SOAR Benefits Specialist

SOAR Benefits Specialist - Full Time

Join a supportive team who values Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration, Inclusion, Hope, & Authenticity!

SOAR or "SSI / SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery', 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.

As our SOAR Benefits Specialist, you will assist individuals in applying for Social Security disability benefits.

The SOAR Benefits Specialist must be able to work in the community and be comfortable meeting displaced individuals where they are.

This position requires at least 2 years of experience working directly with displaced individuals who have a serious mental illness and / or co-occurring substance use disorders.

Schedule

Flexible, full-time days, 40hrs / wk.

$18-$20 per hour, based on experience.

Benefits

Being a part of a non-profit behavioral health organization has some unique benefits, along with our incredible health insurance options.

Working here at SouthLight, you will be able to make a difference in people's lives every day, and know that you are a part of inspiring positive change in your community.

You will be eligible for medical benefits the first of the month following your first 30 days. We have options for a standard plan, as well as an HSA with a $300 initial contribution and up to a $25 per paycheck match.

You would receive 10 paid holidays as well as PTO hours which would accrue at a rate of 10 hours per month. After 6 months you would be eligible to enroll in our 401(k) plan which has a 4% match.

We also provide company paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, in house and paid training opportunities, and paid credentialing.

SouthLight is also an approved employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Job Responsibilities of a SOAR Benefits Specialist

• Meet with clients to assess appropriateness of SOAR referrals
• Provide education / training to providers, community partners, and stakeholders
• Compose medical summaries to be used as evidence to support clients' need for SSI / SSDI benefits
• Accompany clients to disability hearings and appointments as needed
• Act as client advocate for medical and mental health evaluation and treatment during SOAR process
• Assist client with securing permanent, or at a minimum safe, housing
• Ensure transition to community team for post-housing support
• Maintain a strong working relationship with payee services

Qualifications of a SOAR Benefits Specialist

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in a Human Service field and minimum one year of relevant experience
• Bachelors degree in a field other than human services and has at least four years of relevant experience
• Bachelor's degree in a Human Service or related field and a minimum of two years of relevant experience

Licensure / Certification

• Must obtain SOAR Caseworker Certification (can obtain upon hire, if needed)
• Valid state driver's license with a clean driving record

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments
• Evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance abuse, and / or homelessness
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines
• Be able to assess individuals based on medical records and interviews
• Advocate within a variety of systems
• Organize large volumes of information for completing applications in a timely manner
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Have a thorough understanding of formal and informal resources in Wake County
• Experience providing some level of case management
• Ability to build rapport with a wide variety of people in different settings

About SouthLight Healthcare

Tap into your passion at SouthLight Healthcare. Build your career in an environment where your voice, passion and work matters every day.

At the core of SouthLight is a commitment to our values, our employees and clients. We strive to be an organization where every colleague can contribute and excel.

We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a culture that values diversity and inclusion. SouthLight offers competitive opportunities and a robust benefits package.

Founded in 1970, SouthLight Healthcare is one of the area's largest and long-established nonprofit providers of substance use treatment and mental health services.

With outpatient and community-based programs, SouthLight provides prevention, education and treatment services in the Triangle and beyond.

SouthLight has multiple office locations throughout the Triangle area, serving more than 9,000 clients each year. Services include adult outpatient counseling, Intensive Outpatient Program, Psychiatric Services and Medication Management, Opioid Treatment Program, Court Deferral Program, Peer Support Services, Family Centered Treatment, Community Support Team and a residential treatment program for women and children and more.

We agree not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex.

Employment offers are contingent upon a satisfactory pre-employment drug screen. Professional references will be checked and criminal, abuse, driving, and fraud background reports will be obtained.

Unsatisfactory results of any of these reports may result in SouthLight withdrawing the offer.

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