JOB POSTING

DISABILITY SPECIALIST, FULL-TIME (37.5 hrs/wk)

 

JOB SUMMARY:  The Disability Specialist serves as an expert on disability issues within Crisis Clinic in order to increase the effectiveness of the agency’s services, par­ticularly in the 2-1-1 Community Information Line. S/he assists staff in learning more about the needs of persons with disabilities and the resources available to them and provides internal and external trainings as needed. Also provides information and referrals as a member of the Com­munity Information Line team and provides high-quality comprehensive services to call­ers. After problem identification and assessment, utilizes computerized community resource database to locate appropriate referrals for a caller, and is responsible for accurately entering call information into a computerized log sheet.  Performs intake screenings, follow-up and advocacy calls as needed.  The 2-1-1 Community Information Line is open Mon - Fri 7:30 am to 7:30 pm and Sat 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

·        B.A. or substantial experience in related human services

·        Knowledge of community resources, especially disability resources

·        Experience working with people who have disabilities

·        Excellent communication, administrative and problem-solving skills, and ability to multi-task

·        Ability to respond to callers with patience, objectivity and nonjudgmental attitude

·        Ability to work well independently and in a team, good interpersonal skills and positive attitude

·        Ability to follow clinical protocols and procedures

·        Ability to type, computer literate, and familiar with MS-Outlook, Word, and Excel

·        Bilingual in English / Spanish a plus

 

STARTING SALARY:  $14.50 hr., plus medical and dental insurance, vacation, sick leave, holidays, and personal leave days.

TO APPLY:  No phone calls.  Send resume & cover letter with the following information: 

1) Where/How you found out about the job, and 2) Why you are interested in the position, to:

Susan Gemmel

CRISIS CLINIC

1515 Dexter Ave. N., #300, Seattle, WA  98109

or sgemmel@crisisclinic.org       

 

CLOSES:  Open until filled. Complete job description follows:

 

Crisis Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

1515 Dexter Avenue North   Suite 300   Seattle, WA  98109   Telephone 206 461 3210   Fax 206 461 8368   www.crisisclinic.org

CRISIS CLINIC

 DISABILITY SPECIALIST

 

JOB SUMMARY: The Disability Specialist serves as an expert on disability issues within Crisis Clinic in order to increase the effectiveness of the agency’s services, particularly in the 2-1-1 Community Information Line (CIL).  S/he assists disabled callers who are in need of advocacy, education and linkage to assure connection to critical resources.  S/he assists staff in learning more about the needs of persons with disabilities and the resources available to them and provides internal and external trainings as needed. S/he participates as a member of the 2-1-1 CIL team and provides high-quality comprehensive services to callers on the Community Information Line 15-18 hours per week.

 

S/he is also responsible for representing the agency in the larger social service community, with a focus on disability issues and systems. S/he actively searches out and participates in relevant community coalitions and collaborative projects.

 

S/he also shares new disability resources with Resource Center and updates colleagues in the agency on new services. In addition, s/he may work with the Resource Center on special projects regarding disability resources in the database.

DISABILITY RESOURCE LIAISON - 25%

1.            Assists disabled callers who are in need of advocacy, education and linkage to assure connection to critical resources.

2.            Creates and delivers community disability trainings for staff and volunteers.

3.            Serves as an on-going, in-room resource to CIL staff on disability needs; keeps all agency staff updated on current issues and trends in the disability community.

4.            Develops and maintains effective relationships with community agencies and coalitions and takes a proactive role in strengthening existing community coali­tions.

5.            Provides input about the content of the disability marketing materials and Web page.

6.            Where information & assistance services are appropriate, handles disability-related calls as referred by 2-1-1 CIL, 24-Hour Crisis Line and community.

7.            Helps develop policies/procedures for handling disability-related calls effectively. 

BASIC TELEPHONE INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES – 25%

1.           Demonstrates sincere concern, caring, and desire to provide excellent service by giving each caller their undivided attention.

2.           Interacts with clients in a respectful and compassionate manner.

3.           Responds effectively to callers on Community Information Line, utilizing active listening skills, thorough assessment, problem solving techniques and standard crisis intervention model.

4.           Assesses callers in crisis for possibility of harm to self or others, by alerting the CIL or CL supervisor for assistance with intervention.

5.           Recognizes callers who may present with mental illness, alert supervisor and refer to crisis line when appropriate.

6.           Utilizes TTY and Tele-Interpreters as needed to eliminate barriers based on language or hearing impairment.

7.           Performs intake screening and/or follow-up calls for HSP based on project procedure and protocols and ensures accurate and complete client documentation.

8.           After problem identification and assessment, utilizes computerized community resource database efficiently to locate only the appropriate resources for a caller.  When appropriate, utilizes additional provided resource information, such as the Internet.

9.           Assists callers, when necessary, in contacting and utilizing resources through conference calls, linkages, advocacy and follow-up as needed.

10.       Keeps up to date with knowledge of resources through regular review of internal communications about service changes, capacity limits and eligibility requirements.

11.       Ensures that documentation for each call is complete and accurate.

12.       If eligible, pursues AIRS CIRS certification within second year of employment in CIL.

13.       Completes at least 5 hours of relevant training for AIRS certification (AIRS requires at least 10 hours every 2 years).

 

TEAM PARTICIPATION – 25%

1.            Assumes quality assurance, project and administrative tasks as assigned by the supervisor, and other tasks as needed to insure smooth operation of phone room (i.e. HSP project duties, faxing, follow-up calls, etc) and follows through to completion.

2.            Demonstrates an awareness of shared responsibilities and takes initiative with other team members to ensure tasks are accomplished competently and on time.

3.            Is proactive and works with other team members to coordinate/rearrange lunch schedules and monitor break times to ensure the highest level of phone coverage

4.            Supports fellow team members with problem solving and appropriate debriefing during and following difficult calls as needed while demonstrating continued respect of callers.

5.            Actively participates in CIL staff meetings, in a professional and respectful manner, and willingly offers constructive input regarding the functioning of the team or during topic discussions.

6.            Negotiates tasks, interacts, coordinates and shares responsibility with fellow team members in a positive, professional and respectful manner.

 

WORK HABITS - 25%

1.           Adheres to CIL Code of Ethics.

2.           Arrives at work on time and maintains regular attendance; works assigned shifts and other shifts when needed.

3.           Recognizes stress and takes personal responsibility for self-care, by appropriately utilizing opportunities to debrief after difficult calls, take allotted daily work breaks, and schedule vacation/personal days.

4.           Follows personnel policies and procedures.

5.           Communicates, verbally and in writing, professionally, respectfully and in a clear, concise, accurate, thorough manner.

6.           Demonstrates genuine relationships by cooperating with others and handling disagreements or conflicts directly with the person(s) concerned in a truthful and open manner.

7.           Accepts and maintains personal accountability.

8.           Demonstrates a teachable attitude, accepts and integrates constructive feedback.

9.           Consistently projects a genuinely respectful, professional, cooperative, positive attitude toward all staff, volunteers, callers, and professionals from other agencies

10.       Makes appropriate use of supervisor.

11.       Recognizes and demonstrates positive team-building behaviors that promote a healthy and productive work environment and helps motivate staff and volunteers to outstanding performance.

12.       Demonstrates collaborative decision-making within the team and provides peer support.

13.       Responds to requests for input or feedback from the supervisor or other staff members in a timely manner and suggests solutions to identified problems.