This has prompted several inquiries, so here’s basic info
about how we’ve handled the VITA scheduling. I’ve uploaded
some documents to our website as well: http://www.ihsnet.org/pages.asp?CatID=3,
click on Southern Tier CA$H.
For two counties, population of almost 200,000, we handled
appointments for approximately 15 sites, which meant nearly 5,000 calls and
slightly fewer appointments.
Promotional materials indicated to dial 2-1-1 for an
appointment, after January 15. For each site, we collected information
including location, directions, where snow closings were announced, contact
person (e-mail & phone #), times and dates of appointments including #
slots, start time, end time, duration of appointments, other information.
We loaded the appointments into a program called vcalendar (www.vcalendar.org, open source) which we
then added as a link under Employee Links on the Institute’s website (www.ihsnet.org, at the bottom of the home
page). Site coordinators were provided a log-in so that they could review
the appointments for their site, add notes (but not delete an event), and make
reminder calls the night before. We use this software for scheduling
appointments for other contracts and it’s a great tool.
2-1-1 Helpline staff take name and phone number and plug it into
a slot on the appropriate date, depending on the needs of the callers, which
include their transportation options, if they have a preference for a specific
location, etc. The site coordinators manage the site and tell us how long
to reserve for each appointment (an hour in one location, 20 minutes in
another, depending on the expertise of the preparers and the types of returns
done for the site’s clientele).
We log the call in our I&R software (Refer) and the
name/number in the calendars. It does require having to switch from one
software to another. Our records in Refer are detailed enough that we can
keep an approximate count of how many referrals were made to a specific site,
under the record for United Way of the Southern Tier as the lead agency in the
collaborative venture. UWST has added a dedicated telephone number to
handle exceptions, questions about the status of a return, that sort of thing.
In the event of a weather-related closing, 2-1-1 Helpline staff
have handled much of the rescheduling, since it saves a phone call – if
site coordinators made those calls they’d just have to refer people to us
to make another appointment.
I do have figures for staffing and daily/hourly call
volume. Our staffing model is that we have several positions that are
shared with other departments and we’ve re-assigned them as needed to
handle peak call volume. We also have a part-time person we can assign
for those periods we think are going to be high, plus a volunteer or two.
Our total call volume for 2008 was just over 25,000, so this was a big
proportion of calls coming in between mid-January and mid-April. It was
confounded by the stimulus payments as well.
Each caller was given the list of documents to bring, and was
also told at the end of the call what 2-1-1 is all about. Preparers were
asked to give out our brochures as well.
I know there will be more questions – happy to answer what
I can.
From: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Anne Fogoros Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 5:26 PM To: 'airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com' Subject: [airsnetworker] RE: EITC/VITA
Hi Carol,
Thanks so
much for the information. I would love to learn more about your program because
your model sounds like one we could use here. I’d be interested in
learning how many staff you need to hire to handle the additional call volume,
which months/days/hours you get the most calls, and a general idea of what you
are paid. I have some time to talk next Tuesday morning if that would
work for you or feel free to just send me an e-mail.
We are
looking forward to coming to New York for the AIRS Conference!
Thanks
Again. If Tuesday morning will work for you, please let me know.
The
information contained in this e-mail is intended solely for the named
addressee. Viewing, copying or distribution of this e-mail or its information
by any other person is unauthorized. If you are not the intended
recipient, notify the sender by returning the e-mail and delete this e-mail
from your system.
From: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Carol Wood Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 11:41 AM To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com Subject: [airsnetworker] RE: EITC/VITA
Hi Anne –
We handle appointments for EITC/VITA for
3 counties. Last year’s call volume, for 2 counties, was just under
5000 calls. The amount we receive depends a bit on what our relationship
is with the individual county – if they are supporting our other efforts,
especially information & referral generally, our pricing is lower.
The pricing varies too based on # of sites, general scope of the program.
