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
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Conduct outreach and engage clients through a patient-centered approach. Use problem solving skills and collaboration with other providers to determine how to engage difficult to engage clients. As appropriate, work with community providers to assist individuals in connecting to comprehensive case management, health, housing, and other supportive services
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Complete visits at local shelters, transitional housing programs, residential rehabilitation programs, psychiatric hospital, etc. to engage clients and complete assessments to determine program eligibility.
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Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies and local health organizations to encourage referrals and screenings in order to help achieve rapid disability assistance determinations for eligible persons experiencing homelessness
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Provide technical assistance in the SSI/SSDI application process both in-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
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Track and report information on interventions, encounters and the progress of applications. Complete record keeping in a timely and effective manner.
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Increase access to SSI/SSDI benefits by 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 be submitted in a timely-manner to the Disability Determination Services (DDS).
Key Agency Responsibilities
In addition to role responsibilities, each staff member has the following responsibilities as a part of their employment:
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Models and reinforces the Health Care for the Homeless core values of dignity, authenticity, hope, justice, passion and balance
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Participates in performance improvement and advocacy activities that support the mission
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Performs other duties on an as-needed basis
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Protects clients’ personal health information by maintaining compliance with HIPAA and other relevant health care related IT security regulations
Knowledge, Experience, and Skills
Formal Education and Training
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BA or BS degree required
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Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related field preferred
Experience
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Knowledge and experience of federal disability (SSI/SSDI) application process required
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Experience working in a health care setting preferred
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Experience working with underserved populations, including homeless individuals, preferred
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Experience completing community and home visits preferred
Skills
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Able to provide community outreach services on foot, by car, and/or using mass transit
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Strong verbal skills, and particularly compelling and comprehensive writing skills
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Strong organizational and time management skills
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Able to describe how they support and uplift BIPOC and TGNC individuals and communities in their work
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Flexible approach, can work across disciplines and organizations in a collaborative style
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Fluency in Excel and Electronic Medical Record systems
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Able to work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset and sometimes hostile individuals
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Willingness to integrate principles into practice such as Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing and Housing First
Health Care for the Homeless is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to racial equity and inclusion. We make a particular effort to recruit and promote Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) for open positions. BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and people with other marginalized identities are encouraged to apply.
This is an essential onsite position primarily based at an agency location.