SOAR Behavioral Health Case Manager - FL Parish

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a model that helps individuals experiencing or at 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. The SOAR Case Manager will report to the Program Director

The Case Manager 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; ability to work in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments; and a valid state driver’s license with a clean driving record.

The position requires someone who is organized and can prioritize tasks quickly. The Case Manager will also attend any training/certifications as required by the state.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through team meetings, outreach, and referrals
• Complete interviews with individuals to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
• Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
• Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications
• Ensuring records, forms, and other documentation are kept accurate and up to date for timely follow-up and processing
• Accompany individuals to appointments at the Social Security Administration
• Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for the application
• Coordinate case management services with partners and help with providing case management services to individuals when needed
• Assist the team with administrative tasks as needed
• Active participation in case reviews, team meetings, staff meetings, and other training as required by funding source, policy, and supervisor
• In this role, you will help us achieve our mission to change the way the world defines and views disabilities by making profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day

COMPETENCIES:

• Problem-Solving/Decision-Making – Assess needs and consider the course of action to best meet those needs.
• Planning – Establish effective objectives and priorities; anticipate obstacles and consider alternatives. Self-directed.
• Coordination – Adjusting workload to coordinate efforts with other agencies to ensure consistency and adequate follow-up.
• Action Orientation – Take initiative rather than passively accepting; take action and attempt to influence events to achieve goals.
• Work Commitment – Willingly commits extra effort and time to get a job done; identifies with organization goals; exhibits excellent time management abilities.
• Oral and Written Communication Skills – Ability to exhibit appropriate use of grammar and spelling in written communication, exhibit appropriate use of grammar in oral communication; ensure oral and written communication is professional.
• Team Playing – Work cooperatively with other Easterseals Louisiana staff and community partners
• Building Relationships – Able to establish rapport with provider agencies and staff, Easterseals administrative, and other program staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize, multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
• Must have reliable transportation, and be willing to travel during the day as required
• Computer experience, including troubleshooting and problem-solving and proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel) and database management
• Good writing skills and the ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy and brevity
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and engagement skills with a challenging population and in non-traditional work conditions

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• SOAR training and certification
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or certification as a Peer Specialist
• Evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance abuse, and/or homelessness
• Lived experience of homelessness or mental illness
• Familiarity with Social Security Administration’s Listings of Impairments
• Cursory knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and ability to write using the same
• Experience with providing outreach and successful engagement to a diverse population, including working with clients, developing trust, and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS with or without reasonable accommodations:

• The employee is regularly required to operate a computer, file and retrieve written documents, and communicate with others on the phone and in-person.
• The employee is frequently required to walk, sit, use hands, and lift and/or move lightweight items.
• Physically able to participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings
• Ability to move independently within the facility and community.
• Must be able to travel and meet with participants

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to adjust to the environment of the target population including making visits to encampments, shelters, and personal living environments when needed
• Travel to meet with clients, training, collaborating with stakeholders, or off-site personnel/management