Information and Referral Specialist Jobs in Bellingham, WA
An Information and Referral Specialist in the social service industry serves as a critical link between individuals or communities and needed resources. They assist clients by identifying their needs, providing relevant information, and directing them to suitable social services, such as housing, food assistance, healthcare, or counseling. The specialist conducts in-depth interviews with clients, maintains a current database of resources, and follows up to ensure the clients have accessed the services. They also liaise with other professionals in the social service industry to foster collaboration and enhance service delivery.
Essential skills for this role include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with diverse populations. Familiarity with databases, data entry, and research skills are also crucial. A certification such as the Certified Information and Referral Specialist (CIRS) is often required, as it demonstrates a thorough understanding of the information and referral process. Prior roles that could lead to this position might include Social Service Assistant, Case Manager, or Community Outreach Coordinator, which all provide valuable experience in navigating social services and working directly with clients in need.
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Demographic Data for Bellingham, WA
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Salary for Information and Referral Specialist Jobs in Bellingham, WA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Information and Referral Specialist positions.
Highest Education Level
Information and Referral Specialists in Bellingham, WA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Information and Referral Specialist position
- Employee Relations
- Human Resources Management
- Employee Retention
- Resource Management
- New Hire Paperwork
- HR Policies & Procedures
- Natural Resource Management
- SHRM Certified Professional
- SHRM Senior Certified Professional
- Employment Verification
- Exit Interviews
- Endangered Species
- New Hire Orientation
- Community Resources
- Social Services
- Homeless Services
- Human Services
- Home Visits
- Anxiety
- Community Service
- Program Coordination
- Cultural Competency
- Special Education
- Advocacy
- Crisis Management
- Community Outreach
- Client Services
- Organizational Development
- Wellness
- Business Correspondence
- Referrals
- Recordkeeping
- Interviewing
- Implementation
- Prioritizing
- Written Communication
- Verbal Communication
- Telephone Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Collaboration
- Events
- Flexibility
- Documentation
- Education Experience
- Public Speaking
- Reporting
- Bachelor's Degree
- Filing
- Regulations
- Spanish
- Policy Development
- English
- Multitasking
- Problem Solving
- Microsoft Office
- Sales
- Bilingual
- Research Skills
- Time Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Staff Supervision
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Computer Skills
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
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