Resource Specialist 3 (Veteran-Specific) Position Description

1 FTE Position (40 hours/week)

Advertising Period: 12/29/2021 - 01/14/2021

General

2-1-1 Big Bend operates Helpline 2-1-1, the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline and the Family Health Line. In addition, the agency answers calls for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and other organizations that contract with 2-1-1 Big Bend for hotline services. Help Me Grow (HMG) is national initiative that is designed to identify children eight and younger at-risk for developmental or behavioral challenges, and connect them with community-based programs for health and developmental services. Volunteer and paid hotline counselors provide callers with free, confidential counseling, crisis intervention, information, referrals, follow-up, advocacy and care coordination.

The Florida Veterans Peer Initiative provides crisis intervention and Veteran Peer Support services to connect Florida military Veterans to mental health and substance abuse services. This program provides an easily accessible entry point for returning Veterans to find Veteran-critical information and to serve as a primary source of information and referral. Services are available via the 2-1-1 crisis line and the Florida Veterans Support Line (MYFLVET).

In times of community emergencies, the agency provides services that may require agency staff to be available for extended shifts, providing phone coverage and/or other functions needed to continue operations. Because Helpline 2-1-1, MYFLVET and Lifeline are operated 24/7 including holidays, staff may be required to work on some nights, weekends and holidays.

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of the Resource Specialist (RS) assigned to MYFLVET is to apply the tools developed in his/her own recovery/experiences as well as the philosophy and values of the Florida Peer Network in order to: build connections with Veteran-serving agencies to better develop and manage resource information.

The RS assists with the organizational effectiveness of the resource department by: maintaining the 2-1-1 resource database; Memorandum of Understand/Agreement (MOU/MOA) development/updating related to Veteran-specific resources; and, participating in the agency’s Quality Assurance process.

The RS will work closely with the Care Coordinator (CC) assigned to MYFLVET. In this role, the RS will assist with MYFLVET follow-up and care coordination when the CC is unable to offer these services due to illness, vacation or other reasons.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

· Two years of post-secondary education or equivalent military experience preferred.

· U.S. veteran of a branch of the United States Military Forces including the Coast Guard and National Guard (retired or reservist). Copy of DD-214 required as proof of military service.

· Paid, or unpaid, peer support experience is a plus. Certified Peer Specialist - Veteran a plus.

· Above average computer skills; including experience working in Microsoft Office environments is required. Relational database experience and web development is preferred.

· Experience in working with an Information & Referral (I&R) database and knowledge of national classification standards (AIRS/INFO LINE Taxonomy) is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Proficient in Internet searching, Microsoft Office, ability to type and use a keyboard and mouse.

· Proper telephone etiquette

· Ability to view/read printed resources on a computer, in books or other printed materials.

· Ability to edit written materials and database content

· Ability to use two telephones simultaneously to communicate with clients and supervisors.

· Fluent in English (including speaking, writing and comprehending). This includes the ability to establish a relationship with callers, identify their problems, reflect their feelings and explore their alternatives.

· Independent decision-making ability

· Ability to maintain a calm and sensitive demeanor

· Active listening and assessment skills

· Critical thinking with solution focused approach

· Reading comprehension and analytical skills

· Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

· Must be able to work eight or more hours consecutively

· Must be able to travel in their personal vehicle for agency work related duties

Training and Supervision

Complete the 2-1-1 Big Bend Crisis Hotline Counselor Training within the first 90 days of employment. Complete Certified Peer Specialist – Veterans training and certification within 18 months of employment.

Resource Specialist (RS) receives ongoing training through workshops, in-service trainings, online tutorials, and direct supervision and evaluation. Specialized RS training will include national data classification standards (AIRS/INFO LINE Taxonomy), national accreditation and certification standards of AIRS and AAS, Advocacy Core Training, Psychological First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Peer Support and Recovery, Cultural Competence and Diversity, “Telling Your Story” and Trauma Informed Care. Other training opportunities offered as resources permit. RS is required to take the national certification tests provided by the Alliance of Information and Referral Services (AIRS) and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) when he/she becomes eligible for these certifications per accreditation standards. The Agency will provide training in preparation for the AIRS and AAS certification examinations and pay for exam fees. CC is expected to prepare and take the exams at least once a year until they have been certified, and then to maintain their certification throughout employment.

Position Type: Salaried

Benefits: Individual health insurance, annual and sick leave, 403b retirement plan available for individual contributions

Line of Authority: Reports to the Director of Information Programs

How to Apply: Submit resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position to hr@211bigbend.org