Communication Specialist

Millenniumsoft • Indianapolis, IN

1d

About The Position

The Communication Specialist works within the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Division at the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), supporting the MCH MOMS Helpline. The Helpline connects mothers, pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and families with community resources and services to help improve maternal and child health and reduce infant mortality in Indiana. The position provides information, referrals, and resources, identifies barriers to accessing services, and helps bridge the gap between families and available support.

The specialist handles incoming and outbound calls, uses intake and screening processes, follows up with clients, and screens and refers eligible pregnant women in target counties to home-visiting services and other resources. The role requires knowledge of statewide service systems and community providers, accurate case and referral documentation, and contribution to daily caller data reporting. The incumbent works with internal and external partners and represents IDOH, MCH, and statewide partner organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Communications, Social Work, Information Technology, Education, Special Education, Home Visiting, or a related health or human services field.
• Three years of experience in positions involving maternal needs, special needs, or work with very young children.
• Three years of knowledge of typical and atypical child development and special-needs conditions.
• Three years of experience using databases and producing data reports.
• Knowledge of social service and medical providers to whom the Helpline makes referrals.
• Ability to develop specialized knowledge of Information and Referral service provision and services available throughout Indiana.
• Excellent listening skills and ability to assess callers’ situations and needs and use good judgment in determining appropriate referrals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to convey information effectively to professionals and the general public.
• Ability to show compassion and understanding when working with people facing difficult situations.
• Logical thinking, sound judgment, and ability to maintain composure during stressful circumstances, including suicide, abuse, and crisis calls.
• Respectful, non-judgmental, non-critical, and attentive approach to the concerns of MCH programs and staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a project team, under pressure and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and be flexible.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, Burmese, or Haitian-Creole.

Responsibilities

• Handle a high volume of incoming and outbound calls and help families navigate resources and referrals throughout the maternal and child life cycle.
• Use multiple intake and screening processes accurately and thoroughly to identify clients’ needs and barriers to accessing services.
• Follow up with clients engaged with the Helpline to help ensure quality service.
• Screen eligible pregnant women in target counties and refer them to home-visiting services and other resources.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of early childhood systems and programs, including Help Me Grow IN, home visiting, early childhood, special education, and services for children and youth with special health care needs.
• Send confirmation letters and resource information to referral sources.
• Assist with maintaining the filing system for cases.
• Attend staff meetings, conferences, and workshops to develop professional skills and stay informed about systems and best practices.
• Work as a team member and assist other staff as needed.
• Use knowledge of community resources and service providers to identify service gaps, barriers, and trends affecting families.
• Follow Information and Referral standards and use the Vision Link Database.
• Assist the Lead Communication Specialist with daily caller data reports, including call counts, referrals, call types, needs, and providers.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with internal and external partners and support daily problem-solving and interpretation of regulations and policies.
• Represent IDOH, MCH, and internal and external statewide partners, and advise the Community Engagement Systems Program Director on matters of major impact.

What This Job Offers