SOAR Caseworker*

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery Caseworker

The Orange County Housing department has an opening for an SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Caseworker. The work involves the responsibility for 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, working with clients and other service providers to complete needed 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 places in the community.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) Homeless Programs Coordinator with some leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures, in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work and in making decisions regarding client needs and requests. Does related work 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 SSI/SSDI program and application process. Thorough knowledge of the Orange County human services system and medical providers. Good knowledge of the 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 is required in certain programs or settings.

Skill in establishing rapport with a client and applying techniques of assessing psychosocial behavioral, and psychological aspects of client's problem. Skill in interviewing, writing, speaking and recording. Ability to demonstrate strong assessment and communication skills.

Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position, while maintaining an ethical standard 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 and be able to develop service plans; ability to maintain objectivity in dealing with others who may be under emotional stress. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with racially and socio-economical diverse populations to express information and ideas clearly and concisely. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work; ability to prioritize and respond to demands to of a caseload in a prompt and effective manner. Ability to recognize and analyze problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to make home/community visits. Ability to collaborate with others 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 and in complex situations. Ability to gather, compile and evaluate information and records, prepare reports and make recommendations based on analysis of data collected. 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 the areas of case management, assessment and 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 the areas of case management, assessment and 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 Affirmative Action Employer