Housing Social Worker - Soar Benefits Specialist - Hybrid

What You'll Be Doing

Wake County Housing is looking for a passionate advocate to join the Cornerstone Community Support Team as a Housing Social Worker-SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) Benefits Specialist. The Cornerstone Community Support Team provides specialized services to clients who are engaged with primary Permanent Housing and Support Services (PHSS) Division programs. We work alongside housing case managers to assist clients with obtaining and maintaining housing and improving their overall quality of life. The PHSS Division follows the Housing First Model.

The Housing Social Worker-SOAR Benefits Specialist will utilize the SOAR process to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and living with a severe mental illness and/or other disabling conditions to apply for Social Security disability benefits.

Essential Functions

• Work with PHSS teams and referring case managers to identify potential SOAR applicants

• Provide outreach, engagement and education about the SOAR process to potential applicants

• Schedule and conduct interviews with all referred clients to determine SOAR eligibility

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments with all applicants and meet with them throughout the SOAR process

• Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications

• Write SOAR Medical Summary Reports for all applications

• Accompany individuals to appointments at the Social Security Administration

• Coordinate and transport clients to medical doctors, psychiatrists and other specialists to obtain evidence for the application

• Conduct on-going outreach and engagement with the applicant to stay connected throughout the SOAR process

• Provide training to PHSS staff regarding the SOAR and SSI/SSDI application process

• Document all services in Clarity according to program guidelines

• Provide services using a trauma-informed and client-centered approach

• Provide case management and other support services to PHSS teams as needed

NOTE: Hybrid once trained and caseload established

About Our Team

The goal of Wake County Department of Housing Affordability and Community Revitalization goal is to ensure that quality, affordable housing is available and accessible for all Wake County residents. As the population and economy continue to grow in Wake County, the need for affordable housing development and preservation increases. Not only do more units of affordable housing need to be built, but appropriate services must also be provided to support families and individuals with both accessing and maintaining safe, decent, affordable housing. Affordable housing is also critical to preserving Wake County's economic competitiveness by offering housing for workers of all income levels, supporting housing stability and economic opportunity for residents and furthering Wake County's commitment to healthy and inclusive growth. The Department's programs include Community Revitalization, Development Financing, Homeless and Prevention Services, Emergency Shelter, Support Services, Veterans Services and Permanent Supportive Housing.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

• One year of job-related experience

• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record

• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• SOAR certification

• Master's degree in social work or related field

• Three (3) years of work experience in the areas of homelessness, mental illness, and/or other special needs populations

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness who have a serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorder and/or disabling physical health condition

• Experience conducting biopsychosocial interviews

• Experience with the SOAR model is a plus

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Knowledge of social work principles, practices and techniques

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret medical documents, case notes and other related documents

• Cursory knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and ability to write using the same

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Knowledge of the Harm Reduction, Housing First and Trauma-Informed Care models of service

• Ability to establish trust and rapport with clients and to conduct interviews in a variety of settings, including in the office, the community, client homes, shelters and outside

• Flexibility, compassion and teamwork are a must for this position

About This Position

Location: Cornerstone Raleigh, NC 27603

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon

• Fri 8:30 am

• 5:15 pm

Hiring Range: 23.94 - 40.70

Market Range: 23.94 - 40.70

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 7/12/2024

What Makes Wake Great

Equal Opportunity Statement

Background Check Statement

Emergency Service Worker Statement

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.