Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist Heritage Behavioral Health Center | Decatur, Illinois Full-Time | Every Other Friday Off (Paid Wellness Day) Salary High School or GED: $18.00/hour + paid wellness day every other Friday High School or GED + 5 years' experience: $23.00/hour + paid wellness day every other Friday Bachelor's Degree: Starting $25.00/hour + paid wellness day every other Friday Master's Degree: $60,000/annually + paid wellness day every other Friday Additional compensation available for candidates with professional licensure (e.g., LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW) or certifications such as CADC. About Heritage Behavioral Health Center We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care for individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care - regardless of the position they hold. Why You'll Love Working Here Collaborative, mission-driven work environment Every other Friday off - paid wellness days Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks Loan forgiveness eligibility through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Your Role The Benefits Specialist plays a vital role in helping individuals living with a mental health diagnosis navigate the complex process of applying for Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. This position provides person-centered, follow-along support from the initial application through final determination, advocating on behalf of clients and removing barriers to financial stability and access to healthcare. A cornerstone of this role is the use of the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model - an evidence-based approach designed to increase access to federal disability benefits for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and for those living with serious mental illness. The Benefits Specialist will be trained in and implement SOAR strategies throughout every stage of the application process. Core Responsibilities Outreach & Client Engagement Identify and outreach to individuals with mental health diagnoses who may be eligible for SSI/SSDI benefits. Conduct screening and eligibility assessments to determine the appropriateness of SSI/SSDI applications. Engage clients through a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to build trust and reduce barriers to participation. Coordinate with internal clinical teams, case managers, and community partners to receive referrals and ensure warm handoffs. SOAR-Based Application Support Apply the SOAR model methodology to guide clients through the full SSI/SSDI application process from initiation through determination. Develop comprehensive, SOAR-formatted Medical Summary Reports (MSRs) that clearly document the functional impact of a client's mental health diagnosis on their ability to maintain gainful employment. Gather, organize, and submit all required documentation including medical records, psychiatric evaluations, treatment history, and functional assessments. Complete and submit SSI/SSDI applications on behalf of or in collaboration with clients, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission. Coordinate directly with Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices, Disability Determination Services (DDS), and medical providers to facilitate information exchange. Track application timelines and proactively follow up on pending decisions, requests for evidence (RFEs), and case status. Prepare and support clients through the appeals process, including Reconsideration, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings, and Appeals Council reviews, as needed. Utilize the SOAR Online Case Management (OCM) system or equivalent platform to document all case activity, outcomes, and data required for SOAR reporting. Follow-Along Supports Maintain ongoing contact with clients throughout the application and appeals process to provide encouragement, answer questions, and address emerging needs. Assist clients in understanding award letters, benefit amounts, Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, and the implications of returning to work (Ticket to Work, work incentives). Coordinate with treatment teams to ensure continuity of care and alignment of clinical documentation with SSA requirements. Connect clients to additional community resources (housing, food security, transportation) to address social determinants of health that may affect benefit eligibility or application outcomes. Provide psychoeducation to clients and families regarding SSI/SSDI eligibility criteria, the review process, and benefit-related responsibilities. Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of all client interactions, application activities, and case outcomes in the agency's electronic health record (EHR) system. Track and report SOAR performance metrics including application submission rates, approval rates at initial application and appeal, and time-to-determination. Participate in required SOAR data reporting to state and federal partners. Attend supervision, team meetings, and continuing education related to SSI/SSDI policy changes and SOAR best practices. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of the SSI and SSDI federal disability benefit programs, eligibility criteria, and application processes. Familiarity with the SOAR model and its application to individuals with serious mental illness (or willingness and ability to obtain SOAR certification within 60 days of hire). Strong written communication skills, particularly in developing narrative Medical Summary Reports that translate clinical information into SSA decision‑maker language. Ability to build rapport and work effectively with individuals experiencing serious mental illness, trauma, and co‑occurring substance use disorders. Proficiency in electronic documentation, case management systems, and Microsoft Office applications. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, and concurrent application processes. Knowledge of community resources, social service systems, and healthcare navigation. Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with clinical, administrative, and community stakeholders. Understanding of HIPAA and confidentiality requirements as they apply to benefits advocacy. Qualifications Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, education, or another human services field. Graduate degree in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or a related human services field preferred. Prior experience in benefits counseling, case management, or working with individuals with serious mental illness preferred. Must complete SOAR training and obtain SOAR certification within 60 days of hire (training provided/supported by agency). Minimum of 21 years of age. Valid driver's license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance. Professional licensure (LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW) or certifications (e.g., CADC) eligible for additional compensation. Heritage Also Offers Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off (paid), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance with substantial agency contributions toward cost Retirement: 401(k) and Roth options Professional Growth: Tuition assistance, SOAR training support, and continuing education opportunities Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) #J-18808-Ljbffr