Communication Specialist

Communication Specialist Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (Remote)
Duration: 11+ Months, with Potential for Extension or Full-Time Conversion
Interview: Webcam Job Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Communication Specialist to support a statewide Maternal and Child Health (MCH) helpline program. This role connects pregnant women, mothers, women of childbearing age, and families with community-based services, healthcare resources, and early childhood support programs.

The ideal candidate has strong communication and active listening skills, experience working with families or community resources, and the ability to assess client needs and provide appropriate information, referrals, and follow-up support.

• Handle a high volume of incoming and outgoing calls to assist families with information, resources, and service referrals.

• Assess client needs, identify barriers to accessing services, and connect individuals with appropriate community resources.

• Conduct intake screenings and referral assessments for eligible pregnant women and families.

• Contact eligible clients in targeted counties and refer them to home visiting programs and other support services.

• Follow up with clients to ensure referrals are completed and service needs are addressed.

• Develop working knowledge of maternal and child health services, early childhood programs, Help Me Grow Indiana, home visiting, special education, and services for children and youth with special healthcare needs.

• Explain program eligibility requirements, referral and application processes, and available support services.

• Send referral confirmations and resource information to referral sources.

• Maintain accurate case files, client records, and referral documentation.

• Use the Vision Link database to document interactions, track referrals, and support information and referral services.

• Compile daily call and referral data, including call types, client needs, and service providers.

• Identify service gaps, access barriers, and recurring trends affecting families.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external community partners to improve service coordination.

• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, conferences, and workshops to maintain current knowledge of program requirements and best practices.

• Handle sensitive or stressful calls with professionalism, sound judgment, empathy, and discretion.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Communications, Social Work, Information Technology, Education, Special Education, Home Visiting, Health and Human Services, or a related field.

• Experience in client communication, community outreach, information and referral services, social services, healthcare support, or a related field.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent active listening, interviewing, and client needs assessment skills.

• Ability to identify appropriate healthcare, social service, and community resource referrals.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

• Ability to remain calm, compassionate, and professional when handling sensitive situations, crisis calls, or distressed clients.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accurate recordkeeping.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and work independently with minimal supervision.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

• Experience working with maternal and child health programs, pregnant women, mothers, infants, young children, or families with special needs.

• Knowledge of maternal health, early childhood development, and special needs conditions.

• Familiarity with community resource navigation, information and referral standards, and the Vision Link database.

• Knowledge of Indiana community services, home visiting programs, and early childhood support systems.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, Burmese, or Haitian Creole.