SOAR Online Training & CA SOAR Plus Course 

The SOAR Online Course trains case managers to assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness to apply for the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The techniques taught in this online course can improve the quality and completeness of any application for SSI/SSDI, however, the label “SOAR” should only be used on SSI/SSDI applications for persons who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness.

 This training is specifically for those case managers who already do SSI/SSDI applications or who will be doing them.  We do ask for your commitment to this effort and to the submission of application data, to advance Los Angeles system of supporting quality applications for homeless residents.  We also require contact information and commitment from supervisors that your position is supported to do homeless SSI applications prior to this course (see attached forms) and that data will be submitted.  

 If you cannot make these commitments but want to learn generally about SSA benefits, you are welcome to register for the online training with UHHP and complete modules 1-4 of the online training only. You will not be required to complete the practice case and/or attend the CA SOAR Plus course until you decide that becoming an SSI/SSDI SOAR advocate is right for you.

The online course consists of seven classes, each of which has a series of articles, short quizzes, and a practice case. This practice case provides an opportunity for case managers to apply what they have learned by completing an SSI/SSDI application packet for a fictitious applicant using SOAR techniques. Video interviews, medical records, and progress notes provide the information needed to complete SSA forms and write a Medical Summary Report (MSR) for the fictional applicant.  The complete application packet is submitted to the SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance (TA) Center for review. Upon approval, the participant will receive a certificate of completion and 16 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

 We estimate that it will take about 16 hours to complete the entire course and participants can work at their own pace, starting and stopping as they wish. 

• You will be completing two classes each week
• Please be prepared to set aside roughly 1-2 hours for each class
• You will need access to the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader or a printer and scanner to complete the training
• Information will be sent out to trainees on registering with SOAR, online class schedule, phone meeting information and refresher course details!
  

CA SOAR Plus Course (Required to submit SOAR applications to Social Security):

 Participants will meet for an in-person 6-hour refresher training to give them the opportunity to confirm and clarify information learned online. It provides quality time for discussion and questions and allows for time to discuss local processes.  The training sections on: application issues unique to California, crafting the 1002/medical summary report, tracking outcomes, specialized training with DDS analysts and answer any questions that participants need in order to be certified. 

 

It is the policy of this organization to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference, age, or disability.

Thank you for completing this application form and for your interest in attending the UHHP Homeless Services Case Manager training program.

Register Now!