SOAR Benefits Specialist

$37,440 - $56,160/Yr

Heritage Behavioral Health Center - Decatur, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Decatur, IL

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

About the position

The SOAR Benefits Specialist position at Heritage Behavioral Health Center is a full-time role focused on providing outreach, access, and recovery services for individuals applying for Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income. The specialist will assist clients with serious mental illness, medical impairments, or co-occurring substance use disorders in navigating the benefits application process, ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources.

Responsibilities

• Complete SSDI/SSI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) training and obtain certification within 45 days of hire.
• Conduct basic evaluation of client's eligibility for Entitlements.
• Maintain a caseload of clients actively applying for benefits, going through appeals, and monitoring previously applied cases.
• Gather medical history from clients and submit record requests to facilitate benefits applications.
• Complete SSI/SSDI benefit applications per SOAR process and enter into SOAR system to track applications.
• Accompany clients to attend appointments and hearings with Social Security.
• Participate in a Statewide learning collaborative to share ideas and successful strategies with other SOAR providers.
• Complete all documentation and tracking in a timely manner.
• Provide other duties as assigned, required or specifically negotiated with supervisor.

Requirements

• Experience working with individuals in behavioral health settings and/or experience working with agencies that manage benefits and/or entitlements.
• Mental Health Professional defined as 5 years' experience in a behavioral health setting.
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS).
• A Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work, human services or related field, or any other degree plus 2 years of experience.
• Valid driver's license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of current automobile insurance.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of community resources and/or ability to research/find.
• Knowledge of healthcare resources, including psychiatric, substance use, medical, and/or other services.
• Ability to meet people where they are at in their recovery, non-judgmental, and ability to build rapport quickly.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Ability to accept ambiguity, uncertainty, and change.
• Ability to navigate electronic health records.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Gym membership
• Health insurance
• Generous vacation, sick and personal leave
• WELLNESS days - 26 days per year (every other Friday off paid)
• Paid holidays - 9 in 2024
• Health Club/Fitness Reimbursement
• Continuing education opportunities
• Tuition assistance program
• Agency provided life insurance and short-term disability policies
• Retirement plans (401k and Roth)
• Optional insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance.