The Senior SOAR Case Manager will receive and process referrals from the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) for unsheltered individuals on the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) By-Name List who are strong candidates to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits using the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model. They are responsible for assessing patient eligibility for SOAR services, collecting and summarizing disability
documentation, and submitting final applications on behalf of patients. The Senior SOAR Case Manager must manage each application from start to finish, addressing obstacles as they arise and ensuring that any additional paperwork, assessments, or appointments requested by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or Disability Determination Services (DDS) are completed. This role also involves implementing best practices that significantly expedite the SSI/SSDI application process and reduce the disability determination timeline. A core responsibility is to ensure the completeness and accuracy of all benefit applications while serving as an advocate for patients who may not be able to access these resources on their own.

The Senior SOAR Case Manager will operate in a hybrid model, meeting with patients at various clinic locations and mobile sites. They must also be able to work directly in the community, meeting patients at locations such as public libraries, hospitals, or shelters and by conducting street outreach. This includes meeting individuals experiencing homelessness where they are, including wooded areas, encampments, underpasses, etc. The Senior SOAR Case Manager is expected to use their personal vehicle, as needed, to get between clinics and to conduct outreach; mileage reimbursement will be provided. Most administrative duties will be completed remotely from the employee’s home or at a clinic location, as needed. This position requires close collaboration with the Healthcare for the Homeless case management team, Case Management Supervisor, medical providers, behavioral health staff, community partners, government agencies, SSA, DDS, and ECHO.

The Senior SOAR Case Manager must be a self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision, is highly organized, and consistently meets deadlines. The Senior SOAR Case Manager is responsible for conducting comprehensive screenings to assess medical appropriateness for SOAR services and will seek support from the Case Management Supervisor when needed. They will also manage data collection and reporting required for program grant funding, with minimal oversight.

Essential Functions:

• Submit 25–35+ SSI/SSDI benefit applications, using the SOAR model, annually on behalf of unsheltered individuals with serious mental illness, medical impairments, and co-occurring substance use disorders, serving as their Appointed Representative
• Process incoming referrals from ECHO and screen for eligibility by conducting chart reviews, reviewing extensive medical records, and discussing with patients' medical teams, while comparing findings to the Social Security
• Listing of Impairments (also known as 'The Blue Book'). Staff cases with the Case Management Supervisor and ECHO SOAR team, as needed.
• Complete interviews with patients to gather information required to complete SSI/SSDI applications utilizing the SOAR method; complete all forms and evaluations in conjunction with patients as requested by SSA and obtain necessary signatures; obtain medical records and other information required; write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications Facilitate patients enrolling in or renewing MAP coverage, as needed.
• Conduct outreach and meet individuals experiencing homelessness in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments.
• Coordinate appointments to medical doctors, behavioral health providers, and other specialists to obtain evidence and support for federal benefit applications.
• Accompany patients to medical and non-medical appointments, including local SSA field offices.
• Maintain ongoing communication with SSA representatives, DDS examiners, and the ECHO SOAR team.
• Coordinate with other members of the Healthcare for the Homeless multidisciplinary team and external community partners to ensure wrap-around case management and care coordination.
• Facilitate patients obtaining their vital documents from the appropriate resources.
• Connect patients to financial resources to enable them to have ongoing access to their monthly benefits.
• Determine available healthcare coverage, aid in enrolling in appropriate healthcare coverage, and assist in submitting applications for support programs, such as Medicare Savings and Medicare Extra Help.
• Troubleshoot post-entitlement issues with patients and SSA.
• Submit SSI/SSDI reconsideration requests and provide representation at Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings, providing assistance and support throughout the duration of the process.
• Accurately compile data and metric reports, as required by funding sources.
• Enter data and documentation in Epic, the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), SAMHSA’s Online Application Tracking database (OAT), and tracking/reporting spreadsheets.
• Attend and participate in agency and external consultations, meetings, trainings, functions and activities, as required.
• Remain aware of updates and changes to SSA's policies and procedures, the SOAR model, and the SOAR Written.
• Standards, Best Practices, and Improvement Plan.
• Serve as the primary knowledge source for the case management team regarding the federal disability application process & the SOAR method.
• Collaborate with the Case Management Supervisor to increase program efficacy and processes.
• Maintain a cumulative 40% approval rating for all SOAR claim types combined.
• Complete administrative tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Calculations Medium
• Interpreting Numbers / Data 
• Analyzing 
• Assessing / Evaluating 
• Explaining / Teaching 
• Attention to Detail 
• Memory 
• Problem Solving / Reasoning 
• Synthesizing 
• Experience and knowledge of public benefit applications and criteria
• Working knowledge of community agencies and resources 
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team and community partners 
• Fully participate in maintaining a positive team environment that is conducive to the patient experience 
• Organize workflow and use time efficiently 
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail  capable interpersonal skills 
• Working knowledge and understanding of human development, social theory, and other best practices 
• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication 
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite programs effectively 
• Knowledge of Travis County housing resources 
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines 
• Experience using EHR systems (preferably Epic) 
• Strong writing skills and ability to analyze extensive data, and create written reports with accuracy and brevity 
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and engagement skills with individuals with complex needs and in non-traditional work conditions 
• Ability to critically think and problem solve on both specific situations and larger systemic instances 
• Ability to conduct self-directed work and/or function as a part of a team

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree (higher degree accepted)

• Degree in social work, pyschology, behavioral/social sciences, or a related field

Minimum Experience:

• 1 year case management experience

Required Licenses/Ceritifcation:

• SOAR Certification SOAR Online Course must be completed and SOAR Certification obtained within 6 weeks of position start date
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - Obtained through appropriate American Heart Association Training Network Upon Hire
• Driver's License With a clean driving record and personal vehicle to utilize for work purposes (registered and insured, as required by law) Upon Hire