Welcome House of Northern Kentucky

Job Description

Job Title: / Social Security Outreach Benefits Specialist / Revision Date: / February, 2016
Job Classification: / Service Coordinator III / Department: / Income/Benefits
Location: / Covington, Kentucky / FLSA Status: / Non-Exempt
Supervisor: / Director of Income/Benefits Services / Supervises: / N/A

JOB SUMMARY

The Social Security Outreach (SSO) Benefits 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 homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, 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: Ethical, Collaborative, Client-Centered, Accountable, Professional, and Passionate.

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 client applications.
  • Conducts initial client assessments for eligibility for Welcome House services.
  • Uses SOAR model to complete SSI/SSDI applications
  • Completes online and hard copy documentation related to client benefit applications.
  • Writes medical summary reports, as assigned.
  • Meets regularly with clients in the office and off-site to provide intensive assistance in applying for SSI/SSDI.
  • Produces requests for client 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 clients.
  • 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 andPayee Program for client 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 clients not receiving Payee Services or Service Coordination through the Welcome House
  • Knowledgeable of Medicaid/Medicare process and assist clients in enrollment of health care and/or special help programs.
  • Knowledgeable of SSI/SSDI work incentives.
4. Outreach
  • Engage prospective clients 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 client records and documents and tracks all pertinent activity for each case.
  • Assists in the reporting of SOAR outcomes
  • Assists Director of Income/Benefitswith tracking clients 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 Director of Income/Benefits

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
  • Prior experience working in a SOAR program or providing assistance to individuals applying for SSI/SSDI benefits desired

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 clients
  • Proficient in case planning and client 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 25% 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/clients 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 10 pounds

Supervisor's Acknowledgment: / Date:
Employee's Acknowledgment: / Date:

This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. This job description in not intended and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job. Furthermore, the employer reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Updated 2/16