This Disability Services Navigator is being hired as the dedicated SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) worker in the District 1 Disability Access Point which is located in and around the SIOUX CITY area. Individuals with mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders and experiencing or at risk of homelessness will be the priority for this DSN who assists with the application process for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
The purpose of the position is to utilize the Science of Hope and person-centered planning to perform the work of a disability services navigator who provides one or more of the following:
HCBS System Navigation
Information and Assistance
Options Counseling
Service Coordination of Long Term Services and Supports
DEFINITIONS
Disability Services Navigator means a person who provides Information and Assistance and/or Options Counseling services. Disability Services Navigators will function as HCBS System Navigators within the DAP duties.
Information and Assistance means a service that provides the individual with current information on opportunities and services available within their communities, including information relating to assistive technology; identifies the strengths and needs of the individual; links the individual to the opportunities and services that are available; and to the maximum extent practicable, ensures that the individual receives the services needed and is aware of the opportunities available, by establishing adequate follow-up procedures (U.S. Health & Human Services, Administration on Community Living, Older Americans Act (OAA) State Performance Report (SPR) definitions (ACL OAAPS)).
Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) means activities that support maintaining people with disabilities at the lowest level of care possible, including facility diversion, Respite, or transition to community as determined through the Contractor processes for eligibility and service determination.
Options Counseling means an interactive process whereby individuals receive guidance in their deliberations to make informed choices about long-term supports. The process is directed by the individual and may include others whom the individual chooses or those who are legally authorized to represent the individual. Options counseling includes the following:
a personal interview and assessment to discover strengths, values, and preference of the individual, and screenings for entitlement program eligibility,
a facilitated decision-making process that explores resources and service options, and supports the individual in weighing pros and cons,
action steps developed toward a goal or a long-term support plan and assistance in applying for and accessing support options, and
follow-up to ensure supports and decisions are assisting the individual.
Person-Centered means a process that is directed by the person who receives the support.
Science of Hope or Hope means a cognitive practice for improving the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities. The Hope framework involves the intentional act of setting goals, utilizing viable pathways, and working toward them with willpower to facilitate success.
Service Coordination means an active, transitional, and ongoing process that involves assisting an eligible individual in gaining access to and coordinating the provision of services; using Person-Centered practices in all contacts with individuals and their caregivers; and coordinating the services identified in the service plan. Person-Centered” means a process that is directed by the person who receives the support.
System navigation means in-person, online, and telephonic support for problem solving and navigation of the services and supports available. System navigators ensure individuals and families who encounter barriers in accessing services and support are able to navigate health care, social services, and legal systems.