Job Title: Case Manager – SOAR Benefits Specialist
Classification: Non-Exempt / Full-Time (40 hours per week)
Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Reports to: Bridge Outreach Manager
OVERVIEW: Interfaith Community Services was founded in 1979 by a handful of diverse faith communities to address the needs of low-income, homeless, and under-served people in North San Diego County. Interfaith offers programs through North San Diego County, from the coastal City of Oceanside, to the inland communities south and east of our Escondido headquarters. With more than 300 member faith centers and 130 dedicated staff, Interfaith serviced more than 16,000 unique individuals last year alone.
WHAT YOU WILL DO: SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a SAMHSA best practice model that helps individuals experiencing or at-risk for homelessness who have a mental health or physical impairment apply for expedited Social Security disability benefits. This position will provide direct services to individuals seeking benefits. Case managers will conduct a screening, intake, and assessment to determine program eligibility. They will assist consumers with their applications and help navigate the Social Security system. In addition, individuals will receive support and connection to medical and mental health providers, case management services and referrals, and assistance in applying to other public benefits to stabilize their needs, client advocacy, and ongoing case management services, while also supporting the mission of Interfaith Community Services.
- Works closely with referral sources and community partners to identify appropriate individuals for the SOAR Program.
- Serves as the consumer’s appointed representative for the initial and reconsideration disability applications; develops a strong working relationship with the local Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS) staff.
- Conducts interviews with clients to gather pertinent information for their SSI/SSDI applications.
- Requests, gathers, and reviews medical records to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
- Refers consumers to other community-based disability programs when individuals do not meet program criteria.
- Writes SOAR Medical Summary Reports for consumer applications.
- Accompanies consumers to appointments at the Social Security Administration, consultative exams, and hearings.
- Coordinates appointments to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to improve health outcomes and strengthen medical evidence.
- Coordinates case management services with partners and helps provide case management services to consumers when needed.
- Participates in SOAR monthly webinars and community meetings.
- Offers support and education to individuals with Social Security documentation.
- Assists the team with administrative tasks as needed.
- Links and networks clients with resources within the agency and utilizes other public and private social service agencies as necessary.
- Provides services in the community; working with clients in various settings, which include but are not limited to, other agency programs, faith centers, and school administrations.
- Reads and follows department and agency Policies and Procedures.
- Tracks application approvals and denials in the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT).
- Supports Program Manager in gathering supportive data for all program reports.
- Participates in all staff meetings and trainings.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services or related field required.
- 2+ years of work experience providing case management to highly vulnerable populations required.
- Must successfully complete training and certification in SOAR within 30 days of hire.
- Experience working with the homeless population preferred.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays – 13 scheduled
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- AD&D / Group Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical and Dependent Care
- Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Early Release Days!
- Work Anniversary Bonuses
- Tuition Reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
- Home Ownership Assistance Program
- Casual Work Environment
- Professional Growth and Career Development Opportunities
Interfaith is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, nationality, sex, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Interfaith will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
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