New Opportunities In SOAR
Deborah Dennis, Margaret Lassiter and Suzy Sodergren
SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center
Policy Research Associates, Inc.
Delmar, NY
October 22, 2013
SOAR: Changing Lives Since 2005
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15,025 approvals on initial applications
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66% approval rate overall
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Compares to 10-15% for unassisted
applications
2006-2012 SOAR Outcomes
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Eight States with highest allowance rates
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Served 3,640 persons
 89
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percent approval rate on initial applications
Eight States with lowest allowance rates
 Served 5,974 persons
 56 percent approval rate
Which group of SOAR states would you want to
assist you?
Successful SOAR States
1.
Form state and local SOAR steering groups
2.
Identify local SOAR leaders
3.
Identify one or more benefits specialists to work on applications in
each locality
4.
Assess and refer SOAR applicants
5.
Provide ongoing support for benefits specialists
6.
Review applications before submission
7.
Conduct refresher trainings
8.
Ask SSA and DDS for feedback
9.
Monitor outcomes to identify challenges and to leverage funding
10. New! Use the SOAR online training curriculum
SOAR Has Always Had A Strong Local Focus
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SOAR Technical Assistance awarded to:
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2005-2011 – SOAR technical assistance was awarded states
with 1-3 pilot communities in each
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2012-2013 – 20 Local Continuums of Care (CoCs)
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2014 – Up to 10 new CoC awards expected
CoCs are expected to:
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Form a SOAR Steering Committee and meet regularly
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Identify staff who can assist with applications
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Emphasis is on quality and outcomes of applications, not quantity
SOAR Online Curriculum
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http://soarworks.prainc.com
Free – Available to anyone at no charge
Flexible
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Practical
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Enroll and complete at your own pace
Return to any section at any time for refresher
Requires submission of a practice application packet
Packet is reviewed by staff at the SOAR TA Center
Opportunity to revise and resubmit packet or retake the course
16 CEUs provided by National Association of Social Workers
Linked to SOAR effort in State
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State Team Lead notified when Certificate of Completion is awarded
Each state has a page to provide state-specific details on participation in SOAR
Let’s Take A Quick Look…
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SOAR Online Curriculum – Margaret Lassiter
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State webpages – Suzy Sodergren
Advantages
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Standardization of training
Expands SOAR to new geographic areas and audiences
Practice application packet requirement limits involvement to those most
likely to complete applications
Allows state and local SOAR leads and trainers to:
Coordinate follow-up training on state-specific processes
 Provide support to persons assisting with applications
 Ensure high quality and complete applications
 Track and monitor outcomes
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Stepping Stones to Recovery Participant Guides will continue to be
available for those who choose to conduct 2-day in-person trainings
Example – State ABC
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State ABC encourages communities to:
Establish local SOAR steering committees
 Identify staff to assist with applications
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SOAR State Lead conducts quarterly in-person or web-based trainings for
everyone who has completed the SOAR online curriculum
Participants register and are required to provide a copy of their Certificate
of Completion
The 4-6 hour training:
Reviews SOAR fundamentals
 Explains any state-specific SOAR processes
 Responds to any questions or concerns of benefits specialists
 Provides training in the Online Application Tracking (OAT) or other tracking system
 Arranges ongoing local support, problem resolution, and quality monitoring
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Potential Local Leads
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Currently active trainers
Local case managers or benefits specialists who are
experienced with SOAR and have the passion and
desire to bring it to others
Local administrators who understand the value of
SOAR and are committed to seeing it implemented
in their community
Leadership Academy Trains New Local Leads
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Beginning in February 2014, TTTs become SOAR
Leadership Academies
Three days instead of four
Current state and local leads do not need to attend
Each State Lead will have 2 spots per year to send
new local SOAR leaders
Be strategic to advance the completion and quality of
SOAR applications!
Expectations of Local SOAR Leads
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Coordinate SOAR Steering Committee meetings
Collaborate with community providers, SSA and DDS to plan and
implement SOAR
Conduct periodic SOAR fundamental and state-specific trainings
Meet regularly with persons assisting with SSI/SSDI applications
Review quality of applications and provide feedback
Monitor outcomes of applications
Work closely with the SOAR State Lead
Structure of Leadership Academy
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Day One
A
half-day review of SOAR fundamentals with training tips and practice
sessions
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Day Two
 Creating
and leading a SOAR steering committee
 Supporting quality SSI/SSDI applications
 Online Application Tracking (OAT) training and reporting
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Day Three
 Funding
and sustaining SOAR implementation
 Small group work to support individual goals for SOAR at the local level
Upcoming Leadership Academies…
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February 4-6: Atlanta, GA
March 4-6: Phoenix, AZ
May 6-8: Baltimore, MD
June 3-5: Portland, OR
September 10-12: Pittsburgh, PA
Questions?
For More Information…
SOAR Technical Assistance Center
Phone (518) 439-7415, ext. 5242
E-mail: soar@prainc.com
http://soarworks.prainc.com