Kenneth Young Center·Arlington Heights, Illinois
The specialist helps low-income adults with serious mental illness or medical impairments apply for Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits. They coordinate medical documentation, manage a caseload of applicants, and assist with other pharmaceutical and housing assistance programs.
The goal of the SOAR Benefits Specialist is to increase access to income and benefits to persons with no income or low income. SOAR specialists provide targeted services to adults transitioning out of nursing facilities through the Colbert/Williams transition program, as well as adults diverting from nursing facility placement with Front Door program. SOAR specialist will assist individuals that have serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits. Assist in applying, obtaining medical documentation, and coordinating with Social Security staff. SOAR is a certified process and stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery.
Primary
Responsibilities:
Complete SSDI/SSI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) training within 45 days of hire and maintain knowledge of best practices.
Conduct basic evaluation of client's eligibility for Entitlements.
Maintain a caseload of clients that includes persons actively applying for benefits, going thru appeal, and monitoring the case for persons who have previously applied.
Gather medical history from clients and submit record request to facilitate benefits application.
Complete SSI/SSDI benefit applications per SOAR process and enter into SOAR system to track applications.
Facilitate the transfer of SSDI/SSI benefits and entitlements starting prior to transition and within 5 days of transition into the community.
Explain representative payee services and assist client to transfer benefits to a new payee, as needed.
Accompany clients to attend appointments and hearings with Social Security
Assess client eligibility and complete applications with clients for pharmaceutical assistance programs, housing assistance programs, LINK/food stamps, Medicaid, and other available benefits, when appropriate.
Assist clients with Medicaid Spenddown Requirements and facilitate completion of all necessary paperwork and supporting activities to establish the spenddown deductible prior to the Class Member moving from the NF/SMHRF/IMD.
Interpret and communicate, at the service delivery level, Center policies and procedures.
Meet or exceed productivity target of approximately 50% direct service.
Remain compliant with internal reporting and documentation requirements as set by Kenneth Young Center and State Funder.
Participate in a Statewide learning collaborative to share ideas and successful strategies with other SOAR providers.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in the community: within Nursing Facilities, client residences, or public benefits offices
Roughly half of the employee’s time will be spent in an office space: employee has accessibility to all KYC locations, based on office vacancy.
While in transit, the employee may experience changing road and whether conditions
In supporting clients to live independently, employee may be exposed to varying home conditions
Opportunity for a portion of the week to include Work from Home with Director/Deputy Director approval. This schedule and approval is subject to change based on the needs of program.
Kenneth Young Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Requires a BA/BS in Social Work or a related field, a valid driver's license, and proficiency in basic technology and communication tools. Candidates must complete SAMHSA's online SOAR training within 45 days of hire.
Interpret and communicate, at the service delivery level, Center policies and procedures and meet agency quality and compliance standards
Submit, in a timely and accurate fashion, schedules timesheets, mileage and other reports required by the Center’s policies and procedures
Market context
In Illinois, nursing roles typically see steady demand across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings, especially for candidates with an active Illinois license and current CPR certification. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for both accredited nursing education and readiness to work in fast-paced care environments. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your license, CPR status, and degree match before applying.