Resource Navigator

United Way Worldwide; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & PTO

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) with company match

Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Volunteer opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

United Way Worldwide seeks a 211 Resource Navigator to answer inbound calls and provide resource information to residents. The role involves data collection, needs assessment, and referrals within a partner network, with a focus on compassionate, professional service.

Responsibilities include screening for programs, advocacy, and ensuring follow-up on referrals, with occasional community events to raise awareness across counties. Calls are recorded for quality and training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field (preferred).
• At least one year of experience in the human services field, including social service interviewing.
• Strong organizational, problem solving and communication skills; knowledge of community resources.

Responsibilities

• Caller Support & Referrals: assess needs and provide referrals through our network.
• Data Tracking & Advocacy: collect data on referrals and contribute to reports.
• Program Screening: conduct screenings for designated programs.
• Collaboration & Program Improvement: work with leadership to improve 211 operations and address unmet needs.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Technology Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The 211 Resource Navigator answers 211 Helpline calls and responds to online requests for resource information. They play a vital role in helping residents access social services by collecting data, conducting needs assessments, and facilitating referrals within a network of community partners. This is a high-volume, fast paced call center role, with approximately six or more hours of each shift spent actively answering inbound calls from individuals seeking assistance. 211 Resource Navigators may also attend community events to build 211 awareness across four southwest Ohio counties and four Northern Kentucky counties provide resource information and provide residents with resource information. This role is challenging, emotionally demanding, and deeply impactful. Resource Navigators provide broad-based human services assessments, make appropriate service referrals through a referral platform, and ensure follow-up to confirm referrals are utilized effectively.

The 211 Resource Navigator’s responsibilities may evolve to align with new community needs and United Way initiatives, ensuring flexible and responsive support to residents. All calls to 211 are recorded for quality and training purposes.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Caller Support & Referrals: Compassionately assess the needs of community members and provide referrals for immediate and ongoing support through our network of trusted community partners. Referrals will be primarily made via a technology platform. Handle challenging and sensitive calls, including mental health crisis, abuse or neglect calls assessing clients’ needs, providing warm transfers to specialized community services and managing complex, emotional or high-stress situations with care and professionalism.
• Data Tracking & Advocacy: Secure consent and build caller profiles for longitudinal records. Collect and record data on referrals, including types, demographics, and agency responses, to contribute to daily and weekly reports. Act as an advocate for residents, ensuring they are connected to the resources they need.
• Program Screening: Proactively conduct screenings for designated programs, considering appropriateness and availability to community members.
• Collaboration & Program Improvement: Work closely with the Director of Community Connections, 211 Sr. Manager(s) and other United Way staff to evaluate and enhance 211 operations, including call quality and customer satisfaction, contributing to continuous improvement of the program. Record unmet needs to inform United Way’s Community Impact agenda.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

OTHER DUTIES:
This job description outlines the core duties and responsibilities for the 211 Resource Navigator role, but it is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may be adjusted based on changing community needs or organizational priorities, with or without notice.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS WITH:
General Public; United Way of Greater Cincinnati Team Members and Social Services Providers.

DESIRED COMPENTENCIES:

• Customer Service Orientation
• Resource Navigation
• Communication
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Adaptability and Problem Solving
• Technology Proficiency

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work, Human Services or a related field (preferred).
• Experience: At least one year of experience in the human services field, including social service interviewing, is desirable. Broad knowledge of human services and the Greater Cincinnati service network preferred.
• Skills: Strong organizational, problem solving and communication skills. Knowledge of community resources. Effective and comprehensive computer skills, including Microsoft Office. Ability to work independently and in group settings and build effective relationships with staff, administration, volunteers, agencies, and community members. *Bi-lingual skills are preferred, but not required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Collaborative call center office environment.
• Extended periods of computer screen use.
• Occasional in-person or community-based work
• Occasional remote weekend work rotation (Saturdays between 7:00am and 6:00pm and Sundays between 7am and 3:00pm).

SALARY: 22.50 per hour plus competitive benefits package

BENEFITS:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, personal, sick, and holiday time
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403b plan with company match
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and access to other free health programs
• Community volunteer opportunities
• Professional development and training opportunities