What are the responsibilities and job description for the SOAR Specialist position at Breaking Ground?
ABOUT US: - We believe that everyone deserves a home!
Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness.
But we didn't stop at providing housing. Breaking Ground's programs and services help people experiencing street homelessness - especially those who have been on the streets the longest - to come indoors. Through our Street to Home outreach program and transitional housing resources, we help people get, and stay, on the path to a permanent home.
SOAR Specialist
Reporting to the Senior SOAR Specialist, the SOAR Specialist is responsible for assisting street outreach, transitional housing, and supportive housing clients with securing SSI/SSDI benefits. SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery) is an evidence-based model that helps individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits. The SOAR Specialist is responsible for all aspects of the SOAR benefits processes and proactively sees each referral through to a final outcome. The SOAR Specialist investigates, troubleshoots, and resolves issues or barriers in the application process. The SOAR Specialist is based out of an administrative office but is responsible for visiting programs and buildings across the Programs portfolio in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx as needed.
This position has a 35-hour work week. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with 3-4 days in office/field and 1-2 days remote with supervisor permission. Breaking Ground reserves the right to modify this arrangement as necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness.
But we didn't stop at providing housing. Breaking Ground's programs and services help people experiencing street homelessness - especially those who have been on the streets the longest - to come indoors. Through our Street to Home outreach program and transitional housing resources, we help people get, and stay, on the path to a permanent home.
SOAR Specialist
Reporting to the Senior SOAR Specialist, the SOAR Specialist is responsible for assisting street outreach, transitional housing, and supportive housing clients with securing SSI/SSDI benefits. SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery) is an evidence-based model that helps individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits. The SOAR Specialist is responsible for all aspects of the SOAR benefits processes and proactively sees each referral through to a final outcome. The SOAR Specialist investigates, troubleshoots, and resolves issues or barriers in the application process. The SOAR Specialist is based out of an administrative office but is responsible for visiting programs and buildings across the Programs portfolio in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx as needed.
This position has a 35-hour work week. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with 3-4 days in office/field and 1-2 days remote with supervisor permission. Breaking Ground reserves the right to modify this arrangement as necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
- Manage the entire SSI/SSDI application process for referred and eligible clients from application through benefit start
- Work with Program-based staff to identify and reach out to eligible clients
- Conduct interviews with prospective SOAR participants to gather information needed for SSI/SSDI applications
- Request medical records needed to complete SSI/SSDI applications
- Engage collateral contacts to accrue supporting documentation
- Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications
- Support program-based case management staff with obtaining evidence for applications by coordinating and/or assisting with appointments and escorts · Answer Social Security disability-related questions from clients and staff
- Satisfactorily complete SOAR training within first two months of employment attend and satisfactorily complete any additional training related to duties
- Perform other duties as assigned
- High School diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Experience engaging a diverse population, preferably people experiencing homelessness, living with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders
- Familiarity with Social Security Administration’s Listings of Impairments; cursory knowledge of and ability to write using medical and psychiatric terminology
- Strong writing and communication skills; Ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy and brevity; Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal skills; Ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff and management
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams; experience using databases
- Valid NYS Notary Public license preferred
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time and travel to Programs sites in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens required
