Resource Specialist

Reports to: ADRC Supervisor 

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Dedicate yourself to an Organization and Mission you can be proud of by joining the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging

Our Mission:

We provide choices for people to live independently in the place they want to call home.

About Us:

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) is a private non-profit corporation, organized and designated by the State of Ohio to be the planning, coordinating and administrative agency for federal and state aging programs in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina Counties.  It is one of twelve Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the state organized together with local service provider organizations and the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) to form the state's public aging services network.  The network works together to create opportunities for older Ohioan's to receive needed home and community services and supports; and to age successfully in their own homes and communities.

Candidates we love…

• Self-motivated and compassionate professionals looking to be part of a Best-in Class organization
• Team players who are committed to providing superior service to all they serve
• Enthusiastic professionals excited to grow with an organization that values dedication, innovation and collaboration.

What our staff loves about us…

• A generous six week PTO program and paid thirteen paid holidays
• A $750.00 investment in professional development through a substantial, annual training funds allotment
• .62 mileage reimbursement
• Paid parking in a coverage garage
• A 401K program with company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits and so much more…

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct telephone and possible in-person interviews with individuals inquiring about long term services and supports while adhering to excellent customer service standards.
• Provide callers with Support Navigation/information and referrals as appropriate based on their identified needs.
• Connect callers with appropriate community resources.
• Provide phone follow up to Support Navigation within contractual timeframes.
• Complete Long Term Service and Support Questionnaire (LTSSQ) and Support Navigation within the Ohio Benefits Long Term Service and Supports (OBLTSS) and/or PIMS IT systems.
• Adhere to documentation timeframes and requirements within the OBLTSS and PIMS IT systems.
• Meet daily and monthly productivity standards.
• Communicate and collaborate with Singe Entry Point (SEP) partners, community partners, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Advocate for callers who requires extra support to access necessary services.
• Make immediate referrals to emergency responders when the caller is in a crisis or emergency situation; conduct follow up to ensure needed assistance was received.
• Maintain confidentially according to Agency policy.
• Participate in trainings, meetings, in-services, best practice committees, and continuing education opportunities as requested by supervisor, manager or director.
• May be required to travel to community and consumer locations within our five-county service area (Geauga, Lake, Cuyahoga, Lorain and Medina) and therefore must have reliable transportation.
• Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults as a mandated reporter as required by Ohio law when appropriate.
• Support practicum experiences of students from educational institutions
• Abide by the professional code of ethics established by licensure and certification, if applicable
• The position's primary duty is to perform work directly related to the successful operation of the Agency. Accordingly, the employee must exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.
• All staff have the responsibility and authority to propose ways to improve quality and to fully participate in quality improvement efforts.

• Associate's degree required, with preference to a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in Social Work, Gerontology or similar.
• At least one year of experience providing information and assistance or information and referral, experience in home care, geriatrics, home health care, or medical social work.
• Prefer an individual who is an Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) Certified Information Specialist or ability to attain AIRS certification within one year of hire.
• Requires basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Must have excellent verbal and written interviewing and assessment skills.
• Must be able to communicate in a friendly manner to help the caller feel comfortable using the agency service.
• Must have the ability to determine if the caller is experiencing a crisis or other emergency and be able to make an immediate referral to the appropriate emergency responders.
• Knowledge of local resources for the aging and disability population.
• Ability to record information concurrently with phone interview in an accurate, timely manner.
• Ability to communicate in a collaborative, effective manner with others to maintain good working relationships.
• Must have intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to use and will be trained on the Ohio Department of Aging PIMS documentation program, Ohio Dept. of Medicaid's Ohio Benefits Workers Portal, Ohio Benefits Long Term Services and Supports System and MITS, MS 365 and others.
• Ability to use and transport a laptop computer and case, therefore must be able to lift/carry a minimum of twenty (20) pounds.
• Ability to ambulate enough to access community organizations and locations which may not be readily accessible.

If you are interested in joining our team of professionals, please forward your resume and a cover letter. We look forward to hearing from you

The Agency is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all. Employment decisions are made based on each person's performance, qualifications, and abilities. The Agency does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability status, health status, genetic information or ancestry, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging's Equal Employment Opportunity policy covers all aspects of employment practices, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.