complete or assist in completing monthly reports when necessary.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

·Must be detail oriented and maintain the ability to follow tasks and directions.

·Superior communication skills, both oral and written.

·Proof reading skills to include grammar, punctuation, and substantive content review.

·Ability to draft professional and official correspondence.

·Critical thinking skills and problem-solving ability.

·Quality customer service experience and proficiency.

·Strong organizational skills are a must.

·Interpersonal skills are necessary and must be able to work well in a team environment, with attorneys and other colleagues, while at the same time having the ability to work independently.

·Ability to multi-task, meet time sensitive deadlines, handle a high volume of work assignments with dedication to produce quality work product.

·Must demonstrate a strong sense of personal responsibility and take initiative and pride in the work produced.

·Abilitytomaintainprofessionalboundariesandengagementskillswithachallengingpopulation and in non-traditional work conditions.

Other Duties

·Other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in social services, or related field
• 2-5 years’ experience working with government programs.
• Experience developing and implementing policies.
• Working knowledge of Social Security Administration
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations governing Medicaid.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment RequirementsTo ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity EmployerIt is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.