Reporting to the Director, Housing Placement Services, the Senior SOAR Specialist oversees SOAR Specialists and works closely with the SOAR Specialists, program-based staff, clients, and collateral providers to assist clients with securing SSI/SSDI benefits. SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery) is an evidence-based model that helps individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits. The Senior SOAR Specialist is responsible for overseeing all aspects of SOAR benefits processes at Breaking Ground, including supervising and monitoring the progress of SOAR Specialists, completing and ensuring quality of all applications, and troubleshooting to resolve issues or barriers in the application process. It is also expected that the Senior SOAR Specialist will also carry a small caseload of clients for whom they will be directly responsible for completing the SOAR process.  

The SOAR Specialist is based out of an administrative office but is responsible for visiting programs and buildings across the Programs portfolio in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx as needed. This position has a 35-hour work week. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with 3-4 days in office/field and 1-2 days remote with supervisor permission. Breaking Ground reserves the right to modify this arrangement as necessary.  

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:  

Supervise SOAR Specialists   Satisfactorily complete SOAR training within first two months of employment; attend and satisfactorily complete any additional training related to duties   Oversee the entire SSI/SSDI application process for referred and eligible clients from application through benefit start   Vet incoming referrals to ensure clients are approved for SOAR support services appropriately   Maintain quality control of all SOAR SSI/SSDI applications   Collaborate with SOAR Specialists in assisting program-based case management staff with obtaining evidence for applications by coordinating and/or assisting with appointments   Answer Social Security disability-related questions from clients and staff   Carry a small caseload of clients and directly complete SOAR SSI/SSDI applications, including: o Conduct interviews with prospective SOAR participants and engage collateral contacts to gather information needed for SSI/SSDI applications while supporting SOAR Specialists with same o Request medical records needed to complete SSI/SSDI applications and write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications while supporting SOAR Specialists with same o Submit SSI/SSDI applications using SOAR methodology and manage application process   Perform other duties as assigned   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred   Experience engaging a diverse population, preferably people experiencing homelessness, living with disabilities, serious mental illness, and/or substance use disorders   Minimum 5 years of experience, preferably in a non-profit or homeless services environment   Supervisory experience or other demonstrated leadership experience preferred   Familiarity with Social Security Administration’s Listings of Impairments preferred; knowledge of and ability to write using medical and psychiatric terminology   Strong writing skills; Ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy   Superior organizational skills and attention to detail; Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines   Excellent interpersonal skills; Ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff and management   Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams; experience using databases   Valid NYS Notary Public license preferred   Ability to sit for extended periods of time and travel to Programs sites in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens required