SOAR Advocate

SOAR Advocate

Department

Community Support Services (CSS)

Created

11/23/2022

Reports to

Specialized Services Manager

Revised

8/29/2024

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

EEO - 1

Service Workers

Position Type

Full Time

Travel

Regular travel within service area

Work Hours

Mon – Fri, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Positions Supervised

None

Summary

The SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) Advocate position helps individuals at risk for/experiencing homelessness who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assists the consumer in the completion and submission of Federal Entitlement reviews from Social Security Administration (SSA) and KDHE’s KanCare Title 19 Disabled Medicaid program.
• Assists individuals in informing SSA and KDHE of physical address changes, current phone numbers, emergency contacts, etc. to avoid disconnection of federal benefits.
• Enters data into the SOAR TA Center Online Application Tracking database (SOAR OAT).
• Participates in training activities through the SOAR Base Camp site.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of all client services, as defined by state licensing agencies, funding agencies, and CrossWinds standards and requirements. Submits daily, progress notes, client status reports, and all other related services, documentation and paperwork in a timely manner and acceptable format.
• Develops knowledge of community resources and how to access these services for the benefit of clients.
• Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship and professional demeanor with clients, external community partners, agency staff members, and visitors.
• Attends professional workshops and seminars in order to maintain and improve professional skills and meet licensure/certification requirements.

Work Environment

This job operates in both a community and a professional office setting. This position primarily works with clients out in the community, in their homes, in offices of other providers, and within the residential facilities. This role uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; handle objects; grasp and reach for items with hands and arms; manipulate hands and fingers; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is required to become certified in Managing Aggressive Behaviors (MAB), which includes training in proper restraint/physical intervention techniques to be utilized as a last resort. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Language skills are required, including the ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak the English language. This position also requires the ability to interpret written materials, write reports and business correspondence, and effectively present and respond to questions.

Important Information

This job description has been examined for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The agency has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the agency reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the agency may deem appropriate.

Skills & Abilities

Education & Experience

Associate’s degree plus two years’ experience in the health and human services field OR four years’ experience in the health and human services field is required. Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or counseling is preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

Must complete Case Management Training and provide certificate within 6 months of hire. Must Complete SOAR Certification.

Computer Skills

Computer experience in Microsoft Office programs and basic computer fluency.

Additional Qualifications

Ability to work with persons with severe and persistent mental illness; ability to work independently and as a member of a therapeutic team; possess demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to react effectively in a variety of human service situations.