Social Security Outreach Specialist

Posted 5/24/2022

The Social Security Outreach Specialist is a full-time, direct service position responsible for completing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness, conducting program outreach to identify program participants, and maintaining positive relationships with area healthcare providers, service organizations, and government agencies. This position performs duties in accordance with Welcome House Core Values, including: Compassion, Advocacy, Integrity, Quality, Leadership and Community.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. SSI/SSD Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR)
   • Models and adheres to the SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) model and philosophy when completing program participant applications.
   • Conducts initial program participant assessments for eligibility for Welcome House services.
   • Uses SOAR model to complete SSI/SSDI applications
   • Completes online and hard copy documentation related to program participant benefit applications.
   • Writes medical summary reports, as assigned.
   • Meets regularly with program participants in the office and off-site to provide intensive assistance in applying for SSI/SSDI.
   • Produces requests for program participant medical records.
   • Stays knowledgeable of social security law and issues related to the SSI/SSDI application process.
   • Files appeal paperwork as needed and collaborates with SSA and DDS on reconsideration cases.
2. Internal/External Collaboration
   • Engages with community resources to access housing, transportation, healthcare, and other necessary services for program participants.
   • Maintains positive and professional relationships with Social Security Administration staff, Disability Determinations Services staff, Veterans Administration, SSA, DDS, and other local health care partners.
   • Collaborates with the Service Coordination and Payee Program for program participant referrals and benefits management.
   • Provides referrals to legal representation for SSI and SSDI appeals, and ALJ hearings.
3. Service Coordination
   • Provides service coordination to beneficiaries for up to 90 days after approval for program participants not receiving Payee Services or Service Coordination through the Welcome House
   • Knowledgeable of Medicaid/Medicare process and assist program participants in enrollment of health care and/or special help programs.
   • Knowledgeable of SSI/SSDI work incentives.
   • Enters program participant data into Vesta within 3 business days.
   • Ensures ongoing data entry and document upload into Vesta within 3 business days.
4. Outreach
   • Engage prospective program participants for initial SOAR assessments, Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) evaluations, and referrals for services, including: housing support, employment, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment.
5. Administration
   • Accurately maintains all program participant records and documents and tracks all pertinent activity for each case.
   • Assists in the reporting of SOAR outcomes
   • Assists Director of Homeless Solutions with tracking program participants for quarterly and annual reports.
   • Adheres to and complies with the Business Associate Agreement and the Privacy and Security Rules Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
6. Other duties as specified by the Supervisor/Director of Homeless Solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree required, Masters Degree and Licensee desired or equivalent

Experience:
• A minimum of 3-5 years experience in the social service field

Skill Set:
• Proficient in problem solving techniques and have a high capacity to think critically
• Proficient ability to communicate both verbally and in writing
• Proficient ability in conflict management
• Advanced to work independently as well as part of a team
• Advanced ability to develop community resources and networking ability
• Increased knowledge of and involvement in community resources/partnerships
• Proficient knowledge of Mental Health/Substance Abuse resources
• Strong leadership ability
• Ability to collaborate both internally and externally

Key Performance Indicators:
• Understands agency vision/mission and how to achieve agency goals
• Understands culture of poverty and works effectively with program participants
• Proficient in case planning and program participant engagement
• Proficient in documentation and have the ability to train volunteers and interns
• High involvement in community partnerships
• Proficient knowledge of Mental Health/Substance Abuse resources
• Advanced knowledge in Social Security Administration procedures concerning applications for benefits, special help programs, and work incentives
• Proficient in assessment
• Ability to understand and contribute to quarterly and annual reporting
• Meets departmental compliance requirements with very limited supervision

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working Hours/Environment
• Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Work typically performed in an indoor office building.

Tools and Equipment Used
• Personal computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, and other typical office equipment.

Travel
• Moderate-approximately 30% of the time.

Physical and Mental Demands
• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long period of time
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
• Ability to speak to and hear employees/program participants via phone or in person
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move between 3 floors
• Additional Mental Requirements: compare, decide, direct, problem solve, analyze, instruct, interpret
• Minimum lifting up to and above 50 pounds

Interested parties should submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to: humanresources@welcomehouseky.org

Welcome House is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to gender, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected class.