Job Title: Community Resource Specialist I
Department: 211 Helpline
Supervisor: 211 Management
FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Location: Remote (United Way of the Midlands office)
About United Way of the Midlands:
Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bringing together the business, government and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – including JAG Nebraska, 211 and the Weatherization Assistance Program – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. At United Way, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
UWM’s Mission:
United Way of the Midlands UNITES our community’s CARING SPIRIT to build a STRONGER tomorrow.
Guiding Principles:
At United Way of the Midlands, we…
- Build TRUST in everything we do.
- Extend GRACE by thinking beyond ourselves.
- Show GRIT by bringing it everyday.
- Be OPEN to embracing others’ differences.
- Actively ENGAGE by listening and sharing.
- Live CURIOUSLY to learn constantly.
Community Resource Specialist Summary:
The Community Resource Specialist I is responsible for responding to individuals in need of assistance through multiple channels of communication.
Responsibilities:
- Answer phone calls, email, chat and text, demonstrating strong customer focus with all users of the service; ability to work with diverse populations within the context of developing the cultural competency needed, to provide appropriate resources to inquirers.
- Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude when speaking with clients, displaying sensitivity to all cultural backgrounds.
- Identify and reflect the feelings of callers in crisis.
- Assess the clients’ needs or situation using pertinent questions and the principles of active listening.
- Advocate for clients when appropriate.
- Request statistical and demographic information related to our clients to assist in the determination and tracking of unmet needs in the community.
- Record clients' information into the call center database and provide referrals to the appropriate resources as needed.
- Place outbound calls to follow-up with a percentage of our clients to determine if their needs were met.
- Complete assessments for clients in high-risk situations.
- Access the 2-1-1 database for resources and appropriately refer clients.
- Identify requests for resources that are not available in our database and inform the call center database Manager of unmet needs.
- Maintain an acceptable level of call handling and customer service performance as described by the 2-1-1 training standards.
- Complete all training for new programs and services related to 2-1-1 and provide feedback as needed.
- Complete the Inform USA Community Resource Specialist certification exam within six months of eligibility to ensure adherence to industry standards and quality service delivery.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- High level of professionalism, confidentiality and capacity to work independently.
- High level of written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and organization.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using call center software, computer hardware and telephone equipment.
- Ability to work alternative schedules and demonstrate flexibility in times of disaster.
- Engage in and maintain knowledge of UWM programs and strategies.
- Proactive in engaging in or seeking out self-learning opportunities.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member and assist other staff members willingly.
- English proficiency sufficient and bilingual preferred for communication with supervisors, co-workers, clients and customers.
- Knowledge of MS Office Outlook, Excel, Access and Word Processing software.
Education and Experience:
- Associate's degree (preferred) from two-year College or University and/or one to two years related experience and/or training in Social Services or Human Services.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.