SOAR Navigator (Prescott)

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Seven-Site Background Check, two (2) Reference Checks, AZ Fingerprint Card, and AZ Central Registry Check.

Summary

The SOAR (SSI/SSDI) Outreach, Access and Recovery program helps those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless by increasing access to the Social Security Administrations’ disability programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

The application process for SSI/SSDI is complicated and difficult to navigate. Nationally, only about 29% of individuals who apply for these benefits are approved on initial application and appeals take an average of one year to complete. For people who are homeless or who are returning to the community from institutions (jails, prisons, or hospitals), access to these programs can be extremely challenging. Approval on initial application for people who are homeless and who have no one to assist them is about 10-15%. For those who have a mental illness, substance use issues, or co-occurring disorders the application process is even more difficult, yet accessing these benefits is often a critical first step in recovery.

Since 2006, over 19,000 initial SOAR SSI/SSDI applications have been approved. The allowance, or approval rate, on initial SOAR applications averages 65% in an average of 100 days (from date of application submission to date of decision). For the top 8 states, serving more than 4,000 applicants, there was an 89% approval rate on initial applications. In 2012 alone, SSI/SSDI brought more than $142 million into the state and local economies of the 48 states reporting outcomes.

There are currently not enough SOAR trained staff and volunteers to meet the needs. Come join us and help the most vulnerable in our community!

Time Commitment

Flexible - to be determined with supervisor

Tasks & Requirements:

• Complete the SOAR Online Course ( 16-20 hours to complete - free) that trains Soar Navigators to assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk for homelessness to apply for SSU and SSDI AND have serious mental and/or physical illnesses that affect their ability to work

• Assist and maintain contact with applicants and act as their representative

• Emphasis on obtaining approval on initial application and avoiding appeals

• Collaborate with local agencies, medical providers and SSA/DDS

• Focus on thoroughly documenting the disability and its effect on functioning, reducing the need for consultative exams

• Opens and maintains complete and accurate records

• Establishes and maintains good working relationships with coworkers and community

• The cost of the AZ Fingerprint card is $65; it is good for 6 years and is transportable

Professional Skills & Experience

Ability to relate well with adults; Dependable; Interpersonal Skills; Organizational Skills; Understanding of at-risk populations; this position requires the volunteer to be comfortable with diverse; Team player; Computer skills - Intermediate; Confidentiality