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 at Heritage Behavioral Health Center is a full-time role focused on providing SSDI/SSI Outreach, Access, and Recovery services to individuals with serious mental illness, medical impairments, or co-occurring substance use disorders. The specialist will assist clients in applying for Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income, ensuring they have access to necessary income and benefits. This position emphasizes collaboration, professional growth, and a supportive work environment, with a commitment to improving mental health and substance use care in Central Illinois.

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 them.
• 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

• 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.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 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.