Position Overview

Department: Disability & Senior Services

Reports to: Assistant Director of Disability & Senior Services

Hourly pay rate estimated: $21.00-$24.00

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, the Social Services Specialist provides case management services, information and referrals, and other assistance to Schaumburg Township residents and their caregivers. The Specialist is responsible for addressing the basic needs of clients, intake of new clients, and ongoing assistance with resources or programs that promote independence. This position involves training in a variety of public benefit programs, as well as the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation’s (ITAC) amplified phone-testing program. The Specialist provides support at various departmental events and networking groups.

Hours: 9 AM-5 PM Monday through Friday. In-office hours may fluctuate based on demand. In addition, special events in the evening or weekend hours.

Responsibility essential functions

• Provide casework and client follow-up on public benefit and government programs including, but not limited to, home energy assistance, pharmaceutical assistance, Medicare and Medicaid counseling, Social Security, SNAP benefits, and crisis funding.
• Coordinate comprehensive client care with outside agencies linking residents with available services and programs.
• Complete intake assessments with clients and assist them with various program applications.
• Assist clients with the application process for benefits and assistance, including, but not limited to, LIHEAP, Benefits Access, Medicaid, Low Income Subsidy, Medicare, and RTA applications.
• Provide general information, referrals, and assistance to residents.
• Maintain and client files to include client intake forms, case notes, and other information as needed.
• Act as liaison between client and other agencies to provide information, assistance, and advocacy.
• Attend training, workshops, and seminars on topics related to issues affecting people with disabilities, including the annual ITAC conference for training on the Illinois Amplified Telephone Program, and disseminate information learned to other staff and community if relevant.
• Interact with community organizations, local, state, and federal governments, as well as other agencies, to generate assistance and create awareness of the needs of people with disabilities.
• Represent Disability & Senior Services as assigned at outreach events, networking, and community forums.
• Protect client confidentiality and client records based on HIPPA guidelines.
• Provide application assistance and training for clients eligible for the ITAC amplified phones.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Skill to identify and manage multiple clients, projects, programs, and services in an efficient and effective manner.
• Basic knowledge of current issues, governmental programs, and Township services for residents with disabilities and seniors.
• An ability to gather information to identify and resolve problems by connecting clients with resources or programs, to read and interpret all types of documents, including safety rules and regulations, procedure manuals, and client documents, and to convey information clearly.
• Ability to create and edit newsletters using Mailchimp and Microsoft Publisher.
• Displays patience and empathy when working with older adults and people with disabilities.
• Ability to create and manage your schedule.
• Conduct presentations to the community on topics affecting older adults and persons with disabilities, speak clearly and effectively before groups and answer questions appropriately.
• Capability to maintain effective professional relationships with elected officials, staff, residents, and vendors.

Education & Experience

• Associate degree in human services or related field preferred. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience are to be considered.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications including, but not limited to, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Polish, or other languages preferred.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events, meetings, or outreach opportunities as needed.
• Complete State of Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) training and maintain certification.
• Complete Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) Energy Services Technician Training and maintain certification.
• Following one year of employment, achieve and maintain certification as a Community Resource Specialist Aging/Disability (CRS-A/D) from the Alliance of Referral and Information Systems (AIRS).
• Engage in options for professional development as they become available.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will engage in a range of motions and is expected to be able to communicate effectively with staff and others. Adaptations and reasonable accommodations are provided to enable individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

• This position may involve Sitting or remaining stationary for extended periods and occasionally moving items up to 20 pounds for office needs or accessibility.
• Utilizing standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Reaching, grasping, or manipulating objects with hands and arms in an office setting.
• Engaging with files and technology at varying heights and locations, with accommodations as needed for accessibility.

Working Conditions

• This position is primarily performed indoors; however, it may require contact with outdoor weather at special events, outreach, or other meetings. Contact with low- to moderate-noise levels may be experienced during regular working hours and special activities.
• This position may require off-site training that may have other conditions not listed here.
• This position works directly with clients; as such, some clients may exhibit various behavioral concerns, such as yelling or agitation.
• It may require off-site training that may have other conditions not listed here.
• Able to work directly with diverse vendors and manage conflict.

Benefits

• This position is scheduled for 40 hours per week. The Township of Schaumburg offers a generous benefits package, including paid time off, significant medical, dental, vision, life, and to be part of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension (IMRF).