Resource Specialist - Community Resources Team (Social Work)

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 Resource Specialist works as an integral member of the Community Services team to assist older adults residing in Cumberland and York counties in maintaining maximum independence in their homes and communities. The Resource Specialist provides assistance to connect older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers to valuable community services. This position will be providing support to clients via phone, in community settings and with home visits.

Responsibilities:

The Resource Specialist reports to the Community Resources Team Manager.  In this role, a Resource Specialist provides education and direct assistance to clients with accessing programs such as housing, home care, MaineCare, transportation, legal services, etc. The staff member will interact with community providers while receiving referrals for support and in carrying out linkages to resource programs with clients.  The staff person collects demographic information and completes benefits screenings/assessments to further support clients. The Resource Specialist provides resource connections over the phone and in-person; this position would be considered a hybrid with completing work at home and in an office setting.  The Resource Specialist will provide resource connections in the town of Yarmouth and with grant-funded and/or fee for service programs.

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

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.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Gerontology, or related field (preferred)
• Social Work License (preferred).
• 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. 
• 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.

Salary and Benefits:

        This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week, with an hourly rate of $22.00 per hour

          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 
    

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