The AmeriCorps 2-1-1 Community Resource Specialist will have two primary areas of responsibility: i) identifying Arkansas social service resources and populating the 2-1-1 system with this information; and ii) implementing 2-1-1 public awareness campaigns.
Service Activities
• Strengthen the accessibility to 2-1-1 by increasing database quantity and quality of resources in underserved communities by identifying and contacting social service programs in assigned geographic area. Travel to program sites may be required.
• Attend all required training and supervisory meetings.
• Assist with the maintenance of community resource information in the United Way 2-1-1 database through formal/informal updates, research, outreach and data classification.
• Assist team with identification of unmet needs in the community.
• Serve with team members to identify and recommend areas for improvement to ensure quality service provision to the community.
• After about six months of the program term, identify, organize and/or participate in one to two outreach events per month to increase public awareness of 2-1-1.
• Conduct follow up calls and survey individuals receiving 2-1-1 referral services related to food insecurity.
• Additional service projects, as approved by the program director.
• Participate in AmeriCorps National Service Day projects and initiatives
• Provide accurate information and referral services to community resources via United Way 2-1-1 system.
Community Need Addressed
This position will facilitate the creation of a statewide 2-1-1 system for Arkansas. Currently, 2-1-1 resources cover four (4) counties in Northwest Arkansas.
Position Outcomes
By gathering and adding resources across the state, and promoting the availability of this service, this position will help people across the state find the help they need, including those experiencing food insecurity. The help will empower people to maintain independence and save time in researching available resources.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
AIRS Information and Referral Specialist Certification Training
AIRS Resource Specialist Certification Training
Skills you will gain
Time management, teamwork, public speaking, resource awareness, thoroughness, accuracy
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions
Tools
Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment