Nevada

The SOAR effort in Nevada 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 may become eligible to use the SOAR model by successfully completing the SOAR Online Course. Prior to beginning the SOAR Online Course, individuals are encouraged to contact the SOAR TA Center liaison (using the contact information above).

Expectations of SOAR-trained Caseworkers

• Attend monthly Nevada SOAR Practitioner calls [First Tuesday of the Month at 9amPT (subject to change); MS Teams call-in details emailed after successful completion of the SOAR Online Course)]
• Actively collaborate and communicate with local SOAR leads and SAMHSA TA Center Liaison to ensure quality, complete SOAR-assisted applications are submitted to SSA. 
• Follow the SOAR process as established in Nevada. (Contact SOAR TA Center liaison for copy)
• 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 the applications for both SSI and SSDI.
• Collect medical records from providers who have treated the applicant over the last two years (at minimum).
• Write a comprehensive SOAR Medical Summary Report (MSR) that includes psychosocial, treatment, and functional information and, if possible, have it co-signed, by a physician or psychologist who has treated the applicant.
• Stay connected with the applicant throughout the process by conducting ongoing outreach and engagement.
• Track applications and outcomes using SAMHSA’s OAT system (see enrollment details below), including number of applications completed, approvals/denials, and time to decision from application submission to receipt of SSA’s decision.
• Report outcomes (using OAT) on an annual basis within the timeframes specified by the TA Center.
• Join the SAMHSA TA Center List Serv and participate in national and state refresher courses and webinars throughout the year.
• SOAR caseworkers are encouraged to send redacted versions of their first few MSRs to their SOAR TA Center Liaison for quality review before submitting them to DDS.
• No fees will be collected for assisting with applications.

Outcomes Tracking

Nevada SOAR-trained case managers are expected to enroll in OAT to track their SOAR-assisted applications. Training in the use of the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) program is available and the SOAR TA Center Liaison can answer questions about the OAT system. The SOAR TA Center liaison will review data periodically and follow up with SOAR caseworkers regarding data and the quality of applications. We are determined to provide TA support that is targeted to meet and address your needs.