HRDI: Housing and Soar Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Housing Benefits Specialist will help members with benefit applications and management. These individuals will conduct basic evaluations of class member eligibility for entitlements and assist class members in applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), and other available public benefits. This specialist will be responsible for conducting monthly residence checks and assisting clients in achieving rehabilitative, resiliency and recovery goals; services including assessment, planning, and coordination and advocacy services for clients. Must have experience working with people with disabilities and have excellent problem solving-sills. Specific duties include working with appropriate landlords to secure housing, investigating available resources, explaining options to the client, skill building techniques, strong written and oral communication, and knowledge linking of community resources.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with gathering needed homeless, income, and disability documentation for participants
• Assist in apartment search and application process, facilitate in-person interactions with property management
• Complete Behavioral Assessment to identify strengths, needs, and risk
• Verification of disability if applicable and calculate income changes
• Ensure rental subsidies are completed on time and meet HUD criteria with current lease agreements
• Knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act, and Illinois Accessibility Code/Fair Housing Act
• Link to behavioral health services as needed
• All required documentation must submit weekly in agency electronic health records, HMIS registration and any documentation required by housing department
• Participate in Coordinated Entry meetings as necessary
• Identify and address gaps in the service provision.
• Advocate for the individual’s rights and services.
• Facilitate individual linkages and transfers.
• Benefits Specialists will use the online benefits checklist process to determine class members eligibility to various entitlement programs, as appropriate.
• Assist class members with initial and on-going Social Security Administration applications
• Specialists will assist clients secure Medicaid and accompany class members to Public Aid offices to assist them with applications. This will include facilitating any transportation that a class member may need to get to the office.
• Connect any individuals who are denied benefits with disability attorneys.
• Assist class members apply for other benefits and community resources they may need
• Benefit Specialist working with each class member will ensure that benefits and entitlements will follow class members into the community within five days of transition from in-patient facility.
• Benefits specialist will within seven days of transitioning, if it has not already occurred, assist class members in applying for SNAP and transportation assistance.
• Benefits Specialists will also work with class members on DHS redeterminations for Medicaid and SNAP benefits and annual redeterminations for SSI/SSDI.
• Benefits Specialists will also work with class members on Medicaid Spenddown requirements such as completing the spenddown enrollment form together with an estimate of annual expenses.
• During periods of low caseloads Benefits Specialist’s will assist class members on other areas of the transition process. This includes providing assistance with housing searches, purchasing of household items, and assisting with day-of transition and apartment set up
• Benefit specialist will complete SOAR training within 60 days of hire if necessary.
• Benefits Specialists will also participate in a statewide learning collaborative to share ideas and successful strategies with other SOAR providers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related field. Master’s preferred.
• Must have experience with benefits management including, SSI/SSDI, Medicaid & Medicaid Spend-down.
• Prior training in SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) a plus.
• May consider extensive experience in lieu of degree.
• Prefer candidate with three years of experience working within social service field, including internships, with two years working directly with clients with severe mental or physical illness.
• Must be able to work with diverse populations with multi-faceted needs.
• Knowledge and experience in benefits managements, entitlements
• Excellent written and oral communication skills needed, with demonstrated ability to engage clients.
• Efficient computer literacy skills and ability to utilize Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license, with insured automobile to travel to multiple locations required.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment
• Moderate physical activity. May require physical effort including lifting to 15-25 pounds and some extended periods of standing or walking

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk

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