Logo
NAMI San Diego

SSI Advocate

NAMI San Diego, El Cajon, California, United States, 92021


Company Description:

NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit organization that provides free education, support services, and advocacy to improve the quality of life of everyone affected by mental illnesses.

Program Description:

NAMI SD/IC Clubhouses operate under the Clubhouse International Model for psychosocial rehabilitation, with the goal of empowering adults living with mental illness to live vocationally meaningful and socially satisfying lives. Our program provides a uniquely supportive and collaborative Clubhouse setting where Members (program participants) and staff work together to operate all aspects of the organization in an atmosphere built on principles of mutual respect and caring.

Primary Responsibilities/Function:

As an integral part of the Clubhouse team, the SSI Advocate provides application assistance and education to individuals living with mental illness who are seeking to apply for SSI/SSDI benefits. The SSI Advocate works in partnership with the San Diego BHS SSI Contractor Program to track application progress, obtain additional documentation, and submit SSI/SSDI applications within a timely manner. The SSI Advocate actively contributes to Clubhouse programming by attending Clubhouse meetings, social events, and other activities designed to foster unique Clubhouse relationships. The SSI Advocate helps members connect with supportive resources within the community and may be required to provide transportation using a company vehicle. To be successful in this position, the SSI Advocate must have excellent organizational and time management skills and be able to effectively communicate with all stakeholders. This position works onsite at multiple locations: Casa del Centro Clubhouse and East Corner Clubhouse.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application assistance and advocacy services as a component of the Clubhouse program, including support with Initial Applications, Reconsiderations, and Appeals.

Create and maintain an SSI/SSDI profile for each individual application, including releases of information, application progress, and supportive documentation.

Coordinate and collaborate with SD County BHS SSI Advocacy and Training Contractor program to determine client eligibility, track application progress, obtain additional documentation, and submit applications for review within a timely manner.

Provide educational presentations and outreach about SSI/SSDI benefits, requirements, and application processes.

Manage multiple responsibilities and diverse personalities, while maintaining a positive and energetic attitude throughout the day.

Promote self-sufficiency by identifying and reinforcing member strengths, assessing for appropriate support, and assisting members to access community resources.

Support Clubhouse programming as needed, by working side by side with members to build meaningful relationships and perform Clubhouse operations.

Participate in Clubhouse social programming, where evening and weekend coverage may occasionally be required.

Complete all trainings in a timely manner as required by NAMI San Diego in accordance with our program contract, including the SD County BHS approved SSI Advocacy Training.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Accountability:

Reports to the Clubhouse Program Managers.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here 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 qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Prolonged periods of standing and walking.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in mental health, human resource field, or other related degree, preferred.

Professional or personal experience working with individuals with SMI (Serious Mental Illness).

Must have a satisfactory driving record.

Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

Must have a working knowledge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles.

Proficient in computer software (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel) and web navigation.

Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

Reliable and consistent attendance.

Fluency in English and Spanish preferred.

Due to our work with vulnerable populations and county contractor requirements, applicants will be required to undergo a background check following a contingent offer of employment and must receive satisfactory results prior to a final offer of employment. If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please feel free to reach out to HR@namisd.org.

#J-18808-Ljbffr