Florida

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SOAR is available in all 50 states and D.C. Please select your state to view information or find SOAR assistance for your state.

State Information

Florida SOAR State Team

State Team Lead(s):

Teresa Berdoll
Email: teresa.berdoll@myflfamilies.com
Phone: 850-296-6923

TA Center Liaison:

Dazara Ware
Email: dware@prainc.com
Phone: (518) 439-7415 x5260

SOARing in Florida

The SOAR effort in Florida is an initiative designed to increase access to SSI/SSDI for eligible adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have mental illnesses, medical impairments, and/or co-occurring substance use disorders.

Individuals interested in training are encouraged to reach out to the State Team Lead or the SOAR TA Center Liaison using the contact information above.

Expectations of Participation in SOAR

Individuals may become eligible to use the SOAR model by completing the SOAR Online Course. Prior to beginning the online curriculum, individuals are encouraged to contact the State Team Lead or the SOAR TA Center Liaison using the contact information above to discuss their training needs and expectations.

Expectations of SOAR-trained Caseworkers

Serve as appointed representative for the purpose of applying for SSI/SSDI. Representation includes “standing in” for the applicant, responding to questions, receiving copies of all mail sent to the applicant, and communicating back and forth with SSA and DDS**
Complete all required SSA forms for SSI and SSDI; submit online whenever possible
Collect medical records from providers who have treated the applicant
Write a comprehensive SOAR Medical Summary Report that includes psychosocial, treatment, and functional information that is co-signed, if at all possible, by a physician or psychologist who has seen the individual
Conduct ongoing outreach and engagement with the individual to stay connected throughout the process
Track applications and outcomes, including number of applications completed, approvals/denials, and time to decision
Report outcomes into the OAT Data system on at least an annual basis
Actively collaborate with Local SOAR Leads
Participate in refresher courses and quality review of applications
SOAR caseworkers are encouraged to send redacted versions of their first few Medical Summary Reports to the SOAR TA Center for quality review before submission to DDS

** No fees will be collected for assisting with the application

Marking and submitting SOAR applications is contingent upon following the local SOAR process.

SOAR-trained individuals will also be connected with the State Team Lead, the SOAR TA Center Liaison, and Local SOAR Leads. Any of these persons may be contacted for information or questions at any time about SOAR and they are available to assist with connections to SSA and DDS offices in the state.

Outcomes Tracking

Training in the use of the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) program is available and the SOAR TA Center can answer questions about the OAT system. It is expected that SOAR-trained caseworkers will enter data about their SSI/SSDI applications using the SOAR model as they complete each application. The SOAR TA Center will review data periodically and follow-up with SOAR caseworkers regarding this data and the quality review of applications.

Local Leads:

Connie Allen
Clearwater, FL
Email: callen@directionsforliving.org
Phone: 727-270-3317
Christopher Booker
Flagler Beach, FL
Email: chris@flaglercares.org
Phone: 386-589-1839
Tara Booker
Sarasota, FL
Email: tara@suncoastpartnership.org
Phone: 941-955-8987
Susan Finlaw-Dusseault
Pinellas Park, FL
Email: susanf@pinellashomeless.org
Phone: 727-417-2550
Myra Fiory
Port Charlotte, FL
Email: mfiory@jfcs-cares.org
Phone: 941-366-2224 xx629
Rachel Freeman
Jacksonville, FL
Email: rachel.freeman@lsfnet.org
Phone: 904-654-0510
Traci Fuglestad
Jacksonville, FL
Email: TraciFuglestad@sulzbacherjax.org
Phone: 904-394-1374
Jeandel Georges
Jupiter, FL
Email: jeandel.georges@sefbhn.org
Phone: 772-207-6800
Devon Jarrett
Sarasota, FL
Email: devon@suncoastpartnership.org
Phone: 941-955-8987 x110
William King
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Email: wking@bbhcflorida.org
Phone: 954-622-8121 xx1030
Antoinette Kruse
Fort Myers, FL
Email: administration@providencefamilylifecenter.com
Phone: 239-676-3759
Guillermo Lauzurique
Miami, FL
Email: glauzurique@sfbhn.org
Phone: 786-394-7818
Lourdes Mata
Miami, FL
Email: lourdes.mata@myflfamilies.com
Phone: 786-257-5172
Colleen McManus
Orlando, FL
Email: cmcmanus@cfchs.org
Phone: 407-985-3566
Barbara Moody Holbrook
Stuart, FL
Email: barbara@ritelifeservices.org
Phone: 561-503-1323
Jason Saffels
Tampa, FL
Email: jsaffels@cfbhn.org
Phone: 813-614-1569
Whitley Smith
Tallahassee, FL
Email: whitley.smith@bigbendcbc.org
Phone: 850-556-7690
Mary Smith
Jacksonville, FL
Email: mary.smith3@va.gov
Phone: 904-832-6107
Erica Thomas
Jacksonville, FL
Email: ethomas@communityrehabcenter.org
Phone: 904-358-1211
Jennie Thompson
Middleburg, FL
Email: jennie.thompson@firstinclay.org
Phone: 904-291-5561 x2147
Randy Vargas
Tampa, FL
Email: vargasr@hillsboroughcounty.org
Phone: 813-557-9571
Minta Walker
Tampa, FL
Email:
Phone: 727-732-9762

Trainers:

Carol Caraballo
Miami, FL
Email: ccaraballo@sfbhn.org
Phone: 305-858-3335
Cindy Schwartz
Miami, FL
Email: cischwartz@jud11.flcourts.org
Phone: 305-548-5319

SOAR for Children Leads:

Connie Allen
Clearwater, FL
Email: callen@directionsforliving.org
Phone: 727-270-3317

State Events

Events List

No Events currently exist for this state.

State Jobs

Job Title	Location	Description
SOAR Specialist	RiteLife Services, Inc. Port St. Lucie FL	RiteLife Services, Inc. is seeking a full-time SOAR Specialist. RiteLife Services, Inc. is a Peer run Agency with several outreach programs. SOAR is a fidelity-driven component for persons living outside or at risk. RiteLife Services, Inc. is connected to street outreach which has realized the high need of persons with co-occurring conditions, who meet criteria for SSI/SSDI benefits.

State Documents

Filename	Description