Intake and Referral Specialist - FT

Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

EveryStep in Des Moines, IA, seeks an Intake/Referral Specialist to connect families with community-based healthcare and services. You will conduct assessments, process referrals, document program data, and follow up with providers and clients to ensure timely support.

Responsibilities include outreach, collaboration with partners, and maintaining confidentiality. Strong communication, problem-solving, and time management are essential to support Iowa families through diverse contexts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in social services, case management, intake/referral services and/or maternal/child health preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong critical thinking, independent judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations across cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Strong relationship development and team-building skills.
• Knowledge of community resources (WIC, Medicaid, etc.) and care coordination (connection to medical homes and community-based non-profit organizations).
• Time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

Responsibilities

• Receives, processes, and conducts assessments and referrals for pregnant individuals and/or families with children via phone, walk-ins, or in various community settings.
• Facilitates referrals for families to community resources including home visitation programs and information such as Medicaid, WIC, dentists, and medical providers, ensuring families receive timely and appropriate support.
• Collects and documents accurate and timely program data, care coordination information and documentation of program activities in the EveryStep database within required time frame.
• Serves as the point of contact for referring providers and provides follow-up as required regarding referral activities and status.
• Supports, educates, and advocates for families as they select and use effective resources for their needs.
• Maintains contact with clients and conducts targeted follow-up, by phone, correspondence, and/or home visits, as required by Nine2Thrive, to assess ongoing needs and effectively link families to services.
• Collaborates with staff, contracted agencies, case managers, outreach workers, interpreters and supervisors which also includes local and state agencies in relation to referrals, assignments, transfers, data entry and assessments.
• Processes Children at Home applications, as required for Iowa Family Support Network (IFSN). Services include ensuring eligibility requirements are met, working with eligible families to obtain resources or services, and following up with the families.
• Provides community outreach at partner sites and activities, EveryStep events, and community events as needed to support programming.
• Ensures compliance with professional standards, ethical guidelines, agency policies, and program contracts.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in all client interactions and records.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with clients, team members, supervisors, and community partners.
• Attends regular meetings and contributes to team collaboration.
• Assists with orientation, training, and mentorship of new staff, students, and visitors.
• Utilizes interpretation and translation services to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care.
• Manages time, organization, and scheduling to meet client and program needs effectively.
• Engages in ongoing professional development, training, and cross-training to support a well-rounded team.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support program objectives and organizational goals.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Microsoft Office

Database management

Time management

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Bilingual/Interpretation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database use and management

Job description

• Location 3000 Easton Boulevard,Des Moines, IA, 50317,United States
• Job Category Specialist
• Employee Type Hourly

Description

Purpose:

Connects families with community-based healthcare, human services programming, and community resources in a variety of settings using a coordinated intake process and enhanced care coordination.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities listed are inclusive of all community health programs. Intake and Referral Specialists will be responsible for those activities specific to the assigned program.

• Receives, processes, and conducts assessments and referrals for pregnant individuals and/or families with children via phone, walk-ins, or in various community settings. Facilitates referrals for families to community resources including home visitation programs and information such as Medicaid, WIC, dentists, and medical providers, ensuring families receive timely and appropriate support.
• Collects and documents accurate and timely program data, care coordination information and documentation of program activities in the EveryStep database within required time frame.
• Serves as the point of contact for referring providers and provides follow-up as required regarding referral activities and status.
• Supports, educates, and advocates for families as they select and use effective resources for their needs.
• Maintains contact with clients and conducts targeted follow-up, by phone, correspondence, and/or home visits, as required by Nine2Thrive, to assess ongoing needs and effectively link families to services.
• Collaborates with staff, contracted agencies, case managers, outreach workers, interpreters and supervisors which also includes local and state agencies in relation to referrals, assignments, transfers, data entry and assessments.
• Processes Children at Home applications, as required for Iowa Family Support Network (IFSN). Services include ensuring eligibility requirements are met, working with eligible families to obtain resources or services, and following up with the families.
• Provides community outreach at partner sites and activities, EveryStep events, and community events as needed to support programming.
• Ensures compliance with professional standards, ethical guidelines, agency policies, and program contracts.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in all client interactions and records.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with clients, team members, supervisors, and community partners.
• Attends regular meetings and contributes to team collaboration.
• Assists with orientation, training, and mentorship of new staff, students, and visitors.
• Utilizes interpretation and translation services to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care.
• Manages time, organization, and scheduling to meet client and program needs effectively.
• Engages in ongoing professional development, training, and cross-training to support a well-rounded team.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support program objectives and organizational goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field strongly preferred
• Minimum of two years’ experience in social services, case management, intake/referral services and/or maternal/child health preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Strong critical thinking, independent judgment, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to accept and work effectively with diverse populations across cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds
• Strong relationship development and team-building skills
• Knowledge of community resources (WIC, Medicaid, etc.) and care coordination (connection to medical homes and community-based non-profit organizations)
• Time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
• Ability to physically carry out the various aspects of providing services in a client’s home, school, or other environments
• Knowledge of professional principles and practices, including providing education on prenatal care, healthy pregnancy practices, child development, and educate families on safety practices
• Ability to plan, organize, and utilize teaching principles in working with families, clients, schools, and community organizations
• Strong keyboarding and computer skills with the ability to learn work-related software; knowledge of Microsoft Office, database use and management
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and compliance with regulations and organization policies and procedures
• Mandatory Reporter of Child and Dependent Adult abuse training certification (within 30 days of hire)
• Must have valid driver's license, auto liability insurance and reliable transportation if driving is required
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical, drug screen, 2-step TB test and background check

Working Conditions:

• Physical requirements:Sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally, and/or a small amount of force frequently to move objects, including the human body
• Physical activities: Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Talking, Fingering (picking, pinching, typing, etc.) Hearing, Grasping (applying pressure with fingers and palm), Repetitive motions, Feeling (perceiving size, shape, texture, temperature by touching), Visual acuity (field of vision for analyzing data, viewing computer, using measurement devices, operating machines, determining accuracy or neatness, and/or making general observations)
• Environment:Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential
• Time: Ability to be flexible with a varying schedule and programmatic requirements
• Travel: May be required between locations; May be required throughout the state for IFSN staff

These characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Note:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other duties to meet the on-going needs of the organization.

Summary

About EveryStep

One of Iowa’s oldest nonprofits, EveryStep has provided health care and community services since 1908. Our team of experts are driven by a single purpose - to care for people and connect them with support at every step of their journey. Each year, we help thousands of Iowans cope in times of crisis and move forward with stability, dignity, and hope.

The diversity and breadth of our programs ensure that we can meet a variety of needs at once and provide ongoing assistance over time. More than 30 programs and services :

• Deliver in-home care to people who are ill, injured, or facing the end of life
• Offer compassionate support to families experiencing grief and loss
• Assist new and expecting parents and support the healthy development of young children
• Help Iowans navigate complicated health care and social systems
• Walk alongside refugees and immigrants arriving in our community
• Bring wellness services to places where people are

Serving Iowa from 11 locations , nearly 400 employees and hundreds of volunteers are committed to EveryStep’s mission: We empower individuals, support families, and strengthen communities. There is at least one EveryStep program available to residents in every Iowa county. Every program is important and contributes to our mission.

EveryStep is an equal opportunity employer. Employment practices are implemented without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, genetic information or on the basis of age or physical or mental disability unrelated to ability to perform the work required.

EveryStep is an equal opportunity employer. Employment practices are implemented without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, genetic information or on the basis of age or physical or mental disability unrelated to ability to perform the work required.