Essential Job Functions: 

• Conducts outreach to engage individuals in need of services and identify potential SOAR candidates.
• Works with a core group of individuals consistently over time in order to create a plan to meet their needs, particularly with those who may not independently seek services.
• Proactively initiates non-judgmental conversation and a consistent presence.
• Assists individuals applying for disability benefits using the SOAR components.
• Initiates paperwork with consumers by filing initial documentation of representation with SSA office and completes data entry for tracking purposes using the OATS system.
• Completes interviews with consumers to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
• Gathers medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
• Writes SOAR Medical Summary Reports for consumer applications and obtains necessary signatures from an MD.
• Accompanies consumers to appointments at the Social Security Administration and maintain communication with Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Disability Determination Division (DDD) regarding cases.
• Coordinates visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for case.
• Consults with team members on SOAR strategies.
• Provides some case management assistance and coordinates complex needs of multiple individuals within a larger continuum of care.
• Identifies other community resources and provides in-depth referrals to housing, medical and mental health services.
• Maintains records in Avatar, including progress notes and referrals, in a timely manner.
• Represents SMA at trainings, community meetings, and other venues as needed.
• Attends any trainings/certifications as required.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Must process a minimum of fifteen SOAR applications per annum; 50% of which must be approved.
• Makes commitment to SMA's mission and core values the SMA Way.
• Abides by principles of EEO compliance and a workplace of dignity and respect.
• Works cooperatively in a group/team setting.
• Shows respect to others.
• Takes guidance and direction from supervisors.
• Arrives/Reports to work on time and ready to work.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Education and/or Experience: 

Bachelor's degree in a human services field with at least one year experience working directly with individuals who have mental illness and/or are dually diagnosed OR a Bachelor's degree in a non-human services field with at least two years' experience working directly with individuals who have a mental illness and/or are dually diagnosed.  Must be SOAR-certified or successfully complete SOAR certification training within 30 days of position start date.

Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse clinical techniques preferred.
• Familiarity with federal and state public benefits programs and/or SOAR a plus.
• Knowledge of community resources available in Volusia, Flagler, Putnam and St. John's counties a plus.
• Superior interpersonal, oral communication, writing, and computer skills.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines.
• Ability to build rapport with a diverse population, developing trust and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments.
• Ability to cultivate partnerships and positive relationships with other providers and community stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the Social Security Blue Book Listings of Impairments, requirements for each listing, and ability to transpose that for each individual case.
• Knowledge of standard courtroom procedures, rule of law and evidence, as it pertains to hearings in front of an administrative law judge.

Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Florida driver's license and acceptable driving record if required to drive SMA vehicle and/or use personal vehicle for SMA business. Proof of personal automobile insurance if the position requires you to drive your own vehicle for SMA business (does not include incidental use). Complete State of Florida mandatory Level 2 background screening prior to start of employment if direct contact with children/adolescents, vulnerable adults, or the developmentally disabled may be involved.  Complete Mandt training, CPR, First Aid and HIV/AIDS training during the first six (6) months of employment and updated if required.

Physical: Mobility and ability to bend and reach during an 8-12 hour day. Able to lift minimum 10 pounds. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to evaluate, intervene, treat, and record client health care needs. Fine motor skills for legible and accurate charting, daily correspondence and presentation, either manually or orally. Work endurance ability to work 8-12 hour shifts with a meal break, as possible. Routine 8-12 hour shifts. Hours and days off may vary. Extra hours may be required. Work assignment locations may vary.

Application: This class specification is intended to identify the class and illustrate the kinds of duties that may be assigned to its incumbents.  It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties whose performance may ever be required of such an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such individuals may be given.