State Team Information
Alaska SOAR State Team
State Team Lead(s):
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Dave Bérube
Email: dpb_99518@yahoo.com
Phone:
TA Center Liaison:
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Dan Coladonato
Email: dcoladonato@prainc.com
Phone: (518) 439-7415 x5241
SOARing in Alaska
The SOAR initiative in Alaska is designed to increase access to SSI/SSDI benefits for eligible adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a mental health condition, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.
Individuals interested in SOAR training are encouraged to reach out to the State Team Lead or HU SOAR Center Liaison using the contact information above.
The Disability Law Center of Alaska now provides Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application assistance for individuals who are survivors of brain injuries and who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. To request assistance, email akpa@dlcak.org, call 907-565-1002, or visit dlcak.org/intake/online-intake-form to complete an online request for assistance form.
Expectations of Participation in SOAR
Individuals may become eligible to utilize the SOAR model by completing the SOAR Online Course. Before beginning the course, individuals are encouraged to contact the State Team Lead or HU SOAR Center Liaison to discuss their training needs and expectations.
Expectations of SOAR-trained caseworkers
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Serve as the applicant’s appointed representative for the purpose of applying for SSI/SSDI benefits. Representation includes “standing in” for the applicant, responding to questions, receiving copies of all mail sent to the applicant, and communicating back and forth with SSA and DDS**
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Complete all required SSA forms for the SSI and SSDI applications and submit them online whenever possible
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Collect medical records from providers who have treated the applicant and submit these records to SSA/DDS during the disability claim review process
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Write a comprehensive SOAR Medical Summary Report that includes psychosocial, treatment, and functional information that is co-signed, if possible, by a physician or psychologist who has seen the individual
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Conduct ongoing outreach and engagement with the individual to stay connected throughout the process
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Track applications and outcomes, including the number of applications completed, approvals/denials, and time to decision
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Report outcomes on at least an annual basis
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Actively collaborate with SOAR Local Leads
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Participate in refresher courses (when available) and quality review of applications
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SOAR-trained caseworkers are encouraged to send redacted versions of their first few SOAR Medical Summary Reports to the SOAR TA Center for quality review before submission to DDS
** No fees will be collected for assisting with the application
SOAR-trained individuals will also be connected with the State Team Lead, the HU SOAR Center Liaison, and SOAR Local Leads (when available). Any of these persons may be contacted for information or questions at any time about SOAR and they are available to assist with connections to SSA and DDS offices in the state.
Outcomes Tracking
Alaska tracks SOAR-assisted SSI/SSDI applications in the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT)
More info on samhsa.gov system. Training is available, and the SOAR TA Center can answer questions about the OAT system. It is expected that SOAR-trained caseworkers will enter data about their SSI/SSDI applications using the SOAR model as they complete each application. The SOAR TA Center will review data periodically and follow up with SOAR caseworkers regarding this data and quality review of applications.
More info on samhsa.gov system. Training is available, and the SOAR TA Center can answer questions about the OAT system. It is expected that SOAR-trained caseworkers will enter data about their SSI/SSDI applications using the SOAR model as they complete each application. The SOAR TA Center will review data periodically and follow up with SOAR caseworkers regarding this data and quality review of applications.