Resource Specialist - Community Resource Team

Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) is committed to positive long-term outcomes for older adults and their caregivers. We empower older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers to live to their fullest potential by providing services, resources and information. At SMAA, we believe that a supportive and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued and heard, is key to shaping organizational culture and advancing our work with underrepresented and diverse communities.

Position Summary:

The full-time Resource Specialist works as an integral member of the Community Resource team to support older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers residing in Cumberland and York counties in reaching their personal well-being goals.  The work includes providing information and linkages to community supports through education and direct assistance to clients with a focus on diverse and under-represented communities. The Resource Specialist collects demographic information, along with screening for benefits programs and conducting assessments. The RS provides over the phone and in-person supportive interactions for clients who may be struggling with isolation, mental health, cognitive, or physical issues. This position will also assist with grant-funded, fee for service programs, and general Community Services duties which will include client home visits. This is an in-office position, with opportunities to work across Southern Maine Agency on Aging ‘s three centers and in community settings. 

Responsibilities:

The Resource Specialist reports to the Care Coordination Manager.  Essential duties may include the following:

• Works as a member of the
  Community
  Resource team to provide information, short-term assistance and linkages for older persons, adults with disabilities and caregivers, with a focus on under-represented individuals.  

• Provides home visits to homebound clients, clients who have difficulty accessing resources and/or to clients that are part of a grant-funded or fee for service program (when assigned). Monitors these clients’ progress with obtaining and maintaining benefits/insurance coverage/housing etc. 

• Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of benefit programs, behavioral health supports, health insurance, and
  other available community resources
  which may assist clients. 

• Collects demographic information and conducts assessments to better understand client needs. 

• Assists clients with linkages to programs, financial benefits, housing, home care, etc. and advocating for clients which may involve making connections with other community service providers. 

• Responds to requests for information, referrals, and/or assistance promptly, prioritizing multiple requests when necessary. 

• Facilitates a warm hand off to other SMAA programs and teams when the client may benefit from additional time/resources. 

• Supports clients most often via phone;
  in person contact will include office visits,
  meetings in the community, or in the client’s home.  

• Enters documentation into database that is complete, accurate, within standards, and entered in a timely manner. 

• Provides community presentations to small groups to help build awareness of Agency services (when assigned). 

Qualifications:

We list our preferred qualifications and are open to candidates who can demonstrate their experience and/or education that supports their alignment with the skills we are seeking.

• At least two years of community experience in working with older people, adults with disabilities and caregivers with demonstrated knowledge of resources and benefit programs preferred.   

• Understanding and adherence to the concept of client-centered support and assistance. 

• Critical thinking skills such as analytical and problem-solving skills to assess and evaluate situations and needs to resolve issues of varied levels of complexity. 

• Excellent writing, communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills, including exceptional telephone skills. 

• Ability to collaborate as a team member with a wide variety of staff, family members, caregivers, community service providers and other agencies.   

• Initiative and sound judgment to work independently and be accountable for accurate and timely service, follow-up, and documentation. 

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines; self-directed and able to manage workload with minimal supervision. 

•  Computer skills to maintain a computerized database, work with web-based systems, and use Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and PowerPoint.
  


• Social work license preferred.


• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Gerontology, or related field preferred.
  


• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and benefit programs.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week, with a starting hourly rate of $22.00 per hour.  We have three locations this position could work out of: Biddeford, Springvale or Portland, Maine.  A 40-hour-per-week position is offered the following benefits, which are prorated based on the number of hours worked:

• Health Insurance


• Vacation time


• Sick time


• 13 holidays per year


• Dental and vision insurance


• Accident and critical illness insurance


• 403B Retirement Plan


• Life insurance, income protection plan, and long-term disability insurance 

We strongly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the right fit for this position.

The position is open until filled 

SMAA is an equal-opportunity employer