The Access Specialist serves as an ambassador for Howard Center and is often the first point of contact for new clients. In this office/remote role, the specialist answers incoming calls for individuals of all ages and diagnoses and helps create a welcoming, supportive first experience.
The Access Specialist provides information, systems navigation, initial screening, basic eligibility determination, schedules intake assessments, and knowledge of services.
This detail-oriented position is part of the Access and Intake program and offers the opportunity to work with a fun, close-knit team. The Access Specialist collaborates closely with the Access and Intake team to deliver timely, seamless service and excellent customer support.
Responsibilities:
- Establish professional relationships with clients and families seeking help
- Provide initial contact point for anyone contacting Howard Center
- Provide information about internal and external programs, resources and services
- Provide systems navigation
- Complete brief initial screening
- Schedule appointments for intake assessments
- Complete basic eligibility determination
- Complete clinical documentation in electronic health record
Requirements:
- A combination of experience and education will be considered
- Two years’ experience working in human services
- Experience with systems navigation, diverse populations, and knowledge of the array of services available required
Structure:
- Part time (24 hrs/wk)
- AFSCME Union (dues will apply)
- Starting at $22.52/ hour
- We offer a competitive salary commensurate to experience
Benefits:
- Generous time off starting at 36 days of combined time off per year for full-time employees (and increasing with years of service); pro-rated for positions 16 hours or more
- Comprehensive Health Insurance with 80% agency-paid premium support for individuals, couples, and families (pro-rated for part time). This Point of Service Plan features no deductible.
- Two Dental options
- Vision Insurance
- Employer 401(k) contributions
- Employer Paid Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term insurance
- Medical & Childcare Flexible Spending Account
- Childcare Stipend
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee referral program with financial payment
- Discounted online undergraduate/graduate courses through Champlain
- College truED
- Award-winning workplace wellness program including physical fitness groups for staff, financial wellness incentives, and ongoing workplace wellness advocacy and education
- Voluntary benefits from local/international businesses: discounted gym memberships, mobile phone service, ski/snowboard passes, auto/home insurance, and more!
- Employee referral and sign on bonus is subject to Howard Center policy
Our Values: Clients are at the heart of our decision making. We are committed to individual and collective well-being and success. We are responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We are steadfast in our practice and pursuit of excellence.
Howard Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The agency’s culture and service delivery is strengthened by the diversity of its workforce. Minorities, people of color and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EOE/TTY. Visit “About Us” to review Howard Center’s EOE policy.
Howard Center established the Diversity Coordinator position in 2006. In 2015, Howard Center contracted with Abundant Sun to help collect and analyze demographic data. The same year, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was integrated into the overall Strategic Plan and became accountable to the Board of Directors. In 2017, DEI was formally recognized as a department. In 2022 the organization hired its first DEI director and now runs a department comprising the director, manager, and coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Today, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department implements key initiatives both within and beyond the Howard Center community:
• Bi-monthly Roundtable discussions open to all Howard Center employees, including: neurodiversity, psychiatric survivors, destigmatizing houselessness, trans affirming care and cultural compassion.
• Bi-monthly toolkits on topics such as: Juneteenth, intersectionality, microaggressions.
• Mandatory staff training on unconscious bias, inclusive language, and racial and cultural competence.
• Contributions to our free and open to the public Community Education Series.
• Participation in the local Pride Parade and regional conferences.
• Collaborative work with community partners.
• Policy and systemic advocacy within the agency.
• Collaborations with HR to ensure inclusive hiring, retention, and accommodation support for staff.
