Aging and Disability Resource Specialist

Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of SW WA•Vancouver, WA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Aging & Disability Resource Specialists are part of a team that serves as the initial point of contact for services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers. Their goal is to support community members who are seeking assistance for themselves or their loved ones. Staff in this position dedicate substantial time to phone and computer interactions, providing accurate and relevant information regarding available supports and resources. They conduct eligibility screenings, assist community members in accessing helpful resources, and facilitate connections to services that promote independence and enhance quality of life both at home and within the community.

Requirements

Four years of paid, full-time, on-the-job experience in social, human, or customer service roles involving the provision of information and navigation assistance to vulnerable populations, including children and families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, and a high school diploma or equivalent; OR
Three years of paid, full-time, on-the-job experience in social, human, or customer service roles involving the provision of information and navigation assistance to vulnerable populations, including children and families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, a high school diploma or its equivalent, and are bilingual or bicultural with such experience; OR
Two years of paid, full-time, on-the-job experience in social, human, or customer service roles involving the provision of information and navigation assistance to vulnerable populations, including children and families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, an Associate’s degree or it’s equivalent; OR
Two years of paid, full-time, on-the-job social service experience and Bachelor’s degree; OR
One year of paid, full-time, on-the-job social service experience and a bachelor’s degree in social services, behavioral or health sciences; OR
Social service experience and a Master’s degree.
AIRS credentialing is expected within the first two years of employment.
Ability to simultaneously talk on the phone and type.
Ability to research and propose solutions to a variety of problems presented by clients.
Ability to document services, review and write on paper forms.
Ability to interview clients and others in person and over the telephone to elicit information and obtain client information.
Ability to de-escalate and provide support to callers in crisis.
Knowledge of community resources for older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers.
Ability to work effectively as a team member with a wide range of diverse staff and community members and to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to communicate verbally in the English language in face-to-face one-on-one settings, in group settings, by personal computer, or using a telephone.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients using translator or relay services.
Ability to produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper English sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
Computer and software skills including Word, Excel and database systems; ability to operate general office equipment; work at a desk using phone and computer for up to eight hours a day.
Ability to travel to community events and agencies in Southwest Washington which might not be ADA accessible.

Responsibilities

Provides information by phone, email, mail, and in-person to the general public, healthcare providers and community-based organizations on programs and resources for older adults, adults with disabilities and family caregivers.
Conducts eligibility screening for multiple programs; make and follow up on referrals as needed.
Provides person-centered options counseling resulting in successful linkage to desired services and supports.
Assists individuals to complete various applications for services and/or benefits (i.e. Medicaid Long-Term Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicare Part D)
Promotes access to programs to those with the greatest economic and social need.
Utilizes computer databases to provide information, assistance, and referral services and to document application, eligibility and authorization.
Records information in computer databases and agency files; produces specialized data reports.
Confers with community partners to assure coordination of care for clients.
Provides in-service educational presentations to community partners; sometimes outside normal work hours.
Conducts outreach to promote agency programs and services. Outreach activities include but are not limited to hosting resource tables at community events and presenting to small audiences.