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.

Primary Responsibilities/Function: The NAMI San Diego/Imperial Counties Casa del Centro Clubhouse offers individuals living with mental illness opportunities to build a sense of purpose through meaningful work, form friendships through their involvement with Clubhouse activities, and progress towards their goals with the support of the Clubhouse community. As an active member of the Clubhouse team, the SSI Advocate shall provide assistance and support to mental health consumers within the county of San Diego seeking to apply for and secure SSI benefits. The SSI Advocate will be located onsite and will work collaboratively with the individual, the Clubhouse team, and the San Diego BHS SSI Contractor Program. The ideal candidate thrives in a vibrant team environment, excels in both verbal and written communications, demonstrates strong organizational skills, and takes initiative in engaging members (program participants) through the collaborative nature of the Clubhouse.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work side-by-side with Casa del Centro members to build meaningful relationships, perform Clubhouse operations, and provide community support services, with a focus on Social Security Benefits.
• 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.
• Provide education and group presentations about SSI/SSDI benefits, requirements, and application processes. Identify individuals who may be eligible for SSI/SSDI benefits.
• Coordinate and collaborate with SD County Behavioral Health Services SSI Advocacy and Training Contractor program to track the progress of applications and obtain additional supporting documentation, as needed.
• Submit completed applications for review at least two business days before the end of the month in which the application was initiated. Submit a minimum of 35 completed applications annually.
• Support individuals to appeal denied applications, submit requests for hearings, and attend hearings, as needed. Coach and encourage the individual to also serve as their own advocate.
• Create and maintain an SSI/SSDI profile for each individual application, including releases of information, application progress, and supportive documentation. Document verbal and written communications in the individual's profile in compliance with SD County BHS SSI Advocacy and Training Contractor Program.
• Participate in the SD County BHS approved SSI Advocacy Training within 90 days of hire. Cross-train in Supportive Employment IPS Model, Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Whole Health Action Management, and all aspects of the Clubhouse International Standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Accountability: Reports to the Program Manager.

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, including linguistic and cultural skills, education, experiences, licenses and certifications:

• One year of experience conducting similar duties and responsibilities.
• One year of experience working with individuals living with a mental illness and/or other vulnerable populations.
• Associate's degree or higher in legal or mental health field, preferred.
• Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Basic knowledge of computer software (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel) and web navigation.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Must have a satisfactory driving record.
• Reliable and consistent attendance.
• Preferred personal lived experience in mental health, co-occurring disorders, or homelessness.

COVID Protocols and Work Environment: As an essential worker, a successful candidate will follow CDC guidelines, state guidelines and local mandates for COVID-19 prevention. COVID-19 vaccination required for employment.