SOAR Case Manager

Job Description Job Description About Lighthouse Lighthouse MI is a growing non-profit, established in 2019 when Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter joined forces to offer a stronger collective response to poverty in our Metro Detroit community. With over 80 years of combined experience, Lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope to our neighbors who need it most by offering assistance with emergency basic needs alongside housing programs and supportive services designed to support long-term economic stability. Lighthouse owns and operates Spero Housing Group, a subsidiary non-profit dedicated specifically to developing and operating high quality affordable and supportive housing for persons of low and moderate income, as well as HandUp, a community and crowdfunding platform serving 100 homeless service agencies and their clients across the United States. Position Summary: SI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a model that helps individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder, apply for Social Security disability benefits. Lighthouse is hiring two SOAR Case Managers. The SOAR Case Manager position is an at-will position that will report to the Program Manager and will work within the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) department. The SOAR Case Manager will work with homeless and formerly homeless clients while using the Housing First Model. This position will engage and assist eligible participants in ending their homelessness by increasing their income through securing SI/SSDI benefits. The SOAR Benefit Case Manager must be willing to work in the field and meet participants where they are in life, this may include homeless shelters, parks, and within their homes if recently housed. This position requires at least one (1) year of experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness who have a serious mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorder; evidence of ongoing training and education in related areas such as mental illness, substance abuse, and/or homelessness; an ability to work in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments; and a valid state driver’s license with a clean driving record and adequate personal auto insurance. The position requires someone who is organized, has an ability to prioritize tasks quickly, and has strong written communication skills. The SOAR Case Manager will participate in various SOAR trainings and certification courses. This position is a hybrid position based out of our Pontiac office. Responsibilities & Duties: Provide comprehensive SSI/SSDI application assistance for eligible individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Throughout the application process, keep in contact with the applicant and the Social Security Administrations field offices. Connect and partner with the Housing and Homeless Services Division within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services–federally funded state agency that oversees coordination and implementation of SOAR activities across the state. Work with referral sources and community partners to identify clients through team meetings, outreach, and referrals. Complete interviews with individuals to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications. Gather medical information and other information needed to complete SSI/SSDI application. This may involve over the phone or in-person communications with doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, schools, and service agencies. Contact may be made on behalf of the client or alongside the client. Complete SOAR Medical Summary Reports for individual applications. Accompany individuals at the Social Security Administration appointments or be present during phone calls. Coordinate visits to doctors, psychologists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for the application. This includes securing transportation for clients. File appeals should SSI/SSDI applications be denied. Coordinate case management services with partners and help with providing case management to individuals when needed. Other Core Responsibilities: Maintain approval to drive Coordinate transportation services for clients, as needed. Foster and coordinate inter-agency collaborative solutions and referrals to help clients connect with services, meet their goals, and attain long-term stability. Ensure the proper maintenance of client related files and records. Continuously improve and consistently implement various case management and data collection tools. Enforce program rules, policies, and procedures and uphold agency values to maintain a safe, client-centered, and inclusive environment for clients, staff, interns, and volunteers. Participate in appropriate staff and team meetings. Attending in person and virtual training sessions, presentations and meetings. Participate in internal and external task-forces and committees working to assist the homeless population. Minimum Qualifications Lived or professional experience working with people experiencing homelessness or extreme levels of poverty in the US. 1 years’ experience in a role directly or indirectly related to human/social services, homeless and re-housing services, and/or case management Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year accredited college or university within a related field or an additional four years of relevant experience Reliable transportation and maintenance of automobile insurance Valid driver’s license, Lighthouse reserves that right to require a driving record check with respect to any employee where driving is an essential function of the position. Knowledgeable in with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps, Flexibility and the capacity to prioritize tasks in a rapidly changing environment Ability to multitask effectively in a fast paced environment Ability to work with a challenging and diverse population Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Certified SOAR training Experience completing SOAR applications from start to finish 2 years’ experience in a role directly or indirectly related to a human/social services , homeless or re-housing services, and/or case management Experience with providing outreach and successful engagement to a diverse population, includes working with clients, developing trust, and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings. Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First and Motivational Interviewing. An understanding of the social constructs impacting those experiencing economic instability, Knowledge of the social services landscape in Oakland County and surrounding areas HMIS experience Ability to self-regulate and work independently while coordinating with other staff An appetite for innovation and creative problem-solving Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, and SPDAT training Proven ability to work effectively with racially and ethnically diverse clients and teams Experience in managing and leading teams Ability to build consensus and resolve conflict; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations. Exceptional communication ability, both written and oral. Ability to listen and accept feedback constructively. Possess high emotional intelligence skills. Unwavering personal integrity. Ability to work in a fast paced, demanding, constantly changing environment Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Physical Demands: The incumbent typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office. Incumbent may encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday. The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend or lift up to 20 pounds. Contact with the public in office environments may risk exposure to irrational/hostile behavior, contagious diseases, or contact with domestic animals. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Lighthouse is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any qualified individual based on race, creed, religion, national origin, color, status as a veteran, gender or gender identity, sex, age, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, disability, income, weight, or any other basis prohibited by law. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume online via JobScore. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, until the position is filled. No phone or e-mail inquiries, please.

Location: Pontiac, MI, US

Posted Date: 6/15/2025