WFS SSVF/CSI SOAR Benefits Specialist

Closes: 5/19/24 - Spokane, WA - Full-time/Hourly

Wage: $26.00-$27.00 p/h DOE

Employment Benefits: https://discovergoodwill.org/benefits/

NOTE: Please apply early, as this job posting is subject to removal before the deadline if sufficient number of qualified applications are received. Thank you.

Summary:
The SSVF/CSI SOAR Benefits Specialist will report to the General Manager, work with participants in the SSVF/CSI (Supportive Services for Veteran Families/Collaborative SOAR Initiative) & HEN (Housing & Essential Needs) programs, & must be able to work in the community & meet homeless participants where they are, including in the woods, under bridges, & in abandoned houses. Applicants will be required to become SOAR Certified within 30 days of hire.

Education &/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in human services field; at least 2 years of experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness who have mental illness &/or are dually diagnosed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include the following:

• Monitor SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration) & Washington State SOAR for revisions & updates. Recommend changes to Goodwill SOAR Policies & Procedures to the General Manager within 30 days of policy change(s).

• Refer all external communications from partner agencies & SOAR providers to the General Manager. Provide monthly updates & reports to the General Manager on internal SOAR activities to include the provision of technical assistance to Program/Case Managers.

• Work with referral sources & community partners to identify SSVF or HEN candidates through team meetings, outreaches, & referrals.

• Initiate paperwork with participants as referred to program by filing initial documentation of representation with SSA office.

• Gather medical records & other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.

• Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for participant applications.

• Accompany participants to appointments at the Social Security Administration.

• Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, & other specialists to obtain evidence for SOAR applications.

• Coordinate case management services with partners & SSVF/HEN team to help with providing case management services to participants when needed.

• Use sound mental reasoning, sound judgment, & have ability to respond calmly & effectively in a crisis-situation while respecting & valuing all clients, regardless of circumstances, behavior, or need.

• Show a strong commitment to maintain confidentiality in all assignments as directed, maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients & landlords.

• Complete & maintain required handwritten & computer-based records, files, correspondence, & statistics in a timely, thorough, accurate, & legible manner.

• Compile, prepare, & maintain & provide narrative reports & presentations as required.

• May be required to work a variety of shift.

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks & meet frequent deadlines.

• Experience engaging with a diverse population & ability to respond appropriately to crisis situation.

• Familiarity with Social Security Administration's Blue Book listings.

• Good writing skills & the ability to analyze extensive data & create written reports with accuracy & brevity.

• Cursory knowledge of medical & psychiatric terminology & ability to write using same.

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries & engagement skills with a challenging population & in non-traditional work conditions.

• Experience with providing outreach & successful engagement to a diverse population, includes working with clients, developing trust, & conducting interviews in non-traditional settings & unstructured environments.

• Frequent travel by foot, car, or other means appropriate to making contact with population.

• Perform all responsibilities in service to Goodwill's mission, vison, & values, & to assist participants in ways that aspire to programmatic & administrative excellence.

• Other duties as assigned.