SOAR Benefits Specialist (Grove Campus)

SAFE Alliance seeks a SOAR Benefits Specialist for the Community & Housing Services Program in the Supportive Housing & Rapid Rehousing Department.Specialist will screen and assess Permanent Supportive Housing participants for Social Security Income/Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) public benefits.Specialist will support clients throughout the SSI/SSDI application and determination process, including appeals, by maintaining communication with SSA administrators and responding to their requests.

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 (23-24), our community outreach and education has provided over 12,000 adults and youth violence prevention training. The number of forensic exams provided at Eloise House numbered over 300. Our various housing and shelter programs provided over 700 survivors per day with safe housing and shelter. Over 120 survivors fleeing sex trafficking received services through our CARES program and over 27,000 callers/chats/texts, walk-in advocacy, crisis intervention and face-to-face emotional support has been provided 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 one person to work on a full-time, non-exempt basis for an annual salary of $47,594 - $51,339 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 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:

• High School degree or GED equivalent.
• Equivalent work experience in case management, community advocacy, or nonprofit programming may be considered.
• 1 year of experience in social work, case management, advocacy, or community outreach.
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence, homeless populations, individuals with disabilities, or other vulnerable groups (preferred).
• Experience with data tracking systems and reporting tools.
• Familiarity with social service policies, funding programs, and legal compliance requirements (preferred)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats.
• Substantial movements of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers in a repetitive manner.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, or move objects.
• May require local travel for family support services and field trips.
• Empathy and active listening abilities to assess client needs effectively.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills to connect clients with appropriate resources.
• Organizational and documentation skills to maintain accurate records and case files.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, social justice issues, and community resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and information systems management software
• 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, LinkedIn or any other social media messaging service.
• Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. You will be contacted via email regarding the status of your application whether 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. If the 1^st or 16^th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the start date will be moved to Friday or Monday, respectively.
• 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.
• If you or someone you know are in need of our services, please call 512.267.7233, text 737.888.7233 or chat at safeaustin.org/chat