Job Information
Breaking Ground Senior SOAR Specialist in New York, New York
Senior SOAR Specialist
505 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018, USA
Req #2461
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
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.
Reporting to the Director, Housing Placement Services, the Senior SOAR Specialist oversees SOAR Specialists and works closely with the SOAR Specialists, program-based staff, clients, and collateral providers to assist 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 Senior SOAR Specialist is responsible for overseeing all aspects of SOAR benefits processes at Breaking Ground, including supervising and monitoring the progress of SOAR Specialists, completing and ensuring quality of all applications, and troubleshooting to resolve issues or barriers in the application process. It is also expected that the Senior SOAR Specialist will also carry a small caseload of clients for whom they will be directly responsible for completing the SOAR 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:
Supervise SOAR Specialists
Satisfactorily complete SOAR training within first two months of employment; attend and satisfactorily complete any a dditional training related to duties
Oversee the entire SSI/SSDI application process for referred and eligible clients from application through benefit start
Vet incoming referrals to ensure clients are approved for SOAR support services appropriately
Maintain quality control of all SOAR SSI/SSDI applications
Collaborate with SOAR Specialists in assisting program-based case management staff with obtaining evidence for applications by coordinating and/or assisting with appointments
Answer Social Security disability-related questions from clients and staff
Carry a small caseload of clients and directly complete SOAR SSI/SSDI applications, including: o Conduct interviews with prospective SOAR participants and engage collateral contacts to gather information needed for SSI/SSDI applications while supporting SOAR Specialists with same o Request medical records needed to complete SSI/SSDI applications and write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications while supporting SOAR Specialists with same o Submit SSI/SSDI applications using SOAR methodology and manage application process
Perform other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred
Experience engaging a diverse population, preferably people experiencing homelessness, living with disabilities, serious mental illness, and/or substance use disorders
Minimum 5 years of experience, preferably in a non-profit or homeless services environment
Supervisory experience or other demonstrated leadership experience preferred
Familiarity with Social Security Administration’s Listings of Impairments preferred; knowledge of and ability to write using medical and psychiatric terminology
Strong writing skills; Ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy
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
EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled
Other details
Pay Type Hourly
Min Hiring Rate $30.77
Max Hiring Rate $30.77
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- 505 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018, USA