SOAR Benefits Specialist (Grove Campus)

SAFE Alliance seeks a SOAR Benefits Specialist for the Community and Housing Services Program in the Supportive Housing and Rapid Re-housing department. The SOAR Benefits Specialist will coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for the SSI/SSDI application. Work with clients to review medical records and personal/medical history, complete functional assessment, write recommendations , SOAR Medical Summary Reports, and submit SSI/SSDI applications to the Social Security Administration in a timely and effective manner.


SAFE Alliance:

The SAFE Alliance exists to stop abuse for everyone by serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. We are dedicated to ending violence through prevention, advocacy, and comprehensive services for individuals, families, and communities that have been affected by abuse.

In the past two years, our community outreach and education has provided over 400 trainings to over 7,000 community members. Our various housing and shelter programs have provided over 46,000 nights/days of care and served over 3,000 youth and adults directly affected by abuse. We have provided over 10,000 callers/chats/texts, walk-in advocacy and crisis interventions or face-to-face emotional support through our 24/7 confidential SAFEline.

No matter what your role at SAFE Alliance you will make a difference, because together we can Stop Abuse For Everyone.

Position Details:

We are looking for two people to work on a full-time, exempt basis for an annual salary of $44,000 to $50,000 dependent upon experience and an additional annual language differential of $3,600 for those who are English/Spanish bilingual. The work location will be based at our Grove Blvd. Campus in the East Austin area. This position will include some travel in the community or between campuses and will allow for some remote/hybrid work. 

Perks and Benefits of Working at SAFE Alliance*:

• Employee Only: Health insurance, short-term disability, and life insurance are employer paid with an option to purchase additional dependent coverage.
• Eligibility for Paid time off accruals of up to 15 days a year prorated based on hire date and hours worked.
• 8 standard paid holidays throughout the year.
• Depending on your date of hire, up to 4 Personal Holidays are granted to use at your preference throughout the year.
• A comprehensive voluntary benefits plan that includes dental, vision, flexible spending, and various insurance programs including pet insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an ability to contribute immediately. You can earn an employer match of 100% up to 1% of your pay and a discretionary contribution of 2% of your pay whether you contribute to the Plan, after one year of eligible service.
• SAFE Alliance benefit plans are effective the first day of the month following thirty days of continuous employment.

*Benefit plans and benefit start dates are prorated based on date of hire and hours worked. Eligibility in employer paid benefits, paid time off and holidays are dependent upon full-time employment status and/or hours worked and may be subject to change.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a human service-related field, or certification as a Peer Specialist.
• Lived experience and/or direct service advocacy or case management services experience working with individuals who are experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and/or mental illness.
• SOAR Certificate preferred.
• Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and child abuse required; familiarity with risk assessment and safety planning required.
  
• Knowledge of homelessness, local homeless services, and Rapid Rehousing Program model preferred.
• Familiarity with Social Security Administration's Listings of Impairments.
• Basic knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and the ability to write using these terms.
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to analyze extensive data and create written reports with accuracy and brevity.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required.
• With reasonable accommodation, this position requires the manual dexterity to sufficiently operate phones, computers, and other office equipment.
• With reasonable accommodation should have visual acuity capable of drafting, editing, reviewing, and/or comprehending materials in a standard typeface size 10 font or above, are required.
• Occasional exposure to adverse working conditions, including the performance of work in cramped and/or awkward positions, and exposure to safety hazards, loud noise, traffic, and inclement weather conditions is possible.
• Be capable of sitting and standing for extended periods of time, as well as be able to intermittently push, pull, or lift 20 lbs. of force.
• Since service delivery will be performed in person at various locations in Austin, metro area, over the phone and virtually, you must be able to travel within Austin metro area to provide services, delivery, meet with clients and deliver goods.
• This position requires driving. You must have a valid, State of Texas Driver’s License (If in possession of an out-of-state license, obtain a State of Texas Driver’s License within 90 days of beginning employment.) AND at least three (3) consecutive years of driving experience OR one (1) year of driving experience if over 27 years of age AND an acceptable driving record that covers at least the last three years of driver history.
• This position requires completion of the 40-Hour Office of Attorney General Sexual Assault Advocacy Training Program in person within six (6) months of starting employment, along with participating in annual continuing education throughout your employment.
• Pass all required criminal history background checks (including an FBI fingerprint check if applicable), as well as a pre-employment drug screen and TB test, if applicable.
• All employees are required to comply with policies regarding COVID-19, which may be subject to change. COVID vaccines are still highly recommended, and we encourage employees to get vaccinated if they are able.

Application Information and Instructions:

• We do NOT accept applications or resumes via email.
• Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. You will be contacted via email regarding the status of your application weather you have been selected or not to move forward in the process.
• All new employees regardless of status will be required to start their employment on either the 1st or 16th of the month.
• All employees will be required to attend a three-day new employee orientation that is held both in-person and virtually the first three business days of the month.