Aging & Disability Resource Specialist

Klickitat County•White Salmon, WA

About The Position

The Aging & Disability Resource Specialist provides accurate, relevant information and education about supports and resources available to older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers, and helps them access those resources. The role connects individuals and families with community resources to support independence and quality of life at home and in the community, and conducts program and service eligibility screening. The specialist provides information and referrals through phone, email, mail, and in-person interactions; assists clients with forms, applications, appointments, and benefit enrollment; conducts screening and some eligibility determinations; and follows up on referrals. The role maintains client documentation, program records, reports, and the Community Resource Database, and coordinates with community partners to support client care. The position also provides community education and publicity, participates in community meetings, advocates for clients, assists caregivers in accessing services, researches available and emerging resources, and refers adults who may need Adult Protective Services directly to that program. The specialist may provide backup support for other department programs and perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Ability to research problems presented by clients and propose solutions.
Ability to document services and review and write on paper forms.
Ability to interview clients and others in person and by telephone to obtain information.
Ability to de-escalate callers and provide crisis support.
Knowledge of community resources for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.
Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and community members and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to communicate verbally in English in person, in groups, by computer, and by telephone.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients using translator or relay services.
Ability to prepare clearly organized written documents using proper English grammar, sentence construction, and punctuation.
Computer and software skills, including Word, Excel, and database systems; ability to operate general office equipment.
Ability to work at a desk using a phone and computer for up to eight hours a day.
Ability to travel to community events and agencies.
Ability to complete annual continuing education courses as directed.
Knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, and related tools or equipment needed for the role, including applicable safety or legal requirements.
A valid state driver's license in the state of residence.
Satisfy applicable background check requirements under the listed Washington Administrative Code chapters.
Typical qualifications: a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and two years of direct human services experience, or at least two years of relevant college coursework and four years of human services experience; equivalent combinations of education and experience may qualify.

Responsibilities

Provide information about programs and resources to the public, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations by phone, email, mail, and in person.
Coordinate information delivery to seniors, research resources, and maintain updated resource files and the Community Resource Database.
Refer clients to case management or outside agencies as appropriate and follow up to help ensure their needs are met.
Assist clients with forms, applications, locating services, making appointments, and applying for services or benefits, including Medicaid Long-Term Care, SNAP, and Medicare programs.
Assist with Medicare Part D, Medicare Low Income Subsidy, and Medicare Savings Program enrollment, and encourage access to Medicare prevention and wellness benefits.
Conduct screening, evaluation, and some eligibility determination for appropriate programs.
Record assistance, referrals, applications, eligibility, and authorization information according to agency guidelines.
Maintain records and statistical data, prepare program reports, and complete required documentation.
Provide in-service educational presentations to community partners, sometimes outside normal work hours.
Coordinate with community partners to support care coordination for clients.
Disseminate information about Senior Services programs, particularly to people over 60, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes.
Publicize programs through written materials, newsletters, public presentations, and community group meetings.
Advocate for clients to help them receive, retain, or establish eligibility for services and clarify communications between clients and service providers.
Help clients access caregiver services, including respite, support groups, information, education, and referrals.
Research available and emerging services, materials, and programs that meet the needs of the target population.
Refer adults who may need Adult Protective Services directly to the APS program for investigation.
Provide backup support for other department programs as needed and perform other related duties as assigned.