SAMHSA SOAR

Louisiana

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State Information

Louisiana SOAR State Team

State Team Lead(s):

  • Jacqueline Porter
    Email: jacqueline.porter@la.gov
    Phone: 225-342-4335

TA Center Liaison:

  • Amanda Starkey
    Email: astarkey@prainc.com
    Phone: (518) 439-7415 x5251

SOARing in Louisiana

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

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

Expectations of Participation in SOAR

Individuals may become eligible to utilize 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 SOAR TA Center 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 the applications for both SSI and SSDI.
  • Collect medical records from providers who have treated the applicant over the last two years.
  • 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 and to work with the individual to obtain other needed services and treatment such as housing, physical and mental health care, other support services, food, and clothing.
  • Track applications and outcomes, including number of applications completed, approvals/denials, and time to decision from application submission to receipt of SSA’s decision.
  • Report outcomes on at least an annual basis within the stated timeframes as requested.
  • No fees will be collected for completion of the application.
  • Actively collaborate with local SOAR Leads.
  • Participate in refresher courses and quality reviews 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.
The ability to submit 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 quality review of applications.

Local Leads:

  • NJaya Bethancourt
    West Baton Rouge, LA
    Email: bethancourtn.rsw@gmail.com
    Phone: 225-342-8994

  • Tracey Booker
    Baton Rouge , LA
    Email: tracey.booker@voagbr.org
    Phone: 318-278-7869

  • Kristin Brooks
    Lake Charles, LA
    Email: Karceneaux@cppj.net
    Phone: 337-721-4030 x5120

  • Mary Chollette
    Metairie, LA
    Email: CholletteM1@aetna.com
    Phone: 959-299-6448

  • Kathleen North
    New Orleans, LA
    Email: knorth@unitygno.org
    Phone: 504-899-4589 xx108

  • Angela Owczarek
    New Orleans, LA
    Email: aowczarek@travelersaidneworleans.org
    Phone:

  • Steven Reed
    New Orleans, LA
    Email: sreed@slls.org
    Phone: 504-529-1000 xx287

  • Kirk Rochel
    Terrytown, LA
    Email: krochel@rhousela.org 
    Phone: 504-338-8172

  • Pamela Scott
    New Orleans, LA
    Email: pscott@voasela.org
    Phone: 504-482-2130

  • Erika Smothers
    Baton Rogue, LA
    Email: esmothers@voagbr.org
    Phone: 225-388-5800

  • Debbie Triggs
    Houma, LA
    Email: Debbie.Triggs@la.gov
    Phone: 985-876-8896

  • Wilbur Varner
    Monroe, LA
    Email: wvarner@wellspringalliance.org
    Phone: 318-807-6200

  • Jonika Walton
    Alexandria, LA
    Email: Jonika.walton@voanorthla.org
    Phone: 318-442-8026 xx2514

  • Karen Williams
    Alexandria, LA
    Email: karen.williams@voanorthla.org
    Phone: 318-442-8026

  • Damian Williams
    Lafayette, LA
    Email: dwprosports@yahoo.com
    Phone: 337-255-5170

  • Calvin Williams
    Monroe, LA
    Email: cwilliams@wellspringalliance.org
    Phone: 318-807-6200

  • Trichelle Wilson
    Shreveport, LA
    Email: twilson@nwlahope.org
    Phone: 318-670-4591

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