Resource and Referral Specialist

TITLE: Resource & Referral Specialist

PROGRAM: Saint Francis House

LOCATION: 3710 E 20th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99508

SUPERVISED BY: Saint Francis House Director

UPDATED: 7/9/2021

JOB SUMMARY: This position supports Catholic Social Services’ (CSS) prevention case management services. The Resource & Referral Specialist works at the Saint Francis House food pantry to identify people who are at risk of losing their housing due to COVID. Once identified, the Resource & Referral Specialist will confirm eligibility, complete a needs assessment to ensure each participant is connected to all appropriate benefits, work with participants to complete applications for benefits they are not currently connected to and provide a warm handoff to an HFS case manager for further case management services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies/ Skills: Understanding of social services and benefits. Knowledge of area resources and other community social service providers.

Must be able to maintain program/resident/agency confidentiality and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Ability to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries. Ability to relate positively to supervisor, fellow employees, volunteers, and pantry customers. Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of behaviors.

Ability to accurately record client transactions in database and use MS Office software. Excellent written and oral communication skills, time management skills. Ability to complete paperwork thoroughly and accurately.

Education/Experience: High School diploma and at least one-year experience in human services, preferably working with people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Work outdoors to conduct client check in.

2. Provide outreach and identify potential clients for prevention services.

3. Have a complete understanding of the eligibility criteria for the prevention program.

4. Complete prevention eligibility paperwork.

5. Assist individuals in applying for mainstream benefits, including Medicaid, food security applications, and Social Security disability.

6. Maintain client records including progress notes, incident reports, service transactions and referrals in accordance with standards.

7. Coordinate service provision among different providers as needed.

8. Provide in-person assistance and facilitate smooth transitions (“warm handoffs”) to prevention case manager.

9. Maintain current knowledge of and professional working relationships with community resource and service providers.

Training Requirements: Agency and department orientation; 1st aid/CPR; de-escalation techniques; blood borne pathogens; AKHMIS; SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR); de-escalation training; Trauma-Informed Care; and Motivational Interviewing. Attend all staff meetings and in service training as required. Attend all staff meetings and in service training as required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.