What are the responsibilities and job description for the Loan Closet Manager - (Human Services Specialist II) - Community Resources and Services position at Howard County Government?
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
- We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
- We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
- We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
- As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Manages The Loan Closet of Howard County as a reuse center and clearinghouse of donated assistive technology for Howard County residents of all ages. Provides consumers and caregivers with education and information to assist them in making informed choices about services needed. Counsels them on options available, services and programs that may be suitable for their particular needs and financial circumstances. Identifies at-risk consumers, their needs, and counsels them and their caregivers on appropriate services and programs. Where appropriate, refers consumers to local, State and National programs for and obtaining benefits and provides follow-up. Provides recommendations on policy and procedure issues, better ways to service the public, and changes in systems to promote efficiency.
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs intermediate professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes administering human service programs or providing specialized health and human services targeted to a special population; assists in formulating policies and developing goals and objectives; and providing a full range of counseling and referral services. Work may also include identifying and investigating complaints of unfair and deceptive practices and violations of local and State laws; and administering criminal justice and alternative sentencing programs.
- Oversees the development and day-to-day operations of the Loan Closet of Howard County and Home Accessibility and Repair (Home Modifications) program.
- Supervises Loan Closest staff, interns and volunteers.
- Creates and maintains a service and staffing model that allows the reuse of assistive technology activities and home modifications to be provided in a professional manner to the public mitigating risk to the county and consumer.
- Coordinates and develops public and private partnerships to provide a full scope of services and support to the Office of Disability Services.
- Conducts regular meetings with Loan Closet partners and coordinates partner activities to enhance services.
- Collaborates with healthcare professionals providing care to consumers in order to determine appropriate modification and assistive technology.
- Develops and oversees user services including consumer intake, assessment and matching device to consumer, training, delivery, and consumer follow-up.
- Develops and oversees program operations including appropriate facilities, device tracking and valuation of equipment.
- Evaluates the programs on an on-going basis and makes recommendations for modification as needed.
- Collects program statistics and outcome data with an evaluation plan that allows for modifications and improvement.
- Conducts screenings and assessment of need for DME and home modifications.
- Performs home assessment on occasion to determine appropriate modifications and equipment.
- Coordinates the collection of donations with the Equipment Manager.
- Produces programmatic and statistical reports for the state/federal agencies, public/private partners, and the community.
- Identifies additional funding sources and assists with grant preparation.
- Works to promote awareness of the Loan Closet and its services across all sectors of the community.
- Conducts public meetings and makes presentations regarding the Loan Closet of Howard County.
- Participate in activities related to Emergency Management as requested, including work outside normal business hours.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with County and Department policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing; making hiring recommendations to the appointing authority; providing timely orientation and on-going training; planning, assigning, and directing work; establishing annual goals and evaluating performance.
Bachelor's Degree and one (1) year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:- Experience working with elderly population.
- Licensed Occupational Therapist .
- Understanding of the role of Howard County governmental and other private or public programs in providing assistance to the aged population.
- Experience with geriatric assessment of needs and knowledge of durable medical equipment.
- Strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well with an ethnically diverse population.
- Strong computer proficiency especially with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database management and spreadsheet applications necessary.
- Proficiency in virtual platforms and use of technology for human services delivery.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
- Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
- Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
