Veterans Benefits and Income Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION Position: Veterans Services Benefits and Income Specialist I Supervisor: Veteran Support Services Supervisor Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (flexible hybrid work schedules available) Wage: $23.97/hr Eligible for Language Differential Benefits: Competitive Benefits Package GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Provide outreach and assistance to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits. This position will utilize SAMHSAs SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) process to assist participants through all aspects of the application process. This is a full time, non-exempt, union represented position. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Provide assistance with SSI/SSD application process utilizing SOAR. Work with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through team meetings, outreach, and referrals. Utilize the Social Security Administrations Listing of Impairments to determine eligibility of participants for the SOAR program and direct the application needs. Initiate paperwork with identified participants by filing initial documentation of representation with SSA office. Must be able to work in the community and meet individuals experiencing homelessness where they are, including in the community, shelters, and personal living environments. Complete screening and intake interviews with participants to gather information to determine eligibility and complete SSI/SSDI applications. Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications. Analyze extensive data and create written reports such as SOAR Medical Summary Reports with accuracy and brevity for participant applications. Maintain strict confidentiality of all medical information gathered in accordance with the SOAR requirements including internal team members and community partners without specific releases. Accompany participants to appointments connected to their application in the community such as at the Social Security Administration (SSA), Disability Determination Services (DDS), medical appointments or other specialists to obtain evidence for their case. Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for the SSI/SSDI application. Provide consultation services for participants, team members or community partners with questions regarding Social Security disability benefits or specific cases. Assist with the appeals process for applicants who have received a denial determination to their SSI/SSDI claim. Coordinate case management services with internal programs and partners organization as needed. Collect, enter, and analyze data, providing reports and statistical information as needed. Attend regular scheduled meetings with internal programs and community partners to ensure wraparound support for participants in the SOAR program. Maintain professional boundaries and utilize adaptive engagement skills with a challenging population via telephone, written communication or in-person. Keep updated documentation of appointments and services through Outlook Calendar, case notes and service notes in the designated tracking system(s). 2. Participate in agency committees and initiatives. 3. Other duties as assigned. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS Each Transition Projects employee must: Acquire First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 30 days of hire and be retested biannually thereafter throughout employment. Complete Bloodborne Pathogens and Narcan Training within 30 days of hire and be retested annually thereafter throughout employment. Demonstrate reliability by being present for work as scheduled, arriving and leaving on time and taking breaks in expected time frames. Interact effectively with persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations and treat each individual with respect and dignity. Attend agency and program staff meetings. PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Hearing and vision adequate for interaction with participants, interaction with staff and interaction with the general public. Hearing adequate for telephone work. Vision adequate for close work. Hand and finger dexterity adequate to operate standard office equipment. Ability to walk, bend, stand, sit, reach, stoop, pull, squat, kneel, climb stairs and ladders Sitting at a desk completing paperwork and working on a computer for lengthy periods. Ability to perform CPR and other emergency life-saving care with the assistance of teammates until emergency responders arrive. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The right individual for this position has a passion for helping others, in non-judgmental, and is able to deal with difficult situations in positive and constructive ways. Bachelors degree in a related field -OR- 2 years of experience in social services. Evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance abuse, and/or homelessness. Must be able to adjust to the environment of the target population including making visits to encampments, shelters, and personal living environments. Cursory knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and ability to write using same. Superior organizational skills and attention todetail Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Experience with providing outreach and successful engagement to a diverse population, includes working with clients, developing trust, and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments. Applicants who are themselves veterans will receive priority consideration. Bi-lingual English/Spanish strongly preferred. Strong writing abilities. Excellent computer skills. Demonstrated ability to use word processing, database, calendar, spreadsheet, e-mail, Internet,and graphic design programs. Transition Projects, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, source of income, union participation or activities, or any other status legally protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.