Resource and Referral Specialist

Kentucky River Foothills Development Council•Winchester, KY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Resource and Referral Specialist provides direct client services, including utility assistance, rental assistance, service information, coordination, and referral. This role is also responsible for community engagement and participation in other agency activities as assigned. Key duties involve maintaining office hours, greeting the public, assessing client needs, determining eligibility for programs, providing services according to guidelines, and referring clients to appropriate agencies. The specialist must maintain detailed records, ensure client confidentiality, and enter all client information into the EmpowOR data collection system. Community engagement includes participating in community and agency meetings, informing the public about services, and establishing cooperative working relationships with community partners. The position also involves preparing reports, maintaining referral lists, participating in training, and potentially assisting with meal delivery and transportation.

Requirements

High School diploma required.
Must be proficient in most computer applications; including Microsoft Office (Internet, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize work efficiently.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Flexibility and willingness to change schedules and duties as needed according to staff availability.
Willingness to travel the service area as needed.
Adherence to agency policy regarding drug and alcohol testing and criminal background checks.
Must maintain a high level of professionalism, demonstrated by a positive attitude, ability to function as a team member, and a commitment to the overall mission of the agency.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with client population.
Knowledge of Community Action programs and local resources.

Responsibilities

Maintains office hours as required for Outreach location; greets public; and answers the phone; observing professional and courteous customer service relations at all times.
Assesses client’s needs, both immediate and long range, to determine the best plan of service.
Determines eligibility, completes intake and statistical information relevant to the application process.
Determines eligibility and provides services according to program guidelines or refers to other appropriate agencies when agency resources are unavailable.
Maintains familiarity of agency programs and community resources to facilitate client referrals.
Tracks services provided and generates and maintains detailed records of services to ensure each file contains Agency forms, income verification, appropriate vendor information, record of services provided, and other information required.
Maintains system of record keeping and organization of client case files and other necessary documentation that is legible, chronological, and stored in a secure location to ensure client confidentiality.
Enters all client information into the EmpowOR data collection system.
Observes agency confidentiality policies regarding participants, records, technology, reports, staff, and volunteers.
Assists in organizing local fund-raising events.
Performs home visits to client’s homes as needed to ensure access to agency services.
Initiates referrals to Community Services Specialists for clients who may be eligible for additional services and/or supports.
Participates in community and agency meetings/events including county Human Services Council/Inter-Agency activities, when available.
Will participate and engage in Community Engagement Committee meetings when available.
Informs the community, other service organizations, agency staff, and prospective clients of services conducted through the community service office.
Participates in general community events with approval from supervisor to increase awareness of community resources and services.
May participate on committees or boards of other organizations with approval from supervisor.
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with community partners, vendors, volunteers, local governments(s), and other organizations.
Prepares accurate, legible reports according to guidelines and as requested by supervisor.
Maintains an updated and accurate list of appropriate referral agencies.
Maintains up to date and accurate information in the EmpowOR System.
Participates in required training and other professional development activities as requested.
Provides meal delivery for Aging programs and transportation for clients on behalf of the Health and Wellness Center as time allows and directed by supervisor.
Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor.