Information Specialist / Options Counselor
Under supervision of the Co-Director, the Information Specialist/Options Counselor will work in a team environment serving a diverse population to support the Heritage care continuum to provide information & assistance services, family caregiver information and support, and appropriate referrals through the LifeLong Links – Aging and Disability Resource Center program.
This individual also provides Options Counseling to older adults, family caregivers and adults with disabilities who need intermittent and/or short-term services. For the seven county service area, they will manage multiple resources, assist the consumer to access to appropriate and necessary services, and ensure the person's health, safety, and welfare.
This position requires a high degree of discretion when discussing issues with individuals seeking assistance, thus sensitive and confidential information must be handled according to specific procedures. This individual must be able to communicate well, work effectively as a team member, prioritize tasks and independently solve problems. This person must also be positive, compassionate, adaptable and helpful under pressure.
Universal Core Competencies:
- Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
- Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
- Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
- Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
- Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Provides over-the-phone and in-home assessment, planning, referral and linkage, and ongoing monitoring of caregiver's needs and interventions.
- Acts as primary lead for Caregiver Information and Assistance calls.
- Works collaboratively with the Information and Assistance Specialist and provides assistance to the team in the event additional coverage is needed.
- Works collaboratively with fellow Options Counselors, serving older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers and provides assistance to the team in the event additional coverage is needed.
- Conducts person centered interviews to discover needs values and preferences for the consumer – family caregivers, to assist them to form a plan of action to help meet identified long term service and support needs.
- Develops and implements an outreach strategy in conjunction with Supervisor to reach caregivers and agencies that serve caregivers.
- Coordinate activities with Heritage team to carry out Area Plan strategies.
- Collaborates with other college/agency staff, community members, clients, clients' families, providers, supervisors, professionals, and volunteers.
- Completes the intake/assessment/intervention plan in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 231 and IDA's policies and procedures. Collect and record data on services provided, as well as other Outcome Measures area required by IDA.
- Ensures activities and documentation comply with all local, state, and federal requirements
- Participates in quality assurance activities for the program.
- Keeps current on program related information, initiatives, requirements and resources.
- Develops and maintain relationships with key individuals and entities in the community.
- Represents the college/ agency for agency, local, regional, and state committees, events, and meetings as assigned.
- Performs other related work duties as assigned.
Performance Expectations:
- Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.
- Provide outstanding service to our customers (other college/agency staff, subcontractors, volunteers, clients, and others) over the phone and in person.
- Demonstrate consistent and regular attendance at work.
- Read, understand, and express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
- Effectively utilize technology and computers including, but not limited to, office equipment, word processing, spreadsheets, and database software.
- Show a commitment to detail and accuracy.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
Physical Activities With/Without Reasonable Accommodation:
Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in human services field; or
- License to practice as a registered nurse; or
- Bachelor's degree and two years of experience working in the areas of aging, disabilities, community health, or hospital discharge planning; or
- Associate's degree and four years of experience working in the areas of aging, disabilities, community health, or hospital discharge planning; or
- License to practice as a licensed practical nurse and four years of experience working in the areas of aging, disabilities, community health, or hospital discharge planning.
Licenses, Certifications, rr Registrations Required:
- Must have a valid driver's license and vehicle for required travel.
- Must be willing to be AIRS certified, if not already certified at the time of application.
- Must be willing to become certified in dependent adult abuse, if not already certified at time of application.
Preferred Qualifications, Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:
- Preference given to individuals who are CIRS-A/D (Certified Information & Referral Specialists in Aging and Disability) through the National Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and/or SHIIP trained (Senior Health Insurance Information Program).
EEO AA/Statement:
Kirkwood Community College declares and affirms that it values and respects diversity and inclusion in all College-sponsored events, all employment practices, and all educational programs and activities. The College will not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment of persons on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
Anyone who has questions or complaints should contact the Vice President of Human Resources at Kirkwood Community College, 313 Kirkwood Hall, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd., SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, or by phone to (319) 398-5572, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661-7204, Telephone: (312) 730-1560, Fax: (312) 730-1576, Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.