Information and Referral Specialist - Part Time

Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts Inc•Leominster, MA

About The Position

Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts provides comprehensive information and quality services so that older people, individuals with disabilities, and their families are empowered to make personalized choices to ensure a life of dignity, safety, and respect. The values of ASNCM have been determined by its employees and are the foundation of our culture. Collaboration – we communicate and coordinate with others, internally and externally, to make a positive difference for our consumers and their families. Compassion – we work with “heart” to be kind, caring and willing to help our consumers in their journey. Consumer-Centric - we are committed and persistent in ensuring that our services and experiences are of high quality, resulting in positive consumer impacts. Empowerment - we strive to make our consumers stronger and more confident to control their lives with personalized choices and claim their rights to a life of safety, dignity, and respect. Integrity – we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and personal responsibility, worthy of the trust our consumers place in us. Responding to requests for information and making appropriate referrals to agency and community resources. This may include mailing informational brochures and program materials to callers. When appropriate, a follow-up call will be made within ten (10) business days to ensure that the caller’s needs were met. The I&R Specialist shall identify gaps in services and resources, document such, and bring this to the attention of management.

Requirements

Applicant must possess a high school diploma or preferably a degree in a social service related field with a minimum of one year’s experience in a social service setting.
A broad knowledge of community resources, experience working with the elderly population, computer literacy, and clear communication skills are essential.
A valid driver's license and a legally insured and registered motor vehicle are required a copy of current license and registration will be on file in the personnel record.
Visual, speaking, auditory and mobile capacity necessary:
Capacity to see computer screen, read written material, and drive a car.
Capacity to hear and speak on the telephone.
Capacity to communicate verbally with consumers, caregivers, supervisors and managers.
Capacity to climb stairs
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
Occasional reaching and grabbing objects with both hands, twisting of hand and wrist, and pushing and pulling of objects.
Occasional bending, squatting, and twisting to perform work functions.
Occasional capacity to lift up to 25 pounds.
Capacity to deal rationally and calmly with varying personalities
Capacity to work well in fast paced, rapidly changing environment.
Must be able to tolerate by-products of office machine operation.
Must be able to tolerate heat and cold of seasonal changes and indoor temperatures.

Responsibilities

Record all telephonic inquiries in SAMS Call Log (usually submitted by DAY IN staff as well as I&R staff).
Respond to callers making any referral for ASNCM services and programs.
Prior to entering SAMs referral, I&R Specialist will verify REVS (MassHealth coverage) and obtain all necessary data elements to process the referral.
I& R Specialist will review recent SAMs journal notes prior to finalizing the referral and may seek supervisory input if they are unsure where to direct referrals.
Process referrals for Nursing Home Screenings (AKA Community Screenings) and Adult Day Health Screenings for any MassHealth member or applicant. Forward these referrals to RN Team to be assigned.
Record and process SHC, Options Counseling, PCA, AFC, Caregiver specialist, and SCO referrals. Forward referrals to appropriate staff or manager.
Enter all SHC referrals into the INTAKE TRACKER data base.
Maintain updated resources in 1800 Age Info data base annually.
When the services needed are unavailable or unknown, the I&R Specialist shall offer Options Counseling referral.
Conducting and tabulating the results of the I&R QA Survey twice yearly;
Alert direct care staff of scheduled office hours for MEC and BEC Specialists via Outlook calendar reminders.
Representing ASNCM at Health and/or Resource Fairs; and
Performing other duties as assigned.