HDAP Disability Advocate

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will be primarily responsible for a managing a caseload of the County of Fresno's Department of Social Services General Relief (GR) recipients with disabilities that are experiencing literal homelessness. Must be able to complete training in SOAR and becoming certified to assist individuals with applications for Social Security Disability benefits. This position is responsible for screening each referral for disability and assisting with the gathering of necessary documents. Advocacy activities including linking individuals to services in the community, case record management, communication with SSA Disability Program. Person will coordinate with the Case Manager to complete intake assessments, monitor program process and intervene as necessary. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as an active part of the Housing Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) team and carry out all required responsibilities as needed.
• Complete SOAR online course training for certification.
• Intake and assessment of incoming participants to determine eligibility and appropriate services.
• Manage of a caseload of homeless participants including maintenance of client files, development of services plans, completion of assessments, and tracking pertinent data.
• Assist in the submission of Social Security Disability applications (SSI or SSDI), utilizing the SOAR model.
• Create individual plans, monitor, and update plan weekly, and have exit plan.
• Participate in case staffing decisions regarding current strengths and resources and the need for additional resources.
• Educate, refer, and act as a liaison for individuals to community agencies and businesses that appropriately address needs for food, clothing, transportation, medical services, mental health care, and other mainstream services (i.e., WestCare, Fresno County, community medical services, Veterans Administration, Housing Authority FMCoC).
• Maintain client files according to company policy and contract requirements.
• Heavy documentation; Homeless Management Information System and WestCare's Clinical Data System.
• Provide daily, weekly, and monthly reports as requested.
• Assist and monitor data collection and statistical reporting and complete Quality Improvement reports as requested.
• Attend scheduled meetings and presentations with referral.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to conduct outreach, including street outreach to the homeless, with knowledge of substance abuse and/or mental illness
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Superior organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in word processing programs, preferably MS Word, and spreadsheet programs, preferably MS Excel. Internet skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• High level of initiative.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal history background check.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for WestCare's Vehicle Insurance.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) year experience in Advocacy
• AA Degree is required; and
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field is preferred.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• SOAR certification preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in the community with providers; all documentation is provided in an office setting.
• Street outreach is also necessary to meet the clients where they are.
• Travel to community-based providers is required; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.