Social Services Specialist - Spanish Language

NOTE: new hires are budgeted to start in the $23-25/hr. range, depending upon experience.

Homage Senior Services, formerly Senior Services of Snohomish County is the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit service provider for older adults, people with disabilities, and their families in Snohomish County. Our guiding principles of independence, dignity, and quality of life are realized through our interconnected core service areas: nutrition, transportation, home repair, and Social Services. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and offer you the opportunity to work to your fullest potential while making a difference in the community.

Summary:

The Aging & Disability Resource (ADR) Specialist/Elder Advocate is a critical link between elders and disabled adults in Snohomish County and vital resources for their support, including interpretation and coordination of services for those who face challenges with accessing those services due to language and cultural barriers.

ADR Specialists work three days per week answering calls from ongoing clients and the Aging & Disability Resource Network main phone line, as well as meeting with clients and prospective clients in person. One day per week is spent working with the Latino community group during an in-person lunch and social time. The remaining day is for administrative work such as client notes and meetings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides detailed information by phone on services, programs and benefits to direct the caller to the most appropriate service or program; when needed, facilitates referrals to other services or programs using a resource database
• Provides initial screening and needs assessments to older adults and people with disabilities primarily over the telephone, but also in person
• Assist callers and clients with obtaining services and benefits; facilitate referrals to State-funded Long Term Care services and Case Management programs
• Follows-up with DSHS staff (HCS) on case status and anticipated outcome; follows-up with DSHS financial workers when needed
• Manages a client caseload of 40 Assistance Cases including Non English speaking clients
• Informs older adults and their family members and/or caregivers about programs, services and benefits available in the community and provides assistance in obtaining benefits for older adults who cannot directly access services
• Develops key contacts in the Snohomish County Community utilizing the Center for Healthy Living (Multicultural Senior Center) as an entry point
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date and complete records of client and collateral contacts
• Assists the Center for Healthy Living Site Coordinator with scheduling activities and meal services for the their assigned multi-cultural Senior Group
• Provide interpreter services for other ADR staff as well as translation of written materials
• Participate in training designed to improve skills and expand areas of expertise
• May provide occasional interpretation and translation assistance to other Homage programs
• Regular and routine attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of paid experience providing direct human services (preferred)
• Ability to problem-solve and work in a fast pace environment and potentially stressful situations and maintain a positive, can-do attitude
• Organized, self-motivated, strive for excellence, critical thinking skills
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to relate well with diverse populations
• Empathy for and sincere interest in working with older adults, people with disabilities, and their informal caregivers/helpers
• Must be able to communicate, read and write proficiently, in English and Spanish languages
• Ability to participate in program outreach and public presentations
• WA Drivers License and current auto insurance
• Technology-literate and confident learning new databases/systems; effective working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint); comfortable navigating in Microsoft Windows environment and using internet browsers
• Must be fully vaccinated per program or agency requirements

Absent any regulatory or contractual requirement for specific education/certification, other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human services, behavioral science or related field
• Experience with diverse communities

Work environment and physical demands:

• This work is performed in an office environment, staff's place of residence and/or in public venues.
• When necessary, the ability to work in a semi-open office setting with frequent in-person interactions.
• Must be able to use full range of senses including hearing, sight, touch and smell as needed to complete the job's essential duties.
• Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds occasionally related to equipment/supplies for public presentations.
• Work requires occasional travel away from the office during normal business hours.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

New hires are budgeted to start in the $23-25/hour range, depending upon experience.