Information & Referral Specialist (CAIR)

Position: Information and Referral Specialist

Program: Cascadia Access, Information, and Referral (CAIR)

Cascadia’s Mission and Vision:  

Mission: Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve. 

Vision: We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.

Position Description: The Information and Referral Specialist works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to manage and complete the referral process, enroll clients in Respite services, complete Intakes, and to work with clients to participate in their recovery and discharge plan, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, it is required that the Information and Referral Specialist understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve.  

Essential Responsibilities

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary.  

• Determine the reason for the patient/clients call and accurately schedule appointments into Mental health, Substance use, Gambling, or primary care for all four health centers using Cascadia’s EHR(ochin/EPIC) system.

• Accurately schedule appointments using the scheduling template within Cascadia’s EHR system.

• Preform pre-registration in EHR (Ochin/EPIC) system.

• Obtain insurance information and verify coverage in 3rd party databases such as Noridian, Cim and MMIS.

• Initiate calls to help with scheduling, registration into our EHR(Ochin/epic) system, and referrals.

• Provide customer service to community members and referents calling with questions and referral needs.

• Document and maintain EHR (ochin/epic) and ancillary records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.

• Screen phone calls and direct patients/clients to appropriate services/departments.

• Complete CAIR screening and document in EHR (Ochin/Epic) system.

• Provide up to date information to intake clinicians/providers regarding scheduled appointments.

• Provide trauma informed customer service and help clients problem solve and access needed services.

• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, complete Columbia suicide severity rating scale (CSSRS).

• Following emergency protocols/procedures complete warm hand-offs to local crisis services such as county crisis lines or Urgent Walk in facilities.

• Demonstrate responsibility for safety; demonstrate familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.*

• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.

• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis per agency requirements. Attend seminars, training and other educational opportunities in order to develop professional skills and abilities.

• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Preferred: Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) certification.

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of full-time professional experience providing direct service to individuals in a social service setting. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rulings (OARs). Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO. 

Experience: 

• Two years of work experience in an office setting or demonstrated ability to fulfill the requirements of the position. 

Specialized Knowledge,