HDAP Job Description: Housing and Disability Advocate Summary:

The Housing and Disability Advocate works under the Housing Department. The Housing and Disability Advocate assists people experiencing homelessness who are disabled apply for disability benefits while providing housing and support. The Housing and Disability Advocate is intended to support participants in meeting two important goals: Securing disability benefits and stabilizing permanent housing. This Advocate should be SOAR certified and following the SAMHSA guidelines on applying for Disability benefits.

The Housing and Disability Advocate will provide case coordination to help clients navigate and address barriers to housing and disability benefits. They will connect clients to services such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, behavioral health agencies, and legal aid. Some Advocate activities will

include filing complete and timely applications and appeals, obtaining and submitting medical evidence, filing appeals and requests for hearings including appeals to the Social Security Appeals Council, representing individuals at administrative hearings, establishing good rapport with Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS) and contracting with legal services providers as needed to ensure adequate representation.

The housing assistance will consist of helping people with disabilities search and obtain permanent housing, maintaining current housing, and stabilizing in new housing. Good Samaritan Shelter believes in Housing First; therefore, the Housing and Disability Advocate will place people with disabilities in housing despite any preconditions. Client choice should be the main priority.

Responsibilities:

The Housing and Disability Advocate helps clients experiencing homelessness fill out a Social Security Disability application, follow-up, and submit required documentation to the Social Security Administration office (SSA) and the Disability Determination Services office (DDS). A Housing and Disability Advocate will provide housing placement and supportive services support and perform the following duties:

1. Fill out Disability benefit applications for SSI and SSDI

2. Assist clients to identify affordable housing for clients in need

3. Meet with clients in the field and in an office setting

4. Provide regular check-ins and follow-up home visits to ensure housing stability

5. Enter all data into HMIS system

6. Connect with other programs and agencies to better assist clients such as our Good Samaritan Outreach Team, legal aid, and Behavioral Wellness.

7. Track client’s cases (housing status, disability status, status of other benefits and case notes)

8. Document client’s outcomes in Online Application Tracker System (OAT)

Required Skills:

Attention to detail to complete applications with accuracy. Professional written and verbal communication skills

Excellent time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, or related field

Obtain certification in SSI/ SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: Multiple locations