Information and Referral Specialist

The Information and Referral Specialist is a part-time position responsible for providing information, guidance, and referrals to individuals who contact AuSM with questions about autism and assistance related to programming. Key duties include responding to phone calls, emails, and webform requests for information, compiling answers to frequently asked questions, and representing the organization in the community at resource fairs and events.

The Autism Society of Minnesota provides an Information and Referral Helpline Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm (US Central Time). Staffed by professionals, it is here to help individuals, families, and professionals seeking valuable information on available services and referrals and to better understand issues associated with autism. Information and Referral Specialists also leverage the Autism Society of America’s Autism Source online resource database, which contains over 35,000 listings of Autism service providers throughout the nation. The AuSM Information and Referral Helpline is a fantastic way to learn about resources and services in the area. Minnesota’s autism community relies on trained Information and Referral Specialists to explain resources and support options. While the Helpline can’t provide direct services and is not a crisis line, the Information and Referral Specialist will connect callers to resources and providers that can provide direct services.

This position is part of the Programs and Services Department and works closely with program and administrative staff. The Information and Referral Specialist reports to the Program Director and is critical to maintaining the organization’s position as Minnesota’s First Autism Resource.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Provide Information about Autism: Respond to inquiries about autism spectrum disorder and related issues by phone and email.
• Efficiency and Timeliness: Each call, email, or form inquiry triggers a Helpline ticket, which must be resolved within 48 business hours.
• Quality Assurance: Utilizing the guidance of documents provided by the organization, the Information and Referral Specialist will provide accurate and up-to-date information.
• Make Referrals: Utilizing the Autism SourceTM database maintained by the Autism Society of America, provide referrals to the public for relevant services, documenting each referral via email.
• Documentation: Develop and maintain appropriate reference materials relevant to autism and disability issues such as FAQs, response templates, and website copy.
• Reporting: Maintain accurate records on each client assisted, including, but not limited to, contact information, the nature of their inquiry, and information provided.
• Customer Service: Communicate with clients and external stakeholders in a respectful and professional manner.

Marginal Functions:

• Outreach: Conduct outreach and promote the organization’s programs and services across the state of Minnesota at community resource fairs and events. Some in-state travel required.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues and support operational redundancy through cross-functional training.
• Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention: While investigating complaints would be outside the authority of the organization, the Information and Referral Specialist will document complaints about service providers to reduce the likelihood of harmful referrals.
• Data Management and Privacy Protection: Leverage constituent data insights to observe and address inquiry trends over time while adhering to established data privacy and security standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in public service or waiver management roles such as case management, support planning, vocational rehabilitation, public health, or public policy required.
• Technical Knowledge: Industry knowledge about autism, disability services, and public benefit programs.
• Customer Service: Warm, personable, and helpful attitude.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal skills for communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Computer Skills: Excellent Mac computer skills, including Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and web-based phone and meeting systems (Zoom, Teams).
• Fraud and Waste Prevention: Candidate must not be included in the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) or the Minnesota Excluded Providers List.
• Compliance: Adhere to data privacy and protection laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Clear Background Screening: Upon receiving an offer for this position, the candidate will undergo a criminal background check because during their employment, they may access financial data or personally identifiable health information and may interact with vulnerable individuals.

Preferred Skills

• Education: A bachelor’s degree or comparable experience is strongly preferred.
• Shared Values: Neurodiversity-affirming mindset and values, including a commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, and disability justice.
• Nonprofit Experience: Experience working in the nonprofit sector, community-based organizations, or autism organizations.
• Self-Directed: Self-motivated to work independently with demonstrated organizational and multitasking skills.
• Cultural Humility: Demonstrated good judgment and cultural competence to support communication with a diverse range of individuals.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and/or verbal skills for communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Personal Connection to Autism: While not required, lived experience with autism spectrum disorder, neurodivergence, or disability is highly valued.

Position Details

• Part-time, non-exempt
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday (6 hours per day)
• St. Paul, MN - Hybrid position with remote work and two in-person days per week
• Comprehensive benefits include:
• Flexible work schedule in a hybrid work environment.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Optional health savings account (HSA), or flexible spending accounts (FSA) for health or childcare costs.
• Basic term life insurance.
• Short- and Long-term disability insurance.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Up to 35 days off per year (12-15 vacation days, 4-6 sick days, 12 holidays, and 2 personal days).
• Opportunities for advancement
• Inclusive and accessible work environment

About the Autism Society of Minnesota

Established in 1971, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. AuSM seeks to enhance the lives of all who are a part of the Minnesota autism community, with a fundamental commitment to advocacy, education, support, collaboration, and community building.

At AuSM, equity and inclusion are central to our mission. Bringing diverse perspectives together supports strategic creativity for meeting challenges and focusing on growth. We strive to develop a workplace that reflects the communities we serve – in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical ability, neurodiversity, and ethnicity. We value our team members and want everyone to feel confident in bringing their full, authentic selves to work.

AuSM employs many people with disabilities and understands that qualified applicants may require reasonable accommodations to be successful. If you have a disability that requires accommodation for the interview process, please request accommodations by contacting us at View email address on click.appcast.io.