Job Description
We are currently seeking a Russian Language Information and Assistance Specialist to join our Older Adult Services (OAS) team. The Information & Assistance Specialist is responsible for engaging in outreach to immigrant older adults and people with disabilities and providing information and assistance via telephone as well as in the agency’s offices, clients’ homes, and occasionally other community settings. The I&A Specialist also screens all prospective Russian speaking clients for OAS services. If qualified, the I&A Specialist will provide care management services under the auspices of the City of Seattle Care Coordination service. This role will be 0.8 FTE at 30 hours a week.
We welcome and encourage you to apply if you feel connected to Jewish Family Service’s mission. While Jewish values and history guide us, we recognize that our work is best accomplished through the collaboration of individuals from a variety of cultures, skills, and perspectives. If you meet most of the position qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Respond to new client inquiries from Russian-speaking clients.
- Perform a telephone screening to determine if potential clients are appropriate for OAS services or an outside provider. In some cases, further in-person assessment may be required.
- Provide support, information, and assistance to Russian-speaking older adults and people with disabilities in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
- Enter all new callers into the agency database.
- Maintain accurate and complete paper or electronic files in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.
- Effectively advocate for clients with healthcare and social service providers.
- Complete all specified Claims Conference paperwork for Holocaust Survivors.
- Comply with all contractual requirements regarding service provision and documentation if working under the auspices of a contract (e.g. City of Seattle, Claims Conference).
- Assist with socialization services for isolated older adults with other members of the OAS team, possibly including holiday gatherings, outings, etc.
- When applicable, connect clients to other services within JFS including food bank and volunteer services.
- Serve as a Russian speaking staff contact to the JFS Food Bank, for Russian speaking clients.
- Participate in community outreach activities to other professionals as well as to potential clients and their families.
- Attend and participate in monthly OAS clinical consultation and team meetings and other meetings as requested.
- Perform work on weekends and evenings as needed to meet applicable deadlines.
- Other duties as assigned.
SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:
- Accompany clients to appointments when needed.
- If qualified or approved by the City of Seattle, the I&A Specialist with provide care coordination services, which will include the following:
- Provide comprehensive assessment of older adults’ physical and mental health, home safety, social needs, cultural needs, and financial status, in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner.
- Develop care plans in collaboration with clients and help clients achieve the goals outlined in the care plans.
- Provide ongoing oversight of each assigned case, maintaining regular contact with client (including home visits, telephone checks, annual reassessments, etc.).
- Coordinate services with OAS staff, JFS staff and other service providers are involved (this may include liaison work with other communal organizations).
- The Information and Assistance Specialist will perform such other tasks as may be assigned by the Director of Older Adult Services.
- Conduct small group classes, as appropriate, and lead other group activities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience:
Required:
- BA or equivalent in social work or a related field and two years of experience in human services; or AA and 4 years of experience.
- Fluent in English and Russian
Preferred:
- A master’s degree in social work or related field and one year paid social service experience; or a BA in social work or related field and at least two years’ paid social service experience; or BA and at least four years’ paid social service experience
- Experience working with older adults and people with disabilities is preferred.
- AIRS (Alliance of Information and Referral Systems) Certified Information and Referral Specialist in Aging (CIRS0A) credentials.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle
- Excellent written and verbal skills
- Ability to work effectively and compassionately with individuals who may have a variety of physical or cognitive disabilities.
- Must have knowledge of community resources
- Strong interview and assessment skills
- Team oriented with strong interpersonal skills
Computer Skills:
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook is required
- Ability to learn to use an electronic database is also required
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
- The pay for this position is $29.38 – $35.91 an hour.
- Jewish Family Service offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package including:
- 100% employer-paid premiums for employee medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, and employee assistance program.
- 15 annual vacation days increasing to 20 after 2 years, and generous paid sick time.
- Paid Federal and Jewish holidays.
- 5% employer contribution to 401k retirement plan (no employee contribution required).
- Additional benefits include: vision coverage and FSA enrollment.
- JFS values and provides opportunities for continued growth and learning for all team members.
Job Tags
Holiday work, Contract work, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,