Social Security and Benefits Case Worker
Social Security and Benefits Case Worker
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Job Description
Company Overview:
Working to provide shelter housing stabilization and support for children families and individuals experiencing
homelessness across CT since 1990 New Reach inspires independence for those affected by homelessness and
poverty. As a longtime leader in Connecticut New Reach hopes to now chart a new path by fundamentally shifting
how our community manages and responds to the homelessness and housing insecurity crises. With increased focus
on preventing evictions and providing longterm stability for those who are establishing their independence we
believe a true systems change is possible. We imagine a world where the need for shelter is minimal because
individuals and families are able to stay in their homes instead of being evicted and those who are struggling to make
ends meet can get the help they need to maintain stability. We inspire lasting independence for all people affected
by homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing and support using the most innovative progressive
equitable and inclusive methods.
Primary Purpose: SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) is a model that helps individuals experiencing or
at risk of homelessness who have a serious mental illness medical impairment and/or a cooccurring substance use
disorder apply for Social Security disability income benefits. The Social Security and Benefits Caseworker is certified
under the SOAR model and must be able to work in the community and meet individuals experiencing homelessness
where they are including outdoors and in emergency shelters. Once SOAR certified the Social Security and Benefits
Caseworkers acts as a primary contact and liaison between clients applying for disability benefits and the Social
Security Administration to ensure that a quality and complete application is submitted to increase the likelihood of
an approval for income benefits. Other populations or housing support services may be assigned as secondary
purposes when needed.
Essential Functions:
Complete and pass the SOAR online course and pass the certification process to provide SOAR assisted
services.
Work with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through community meetings and
outreach.
Carry a caseload of at least 10 clients applying for benefits submitting at least 25 applications monthly.
Maintain fidelity to the SOAR model when assisting with the completion of Social Security applications.
o Become a SOAR appointed representative for the clients disability claim
o Assist with setting protective filing dates
o Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications.o Obtain a cosignature on the Medical Summary Reports from a qualified provider.
o Complete SOAR quality reviews prior to submitting complete applications.
Complete interviews with individuals to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications.
Assist with setting protective filing dates.
Complete social security application documents within the timeframes indicated by the Social Security
Administration (SSA).
Accompany individuals to appointments at the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Coordinate visits to medical doctors psychiatrists and other specialists to obtain evidence for the application.
Support access to care coordination services to individuals when needed.
Work collaboratively and maintain positive professional communication with referring agents case managers
service providers clients informal support networks the Social Security Administration the Department of
Disability Determination Services and the SOAR Technical Assistance Center.
Assist with identifying unaddressed needs related to insurance noncash benefits access to healthcare
services and other financial/ entitlement resources.
Encourage an array of integrated services including but not limited to treatment of medical mental health
and substance use disorders; medication management; and involvement in employment assistance.
Maintain ongoing client files including assessments service plans correspondence and case notes.
Utilize the statewide HMIS database and the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) system to collect data
document case notes and services and report outcomes.
Other duties as assigned to ensure successful operations.
Essential Qualifications:
BA/BS in Human Services or related field OR 2 years of experience working directly with individuals experiencing
homelessness who have a serious mental illness and/or cooccurring substance use disorder.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including analyzing data and writing accurate reports.
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook Word Excel and Power Point.
Superior organizational skills prioritization skills and attention to detail.
Demonstrate strong advocacy skills creativity and persistence.
Valid drivers license and access to reliable transportation with proof of insurance.
Work in agency offices client homes nontraditional settings and community locations from 9:00am to
4:00pm Monday through Friday.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior training in SOAR.
Evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness substance use and /or
homelessness.
Experience with medical records benefits applications and benefits eligibility determination.
Bilingual/Bicultural in Spanish both written and :
Have a solutionsbased approach to presented problems.
Be supportive engaging and encouraging to peers and staff.
Be adaptable to change and willing to take on more responsibility.
Maintain strict confidentiality concerning any clients or employees personal information living information
and/or HIV status.
Commit to the values of New Reach: Professionalism Integrity Compassion and Initiative.
Adhere to all New Reachs Policies and Procedures.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands
to finger handle or feel objects tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop
kneel crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25
pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision distance vision and the ability to
adjust focus.
Employment Type
Full-Time
