WFS SSVF/CSI SOAR Benefits Specialist - Spokane, United States - Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest

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    Full time
    Description

    Closes: 5/19/24

    Employment 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.