SOAR Caseworker*

SOAR Caseworker The Orange County Housing department has an opening for a SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Caseworker. The work involves completing Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) disability applications for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, working with medical providers to obtain medical records for clients, collaborating with clients and other service providers to complete required paperwork and reports, and coordinating and leading the local Orange County SOAR Planning Committee of stakeholders. An employee in this class is responsible for meeting with individuals experiencing homelessness at various community locations. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) Homeless Programs Coordinator, with independent judgment exercised within applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The position also involves related duties as required. * This is a safety‑sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. Background Check is required. Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Thorough knowledge of the SSI/SSDI program and application process. Thorough knowledge of the Orange County human services system and medical providers. Good knowledge of psychosocial, socioeconomic, and behavioral problems and their treatment. Good knowledge of governmental and private organizations and community resources for children, families, and at‑risk individuals. Good knowledge of interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention theories and methods. Working knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and their treatment. Skill in establishing rapport with clients and applying assessment techniques for psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of their problems. Skill in interviewing, writing, speaking, and recording. Ability to demonstrate strong assessment and communication skills. Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, and thoroughness; maintain ethical standards of care. Ability to help others help themselves in social adjustments. Ability to establish and maintain successful relationships with clients, County staff, and service providers. Ability to assess situations, develop service plans, and maintain objectivity with emotionally stressed clients. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with racially and socio‑economically diverse populations. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to respect confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations. Ability to plan and execute work, prioritize demands, and respond promptly to caseload needs. Ability to recognize and analyze problems, gather information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to make home/community visits. Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team. Ability to train or instruct lower‑level social workers, students, or interns. Ability to analyze, interpret, comprehend, and communicate complex information in complex situations. Ability to gather, compile, evaluate information and records, prepare reports, and make recommendations based on data analysis. Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e‑mail, and database software. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from a School of Social Work in an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW); OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field and one (1) year of direct human services experience in case management, assessment, referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho‑social therapy, and treatment planning; OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree and two (2) years of direct human services experience in case management, assessment, referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho‑social therapy, and treatment planning. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience. The ability to obtain and maintain SOAR caseworker certification; existing SOAR caseworker certification strongly preferred. Special Requirement Possession of or ability to readily obtain a driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. All offers of employment are conditioned upon successful clearance of a background check. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared. Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affiant Action Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr