Information & Referral Specialist

CAPECO Community Action Program of East Central Oregon•Pendleton, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

CAPECO is a diverse group of people who are committed to creating a thriving community by providing education, resources, and services dedicated to eliminating poverty and contributing to the success of our community members. We hire people from all walks of life not because we must, but because we know it makes us stronger. If you share our passion for community, then we would love to meet you! POSITION: INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SPECIALIST (Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred) Supervised by: Asset Director Department: Admin Classification: Regular Full Time Position Status: Non-Exempt Location: Pendleton Salary: $3,807 + 6% Bilingual Differential Pay Benefits: Health, Dental, RX, Vision, FSA, Life Insurance, 401K Plan, Vacation, Sick and Holidays POSITION OVERVIEW Serve as the initial contact for individuals coming into the agency as well as calling in by phone. You will be the first point of contact for clients seeking assistance through one or more of the agency’s services and programs. This will include fielding a variety of inquiries and questions as well as working with individuals and families to obtain materials and information. You will need to appropriately direct individuals to the correct department and/or assist with scheduling appointments, data collection and making referrals. This person will also provide a variety of clerical duties and support to the office. This position is customer facing and will require someone who takes pride in customer service, positive relationships, and the ability to work with a diverse population.

Requirements

Bilingual Preferred but not required: for differential pay - must be proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English and Spanish.
An associate degree in a related field of study which can be substituted for two years of equivalent education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Must possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals and families that may be in crisis as well as possibly experiencing mental health concerns and substance abuse.
Requires individual to be highly organized.
Must maintain agency and client confidentiality.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills and legible handwriting.
Must have computer experience and a working knowledge of Word and Excel.
Must pass a criminal history background investigation however, a conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual from this position.
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record is required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred

Responsibilities

Greet and deal effectively with the public and staff, in person, via email and over the phone.
Serves as the initial point of contact for individuals and households seeking assistance and other services.
Conduct participant intakes and provide application assistance as needed.
Take detailed and accurate messages, ensuring that each message is delivered or communicated to staff via email, phone message, Microsoft Teams, or in person to appropriate staff in a timely manner.
Analyze complex information gathered from callers to assess needs, and research and refer them to appropriate resources.
Distribute information pamphlets.
Provide current information to the public regarding the general eligibility requirements for assistance programs.
Maintain a current resource directory to assist with appropriate referrals. This will require coordination and collaboration with area partners and online resources to keep an accurate and current list of services offered.
Schedule office and in-home appointments for assistance programs and instruct households on what to bring to appointments.
Open and route daily incoming mail.
Prepare outgoing mail each day, deliver to the Post Office each afternoon.
Maintain suggested list of office supplies.
Process supply, equipment, or furniture requisitions.
Provide accurate posting of supplies ordered to appropriate grants.
Ensure delivery of supplies to appropriate staff persons or department head.
Maintain various lists and logs based on usage and request.
Enter client information into a variety of state and agency databases.
Responsible for maintaining inventory records for energy education supplies and reordering supplies as necessary.
Prepare reports and correspondence as needed.
Provide clerical support to program staff.
Participate in agency and community workgroups, committees and trainings as needed.
Assist with CAPECO sponsored events.
Perform other duties as assigned.