Deborah Dennis, Margaret Lassiter and Suzy Sodergren SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center

1. 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

2. SOAR: Changing Lives Since 2005 • 15,025 approvals on initial applications • 66% approval rate overall • Compares to 10-15% for unassisted applications

3. 2006-2012 SOAR Outcomes • Eight States with highest allowance rates • Served 3,640 persons • 89 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?

4. Successful SOAR States • Form state and local SOAR steering groups • Identify local SOAR leaders • Identify one or more benefits specialists to work on applications in each locality • Assess and refer SOAR applicants • Provide ongoing support for benefits specialists • Review applications before submission • Conduct refresher trainings • Ask SSA and DDS for feedback • Monitor outcomes to identify challenges and to leverage funding • New! Use the SOAR online training curriculum

5. SOAR Has Always Had A Strong Local Focus • SOAR Technical Assistance awarded to: • 2005-2011 – SOAR technical assistance was awarded states with 1-3 pilot communities in each • 2012-2013 – 20 Local Continuums of Care (CoCs) • 2014 – Up to 10 new CoC awards expected • CoCsare expected to: • Form a SOAR Steering Committee and meet regularly • Identify staff who can assist with applications • Emphasis is on quality and outcomes of applications, not quantity

6. SOAR Online Curriculum • http://soarworks.prainc.com • Free – Available to anyone at no charge • Flexible • Enroll and complete at your own pace • Return to any section at any time for refresher • Practical • 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 • State Team Lead notified when Certificate of Completion is awarded • Each state has a page to provide state-specific details on participation in SOAR

7. Let’s Take A Quick Look… • SOAR Online Curriculum – Margaret Lassiter • State webpages – Suzy Sodergren

8. Advantages • 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 • Stepping Stones to Recovery Participant Guides will continue to be available for those who choose to conduct 2-day in-person trainings

9. Example – State ABC • State ABC encourages communities to: • Establish local SOAR steering committees • Identify staff to assist with applications • 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

10. Potential Local Leads • 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

11. Leadership Academy Trains New Local Leads • 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!

12. Expectations of Local SOAR Leads • 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

13. Structure of Leadership Academy • Day One • A half-day review of SOAR fundamentals with training tips and practice sessions • Day Two • Creating and leading a SOAR steering committee • Supporting quality SSI/SSDI applications • Online Application Tracking (OAT) training and reporting • Day Three • Funding and sustaining SOAR implementation • Small group work to support individual goals for SOAR at the local level

14. Upcoming Leadership Academies… • 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

15. Questions?

16. For More Information… SOAR Technical Assistance Center Phone (518) 439-7415, ext. 5242 E-mail: soar@prainc.com http://soarworks.prainc.com