Social Security Disability Advocate (Community Health Worker)

Position Title: Social Security Disability Advocate (CHW)

Supervised By: Community Programs Manager

Position Type: Fulltime (35 Hours Per Week); Salaried; Exempt

Position Period: Time limited (12 months) grant funded, possibility of extension

Location: Hybrid, Rhode Island (position both remote and in person work required), equipment provided.

Salary: $45,000 – 50,000 or commensurate with experience, with benefits (health insurance, 401k, FSA, and life insurance).

Join our team as a Social Security Disability Benefits Advocate and make a real difference in the lives of homeless individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Using the SOAR (SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access, and Recovery) model, you'll work with applicants through the entire process of applying for SSI/SSDI disability benefits, by assessing eligibility, assisting with paperwork, obtaining medical evidence, and writing a Medical Summary Report to document disability. You'll be an integral part of our mission to help those in need through advocating with Social Security and Disability Determination Services. You will function as a Community Health Worker with a specific focus on obtaining disability benefits to address the Social Determinants of Health.

If you don't have a current Community Health Worker Certification, we'll help you get certified within 18 months! You’ll be able to further your education and gain valuable skills while making an impact in your community.

The Coalition is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply!

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Screen consumers referred to program to determine appropriateness for SOAR services,
• Outreach and engage consumers in the community, including street outreach, shelter “in-reach”, and home visits where applicable
• Initiate Social Security paperwork with consumers as referred to program by filing initial documentation of representation with SSA office
• Complete interviews with consumers to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
• Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications,
• Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for consumer applications
• Accompany consumers to appointments with health care providers and the Social Security Administration as needed
• Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for case
• Coordinate case management services with partners and help with providing case management services to consumers when needed
• Communicate effectively with social security administration (SSA) and Disability Determination, Services (DDS) to support consumer applications
• Provide referrals to housing, recovery, and other resources as needed
• Assist the team with administrative tasks as needed
• Complete documentation and data entry as required by medicaid and funders, &
• Other Duties as Assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services; or equivalent education and experience,
• Minimum 2-year experience in mental health, health care, or social services,
• Strong writing skills and the ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy and brevity,
• Computer experience, including troubleshooting and problem solving and proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel) and electronic record system,
• General knowledge of clinical terminology,
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or co-occurring disorders,
• 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
• Ability to problem solve independently
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to multitask and meet frequent deadlines
• Ability to travel and work in a community setting,
• A valid state driver’s license with a clean driving record,
• Ability to transport clients in personal vehicle,
• Ability to successfully complete SOAR training and Community Health Worker Certification, &
• Warmth, compassion, and a social justice orientation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lived experience of homelessness or housing instability,
• Bilingual,
• Community Health Worker Certified
• SOAR certified, &/or
• Love of food, sense of humor, and inquisitive nature!

Amended: 10/17/23

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Providence, RI 02903: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience writing clinical reports such as a Biopsychosocial Assessment?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• outreach or case management: 1 year (Required)
• Mental health, Healthcare or Social Services: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• Community Health Worker Certification (Preferred)
• SOAR Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Providence, RI 02903

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000