Community Resource Specialist

United Way of Central Maryland; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

United Way of Central Maryland is seeking a Community Resource Specialist to connect individuals with health and human services. Responsibilities include providing information and referral services, conducting presentations about 211 Maryland United Way Helpline, and engaging in community outreach. Candidates should have a BA in a relevant field, strong communication skills, and preferably bilingual abilities. This role requires both remote and in-person work and offers flexible hours.

Qualifications

• 1+ years’ experience in social work or human services; can be substituted with 5+ years’ experience.
• Must obtain Inform USA certification within two years of hire.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in various environments.

Responsibilities

• Connect Marylanders with health and human service assistance.
• Provide education on community resources and 211 Maryland United Way Helpline.
• Conduct follow-up on callers as per policy.

Skills

Communication skills

Crisis intervention skills

Active listening

Flexibility

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

BA in social work, counseling, or other human services field

Job description

The Community Resource Specialist will skillfully and compassionately connect Marylanders with health and human service assistance to link persons seeking help to available community resources. This position will also provide public education on health and human service issues, community resources and the services of 211 Maryland United Way Helpline.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to:

• Provide skilled information and referral services in response to requests for help, primarily by phone. Interview callers and assess service needs using the principles of active listening. Use the computer to identify appropriate resources and provide information on eligibility requirements and availability of services. Assist clients with problem solving. Recognize and respond appropriately to persons in crisis. Maintain accurate records on each contact with client.
• Provide education and training on the information and referral process, community resources, community needs and human service issues to United Way staff, community groups, government agencies, and other organizations. Make presentations on 211 Maryland United Way Helpline at United Way of Central Maryland’s products and services at community and business events. Conduct 211 call listening sessions for key stakeholders. Participate on select committees as assigned to provide expert information on the health and human service system and community issues. Support campaign through public speaking as needed.
• Conduct follow-up on callers per 211 MD at United Way of Central Maryland’s policy. Engage in special campaigns that are relevant and consistently changing in the way that we work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

INTERACTION:

• Is enthusiastic and has a positive attitude toward helping others
• Experience working on a diverse team, and with diverse constituencies.
• Maintains excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a team
• Flexibility in an ever-changing service delivery landscape.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and complex work environment.
• Establishes and maintains supportive, professional relationships with UWCM staff and volunteers; effectively represents UWCM in the community; develops contacts in the community with civic organizations, non-profit and governmental agencies
• Maintains connections and network within the community to form and maintain effective partnerships in the community
• Presents a professional and positive image as a representative of UWCM at external events
• Displays cultural competence

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• BA in social work, counseling, or other human services field with 1+ years’ experience. Could be substituted with 5+ years’ experience.
• Must work to obtain Inform USA certification within two years of hire.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Flexible and ability to work remotely and in-person with little supervision.
• Preferred experience includes: Bilingual English/Spanish and crisis intervention skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regular walking or standing is required. The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects. The employee must frequently talk and hear. Weights of up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted. There is extensive use of a computer. Employee is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position.

ONBOARDING REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to staff orientation, must complete orientation to 211 Maryland United Way Helpline procedures, protocols, and training.