SAMHSA SOAR

Maryland

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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

Maryland SOAR State Team

State Team Lead(s):

  • Tristan Roberts
    Email: tristanm.roberts@maryland.gov
    Phone: 667-405-0183

TA Center Liaison:

  • Kristin Lupfer
    Email: klupfer@prainc.com
    Phone: (518) 439-7415 x5262

SOARing in Maryland

Maryland’s SOAR Initiative is led by Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). It aims to increase access to the disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for eligible adults who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

Strong partnerships are a crucial aspect of the SOAR process within Maryland and we are very fortunate to have such committed partnerships with SSA and Disability Determination Services (DDS), many community providers and other state agencies. Without these many partnerships, we would not be able to implement the SOAR Initiative so effectively. 

Expectations of Participation in SOAR

Only individuals who have completed Maryland’s SOAR training are eligible to submit SOAR applications. Additionally, individuals seeking to use SOAR must also meet the following criteria:

  • Work with adults (18 +) experiencing or at risk of homelessness AND diagnosed with a severe mental illness
  • Be willing and able to undertake the key components of the SOAR process, including becoming the applicant’s representative, obtaining medical records, writing medical summary reports, participating in local quality review processes, maintaining communication with SSA/DDS and the local SOAR lead, and collecting and submitting data
  • Have approval from the local SOAR lead to attend the Maryland virtual SOAR training, SOAR Works!
  • Participate in ongoing SOAR related learning events
Online Curriculum and virtual training components
Maryland’s SOAR training consists of two components, namely the online curriculum and a virtual training. Individuals who wish to submit SOAR applications must:
  1. Complete the SOAR Online Course (including the practice case component). 
  2. Obtain approval from their local lead to attend the virtual training
  3. Complete a virtual training
In order to be recognized nationally as being SOAR certified and to receive the 20 free CEUs from NASW, you must complete the full SOAR Online Course including the practice case component. 
 
Virtual SOAR Works! training sessions will be held throughout the year. Please note that undertaking this virtual training is required even if an individual has successfully completed the online curriculum. The virtual training provides crucial state specific material, including forms and contact information, and gives details of policies and procedures that need to be followed when submitting SOAR claims in Maryland.
 
Prior to commencing the online curriculum, it is strongly recommended that individuals first contact either their local SOAR lead or State Team Lead (contact information above) to discuss their training needs and expectations. To aid this process, PRA will forward the contact details of all providers based in Maryland who register for the online curriculum to the Maryland SOAR State TA team. A member of the TA team will contact providers to ensure they fully understand the training requirements. 
 
For more information about participating in the SOAR Initiative in Maryland please contact the State Team Lead (contact information above).

Local Leads:

  • Shelly Gulledge Sawyer and Amanda Kerr
    Cecil County, MD
    Email: shelly.gulledge@maryland.gov, amanda.kerr@maryland.gov
    Phone: 410-996-5112

  • Amy Baker
    Carroll County, MD
    Email: amy.baker@maryland.gov
    Phone: 410-876-4910

  • Jaime Barnes
    St. Mary's County, MD
    Email: jaimel.barnes@maryland.gov
    Phone: 301-475-8190

  • Donna Brennan
    Charles County, MD
    Email: donna.brennan1@maryland.gov
    Phone: 301-609-5752

  • Maria Daniels
    Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot Counties, MD
    Email: mdaniels@midshorebehavioralhealth.org
    Phone: 410-770-4801

  • Jason Decker
    Frederick County, MD
    Email: jdecker@cityoffrederickmd.gov
    Phone: 301-600-3941

  • Melissa FitzGibbon
    Howard County, MD
    Email: melissa@grassrootscrisis.org
    Phone: 410-531-6006

  • Leon Fossett
    Anne Arundel County, MD
    Email: Lfossett@aamentalhealth.org
    Phone: 410-222-7858

  • Victoria Frazer
    Prince George's County, MD
    Email: victoria.frazer@maryland.gov
    Phone: 301-909-6369

  • Carmela George
    Montgomery County, MD
    Email: carmela.george@montgomerycountymd.gov
    Phone: 240-777-4723

  • Autumn Jacquette
    Cambridge, MD
    Email: autumn.jacquette@maryland.gov
    Phone: 410-310-8917

  • Tracy Kelly
    Harford County, MD
    Email: tkelly@harfordmentalhealth.org
    Phone: 410-803-8726

  • Sheri-Ann Little
    Baltimore County, MD
    Email: slittle@baltimorecountymd.gov
    Phone: 410-887-0562

  • Wayne Millette
    Catonsville, MD
    Email: wayne.millette1@maryland.gov
    Phone: 410-387-1439

  • Yvonne Perret
    Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties, MD
    Email: yvonne.perret@gmail.com
    Phone: 301-777-7987

  • Kristin Voto
    Leonardtown, MD 20650, MD
    Email: kristin.voto@maryland.gov
    Phone: 301-481-1462

State Events

Events List

No Events currently exist for this state.

State Jobs

Job Title Location Description
Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist (Full-time) Health Care for the Homeless

Baltimore
MD

The Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist submits SSI/SSDI applications using the SOAR model for individuals with severe and chronic mental illness who are experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City. The Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist will work together with a multidisciplinary and multiagency team to identify, assess, engage and assist individuals experiencing homelessness through the federal disability application process. Outreach efforts focus on clients with mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders who are living on the streets and in shelters in Baltimore City. (Close date: 4/1/23)
SOAR Case Manager (Full-time) EveryMind

Rockville
MD

Responsible for working within the community 25-30% of the time to meet with homeless consumers, case managers, family members, medical support members, etc., to collect information, review medical records, and put together applications to apply for benefits. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, work well independently and as part of a team, and have excellent oral and written communication skills. This candidate must manage several applications at a time, have interpersonal and interview skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and collaborate well with others to foster one-on-one relationships with clients. (Close date: 5/1/23)

State Documents

Filename Description