Maryland

Maryland SOAR State Team

State Team Lead(s):

• Tristan Roberts
  Email: tristanm.roberts@maryland.gov
  Phone: 667-405-0183

TA Center Liaison:

• Kristin Lupfer
  Email: klupfer@prainc.com
  Phone: (518) 439-7415 x5262

SOARing in Maryland

Maryland’s SOAR Initiative is led by Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). It aims to increase access to the disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for eligible adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

Strong partnerships are a crucial aspect of the SOAR process within Maryland. We are very fortunate to have such committed partnerships with SSA, Disability Determination Services (DDS), many community providers, and other state agencies. Without these many partnerships, we would not be able to implement the SOAR Initiative so effectively. 

Expectations of Participation in SOAR

Only individuals who have completed Maryland’s SOAR training are eligible to submit SOAR applications. Additionally, individuals seeking to use SOAR must also meet the following criteria:

• Work with adults (18 +) experiencing or at risk of homelessness AND diagnosed with a severe mental illness
• Be willing and able to undertake the key components of the SOAR process, including becoming the applicant’s representative, obtaining medical records, writing Medical Summary Reports, participating in local quality review processes, maintaining communication with SSA/DDS and the local SOAR lead, and collecting and submitting data
• Have approval from the local SOAR lead to attend the Maryland virtual SOAR training, SOAR Works!
• Participate in ongoing SOAR-related learning events

SOAR Online Course and Virtual Training Components

Maryland’s SOAR training consists of two components: the SOAR Online Course and a state-specific 2.5 hour virtual or one-day in-person training. Individuals who wish to submit SOAR applications must:

1. Complete the SOAR Online Course (including the practice case component). 
2. Obtain approval from their SOAR Local Lead to attend the state training
3. Complete the state training

To be recognized nationally as SOAR trained and receive the 20 free CEUs from NASW, you must complete the full SOAR Online Course, including the practice case component.

SOAR Works! training sessions will be held throughout the year. Please note that undertaking the state training is required even if an individual has completed the SOAR Online Course. The state training provides crucial state-specific material, including forms and contact information. It gives details of policies and procedures that need to be followed when submitting SOAR claims in Maryland.

Before commencing the SOAR Online Course, it is strongly recommended that individuals first contact either their local SOAR lead or State Team Lead (contact information above) to discuss their training needs and expectations. A member of the TA team will contact providers to ensure they fully understand the training requirements. 

For more information about participating in the SOAR Initiative in Maryland please contact the State Team Lead (contact information above).