Onboarding

  • Use the Onboarding Guide for training and orientation to the role.
  • Connect the SOAR case worker to key contacts for communication and support:
    • Social Security Administration (SSA)
    • Disability Determination Services (DDS)
    • SAMHSA HU SOAR Center Liaison
    • SOAR State Team Lead and Local Leads (as applicable)

Logistics

  • Arrange for private office space.
  • Provide a laptop computer and access to a fax machine or scanner.
  • Provide a locking filing cabinet.
    • Offer guidance on records retention policies
  • Offer access to transportation.
  • Establish procedures for medical records requests and invoices:
    • Include a Medical Records Request Letter with state laws cited.
    • Provide clear guidance on agency policies related to medical records invoices.

Time Management

  • Allow time for training and supplemental learning.
  • Reserve time for outreach and collaboration building with community partners and SSA/DDS.
  • Set reasonable application expectations:
    • 25/year for new full-time dedicated SOAR case workers
    • 35/year for experienced full-time dedicated SOAR case workers
    • 1 per month for part-time SOAR case workers

Support

  • Hold weekly or bi-weekly case consultations and supervision.
  • Become familiar with the SOAR model.
  • Provide regular contact with other case workers doing similar work.
  • Establish relationships with partner agencies:
    • Mental health providers for assessments and MSR co-signatures
    • Birth certificate and Identification procurement
    • Representative payee providers
    • Legal aid organizations for appeals (as applicable)

Monitoring for Quality

  • Review data entered into the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) system.
  • Provide feedback on Medical Summary Reports (MSRs).
  • Examine participant files to ensure fidelity to the model and accuracy in reporting.

Succession Planning

  • Use the Succession Planning Checklist as a guide.
  • Know where to find case files and the status of active and pending cases.
  • Have copies of key SSA, DDS, and medical provider contacts that the case worker communicates with.

Download SOAR Supervision Checklist 

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