SOAR Benefit Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Assist individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and/or have mental health or substance uses diagnoses in accessing Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and health insurance to maximize their quality of life.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (NOTE: Qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be provided).

• Obtain the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) certification and participate in ongoing SOAR training.
• Build collaborative relationships with medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain support for application process.
• Engage individuals referred in a welcoming manner to aid in gathering health history, disability related information, and work history and barriers.
• Provide intensive assistance to individuals in completing applications for SSI and SSDI.
• Gather medical documentation and create a Medical Summary Report to aid in the application success.
• Accompany individuals to appointments at the Social Security Administration.
• Provide problem solving and advocacy when appropriate as an individual’s representative.
• Assist individuals in accessing available health insurance options through Medicaid, Medicare, and the marketplace.
• Maintain knowledge of funding sources and complete related documentation requirements accordingly.
• Complete and maintain individual records according to required timelines.
• Project a positive image of Goodwill and people with disabilities.
• Adhere to ethical standards.
• Maintain a level of productivity that meets revenue requirements.
• Maintain all needed documentation and records, meeting HIPAA, PHI and other confidentiality requirements as defined by law, the Social Security Administration or Goodwill policies and procedures.
• Punctual and consistent attendance and appearance requirements per Goodwill policies.
• Perform work activities in conformance to Goodwill values, immediately report any wrongdoing (unethical/improper conduct, fraud, fiscal mismanagement, etc.), embrace and support diversity, and encourage and support others to do the same.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

STAFF PERSONS SUPERVISED: None

Education, Training And Experience

• Associate’s degree in a related field with a minimum of three years practical experience in employment and career service delivery or any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Familiarity with medical and psychiatric terminology preferred.
• Successful completion of SAMHSA’s online SOAR certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Sufficient writing skills so as to meet documentation and medical summary review requirements.
• Ability to be an effective team player.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license issued in the State of Nebraska and meet insurance requirements.
  
  

Physical Requirements Of The Essential Job Functions

• Ability to communicate in spoken conversation, adequate volume speech, and have normal hearing for conversation, telephone use, and emergency information systems.
• Ability to be independently mobile on all surfaces and situations; to move safely about the work area.
• Sufficient vision in order to drive a vehicle and to read and generate documents/ correspondence, and complete data entry/documentation.
• Physical stamina to work at least eight (8) hours per day and be able to travel to for meetings.
  
  

Other Requirements Of The Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrate ethics that are above reproach by consistently making decisions that prioritize integrity, transparency and accountability.
• Ability to communicate technical information in an understandable manner.
• Ability to follow through on assignments independently.
• Ability to respond in emergency situations.
• Ability to work positively with individuals with disabilities and their supports.
• Ability to make sound decisions using personal judgment and creative thinking.
• Ability to review and understand complex medical information including behavioral health, developmental disability, and physical health diagnoses.
• Work output at a competitive level.
• High degree of organization. Creative problem solving and skill in coordinating services.
• Professional demeanor.
  
  

HOURS: Full time (40) Variable days and evenings as necessary to work with individuals and stakeholders.

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Category Non exempt

Employees are expected to adhere to Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska’s ethical code of conduct.

Employees must abide by Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska’s Corporate Compliance policies. The purpose of our corporate compliance program is to prevent and detect any criminal, fraudulent, unethical, or improper conduct and take appropriate corrective action.