SDS - ADRC Specialist

Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments•Toledo, OR

About The Position

The ADRC Specialist provides initial screening and information related to aging and disability services in the community. The position connects consumers with information and assistance, referrals to other agencies, and appropriate Senior and Disability Services program staff. The Specialist interviews consumers by telephone and, when needed, in their homes to identify service needs. The role is FLSA non-exempt, eligible for overtime, and union represented. Regular attendance is required, and the position is a statutory Mandatory Reporter. The Specialist provides information and referrals to programs administered by OCWCOG and other community providers; screens consumers for long- and short-term care needs, programs, and benefits; responds to requests and referrals; coordinates resources and professional support; and records contacts in state and internal systems. The role also includes community outreach, presentations, follow-up, consumer advocacy, and administrative responsibilities such as attending meetings and training. Work is primarily in an office using a personal computer, telephone, and other office equipment. Field work requires transportation and use of a laptop, with occasional travel to meetings and training. The position involves prolonged sitting and extensive computer and telephone use. There may be exposure to people exhibiting hostile behavior, contagious diseases, and domestic animals during client visits. The position receives supervision from the Senior and Disability Services Program Supervisor and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred, or an associate degree plus three years of experience in social services, along with experience in customer relations, call management, information and assistance, or a related field that includes phone assessment and triage skills; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the required abilities.
Knowledge of or experience with information and referral taxonomy.
Broad knowledge of issues and concerns affecting older adults and people with disabilities.
Ability to operate a personal computer and experience with Microsoft software.
Ability to learn and apply confidentiality rules for client and provider records.
Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate, current records and prepare reports using ADRC resources.
Ability to summarize data and write accurate, concise, clear narratives and reports.
Ability to interview and communicate effectively with older adults, people with disabilities, and their family members.
Ability to work independently, organize work, manage multiple projects and a high volume of work, and initiate work with minimal supervision.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills and effective verbal communication.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, consumers, agencies, and the public.
Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations.
Ability to assess individuals in their homes to determine appropriate services or community referrals.
Valid Oregon driver’s license or reliable transportation for travel throughout the three-county area.
Ability to obtain certification through the Alliance of Information Referral Specialist (AIRS).
Successful completion of criminal history and driving record checks.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Provide information and referrals to OCWCOG programs and other community programs and service providers.
Conduct initial consumer contacts by telephone, email, home visit, or walk-in contact.
Screen consumers and assist them in identifying care needs, programs, and benefits based on income and service criteria.
Make service referrals using the state-managed ADRC database and applicable policy.
Mail service information and applications to consumers.
Respond to situations requiring short-term assistance and to referrals made by service providers and community members.
Interview consumers, service providers, and community members about consumer service needs.
Arrange or develop assistance resources from family, neighbors, churches, and service organizations as needed.
Coordinate with medical and mental health professionals as needed.
Receive Preadmission Screening requests from hospitals and nursing facility staff and enter screening data for PAS case managers.
Conduct screenings for OCWCOG services.
Record consumer calls and encounters in applicable state and internal information systems and update the state-managed ADRC Referral database in accordance with policy.
Report suspected abuse or neglect of covered adults and children to appropriate agencies as a mandated reporter.
Provide presentations and outreach to community groups and businesses.
Follow up to help consumers access appropriate resources or services.
Advocate for consumers as needed, including facilitating referral processes with community service groups and agencies.
Attend meetings, staffing, and training as directed by the supervisor.
Perform other assigned duties; may assess or reassess consumers for the home-delivered meals program if directed.