Resource Specialist - Caregiver Respite & Veteran Support

Southern Maine Agency on Aging•Portland, ME

7d•$22 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) is committed to positive long-term outcomes for older adults and their caregivers. We empower older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers to live to their fullest potential by providing services, resources and information. At SMAA, we believe that a supportive and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued and heard, is key to shaping organizational culture and advancing our work with underrepresented and diverse communities. We were recently voted Best Places to Work in Maine for 2024 & 2025! The Resource Specialist – Caregiver, Respite & Veteran Support is a member of the Community Services team and plays a key role in supporting family caregivers, older adults, and veterans by connecting them to services, resources, and programs that support independence and wellbeing. This position provides information and referral, options counseling, caregiver education, and assistance accessing community supports. In addition, the Specialist provides program coordination and administrative support for caregiver respite initiatives and the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program, ensuring program processes, documentation, and reporting are completed accurately and efficiently. The Resource Specialist works collaboratively with Resource Specialists, Care Coordinators, Finance Department and community partners to ensure individuals and caregivers receive responsive, coordinated support.

Requirements

At least two years of experience working with older adults, caregivers, veterans, or individuals with disabilities.
At least two years of experience working in an administrative support role.
Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and benefit programs.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage documentation-heavy processes and multiple priorities.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to guide clients through complex systems and application processes.
Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management or data systems.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Gerontology, or related field preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
All requirements and skills are considered to be essential, unless otherwise indicated.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with people with Dementia preferred.

Responsibilities

Client Support and Resource Navigation Assists caregivers, older adults, veterans, and family members through in-person, phone, and electronic contact to identify needs and connect them to appropriate resources and services.
Provides information, referral, and options counseling to individuals seeking assistance navigating aging, disability, caregiver, and veteran-related supports.
Conducts needs assessments and assists individuals and caregivers in developing plans to address caregiving challenges while respecting the autonomy of the older adult or care recipient.
Responds to requests for information, referrals, and assistance in a timely manner while prioritizing multiple client needs.
Completes intake, documentation, and follow-up activities to assist individuals in accessing SMAA programs and community resources.
Maintains accurate and timely records within agency data systems and contributes to required program reporting.
Assists in identifying situations requiring additional intervention, including referrals for crisis support, long-term planning, or other services.
Caregiver Education and Community Outreach Provides training, education, and support to family caregivers and community members on caregiving topics and available resources.
Delivers evidence-based caregiver programs as assigned, maintaining program fidelity and completing required reporting.
Conducts outreach and community presentations to increase awareness of caregiver services, respite resources, and SMAA programs.
Stays informed of changes affecting benefits, entitlements, health insurance, and programs relevant to caregivers and older adults.
Program Coordination – Respite and Veteran Services Provides administrative and programmatic support for caregiver respite initiatives and Veteran Directed Care (VDC).
Assists with program application processes, documentation review, and eligibility verification for applicable programs.
Tracks program participation, documentation requirements, and reporting deadlines for grant-funded programs.
Coordinates communication and documentation exchange between clients, caregivers, and program partners as needed.
Supports reimbursement tracking, documentation verification, and other administrative processes related to respite and veteran support programs.
Maintains organized tracking systems and ensures program data is entered accurately into agency systems.
Works closely with Resource Specialists and Care Coordinators to ensure seamless client handoffs and coordinated service delivery.
Team Collaboration Participates in Community Services and Nutrition meetings.
Works collaboratively with Care Coordination, Nutrition, Volunteer Services, and other SMAA departments.
Assists with additional Community Services and Nutrition responsibilities and projects as assigned.
Participates in relevant statewide meetings and trainings, including those coordinated through the Office of Aging and Disability Services when assigned.
NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs additional duties as assigned.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI’s): Client Response and Follow-Up Timeliness Respond to 100% of client inquiries within 2 business days, with urgent cases triaged same-day when necessary.
Document all client notes and interactions in the agency database within the same day when possible.
Client Needs Assessment Completion Ensure new clients receive a complete demographic and needs assessment in accordance with program requirements.
Program Documentation Accuracy Maintain accurate records and documentation for respite and veteran service programs, ensuring compliance with grant and program guidelines.