Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist

Department:Supportive Services

Reports To:SOAR Coordinator

FLSA Status:Exempt

Supervisor: No

Leadership Level: Full-time,40 hours

Job Function: Essential On-Site at 421 Fallsway Main Clinic

Overview

The Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist submits SSI/SSDI applications using the SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access & Recovery) model for severely, chronically mentally ill individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City. The Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist will work together with a multidisciplinary and multiagency team to identify, assess, engage and assist individuals experiencing homelessness through the federal disability application process.  Outreach efforts focus on clients with mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders who are living on the streets and in shelters in Baltimore City. 

Key Role Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach and engage clients through a patient-centered approach.Use problem solving skills and collaboration with other providers todeterminehow to engage difficult to engage clients. Asappropriate, work with community providers toassistindividuals in connecting to comprehensive case management, health, housing, and other supportive services 
• Develop andmaintainrelationships with government agencies and local health organizations to encourage referrals and screeningsin order tohelp achieve rapid disabilityassistancedeterminations for eligible persons experiencing homelessness
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the SSI/SSDI application process and provide technicalassistancein-house and with partnering agencies. Work with Baltimore City SOAR Lead and Maryland State SOAR Lead in problem-solving around efforts to engage and connect with providers and clients throughout Baltimore City

• Track and report information on interventions,encountersand the progress of applications. Complete record keeping ina timelyand effective manner.
• Provide well-written and concise medical summary reports for clients engaged in SOAR services. Reports should include a thorough overview of symptoms and functional impairments. Reports should besubmittedin atimely-mannerto the Disability Determination Services (DDS).

Formal Education and Training

• BA or BS degreerequired
• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling,Psychologyor related field preferred

Experience  

• Knowledge and experience of federal disability (SSI/SSDI) application processrequired
• Experience working in a health care setting preferred
• Experience working with underserved populations, including homeless individuals, preferred

Skills 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly compelling and comprehensive written communication skills 
• Well-developed interpersonal skills necessary to engage clients and promote positive relationships with other community agencies and providers
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to work with disadvantaged and underserved populations 
• Fluency in Excel and Electronic Medical Record systems
• Able to work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset and sometimes hostile individuals
• Able to cope with interruptions, be flexible, and be a team player
• Able to provide outreach services via walking, car, or masstransit