Community Care Advocate

United Way for Southeastern Michigan•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Community Care Advocate answers calls and provides information and referrals to community members who are in need of assistance. The incumbent in this position demonstrates compassion and empathy while employing exceptional listening skills in order to fully understand caller's needs and recommend effective alternatives for resolution.

Requirements

High-impact, customer-focused telephone communication skills
Effective listening and problem solving involving customer service via telephone
Ability to function successfully in a fast-paced, often stressful work environment
High school diploma, with some social services coursework or experience preferred
A minimum of 1 year of experience in a high-volume crisis center
Basic computer skills, including MS Word, Outlook, Excel, and Internet searches

Responsibilities

Process a high volume of incoming calls from low-income clients seeking information and referrals for social services. This may include: food, clothing, shelter and housing, and utility bill payment assistance.
Employ listening skills in order to understand all of the caller's needs.
Demonstrate a high degree of empathy, showing the appropriate levels of care and understanding, without being, or being perceived as, judgmental.
Identify and offer effective solutions to both expressed and latent needs.
Connect callers with resources in the caller's area that offer assistance.
Utilize the department's database information, demonstrating technical skills that lead to efficient and effective outcomes.
Report inaccurate database information to the Resource group for correction.
Record caller data accordingly to prescribed policies.
Represent United Way 2-1-1 at community events designed to inform people in the community about 2-1-1 services.
In addition to the core responsibilities of the position, may be asked, or may seek, to engage unique abilities, strengths and passions through participation on cross-functional teams.