We use vcalendar (open source scheduling
program) to set up the appointments, so that site coordinators may access the
information as well. We do not make reminder calls the night before but
we generally prefer to do rescheduling if a site has to close due to weather or
other emergencies. Site coordinators may print the daily lists which
include # slots per time period, name and telephone number.
We keep track of the calls in Refer and
the appointments in vcalendar. It’s not as efficient as using one
software for logging the call and tracking the appointment, but we wanted the
site coordinators to have access and this saved us a lot of programming
expense. We do not log the callers’ names or telephone numbers in
Refer so it is not double data entry.
Quite often, when we let the caller know
that we are an information & referral service, we are asked other
questions. Site coordinators are expected to promote our 2-1-1 Helpline
program and they are given cards to hand out to each client. So we view
this as a promotional program as well as a contracted service.
Let me know if you have any questions
– we are pleased with the way the connections are made on this program
and we are starting in on our third year… first training is this
afternoon!
From:
airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com [mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Anne Fogoros Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 9:36 AM To: 'airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com' Subject: [airsnetworker] EITC/VITA
If your call center receives funding for taking
EITC/VITA calls or for scheduling appointments, I would appreciate knowing how
many calls you handle and the amount of the funding you receive.
The information contained in this e-mail is intended
solely for the named addressee. Viewing, copying or distribution of this e-mail
or its information by any other person is unauthorized. If you are not
the intended recipient, notify the sender by returning the e-mail and delete
this e-mail from your system.
We use 2-1-1to schedule and provide information about our community tax clinics. We also use an online scheduling system ... relatively inexpensive. Our funding comes from the State Of Michigan for the work that 2-1-1 performs. We are paid a "base rate" for making the referrals and collaborating with the community. We also have built in incentives that pay extra for the scheduling as well as a volume incentive.
This financial incentive has encouraged us to be more "outreach" oriented with callers who are not calling directly about tax assistance, but to folks who clearly are in poverty (Basic Needs calls and some others as well).
The funding is terrific because we were doing much of this work anyway.
On Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 9:36 AM, Anne Fogoros <afogoros@...> wrote:
If your call center receives funding for taking EITC/VITA calls or for scheduling appointments, I would appreciate knowing how many calls you handle and the amount of the funding you receive.
The information contained in this e-mail is intended solely for the named addressee. Viewing, copying or distribution of this e-mail or its information by any other person is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, notify the sender by returning the e-mail and delete this e-mail from your system.
--
2008 Crisis Center Excellence Award Winner William Pell Executive Director 1104 South Westnedge
Kalamazoo, Mi 49008 269-381-1510 wpell@...
Thanks so much for the information. I
would love to learn more about your program because your model sounds like one
we could use here. I’d be interested in learning how many staff you need to
hire to handle the additional call volume, which months/days/hours you get the
most calls, and a general idea of what you are paid. I have some time to talk
next Tuesday morning if that would work for you or feel free to just send me an
e-mail.
We are looking forward to coming to New
York for the AIRS Conference!
Thanks Again. If Tuesday morning will work
for you, please let me know.
The information contained in this e-mail
is intended solely for the named addressee. Viewing, copying or distribution of
this e-mail or its information by any other person is unauthorized. If
you are not the intended recipient, notify the sender by returning the e-mail
and delete this e-mail from your system.
From:
airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com [mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Carol Wood Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009
11:41 AM To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com Subject: [airsnetworker] RE:
EITC/VITA
Hi Anne –
We handle appointments for EITC/VITA for
3 counties. Last year’s call volume, for 2 counties, was just under 5000
calls. The amount we receive depends a bit on what our relationship is
with the individual county – if they are supporting our other efforts,
especially information & referral generally, our pricing is lower.
The pricing varies too based on # of sites, general scope of the program.
We use vcalendar (open source scheduling
program) to set up the appointments, so that site coordinators may access the
information as well. We do not make reminder calls the night before but
we generally prefer to do rescheduling if a site has to close due to weather or
other emergencies. Site coordinators may print the daily lists which
include # slots per time period, name and telephone number.
We keep track of the calls in Refer and
the appointments in vcalendar. It’s not as efficient as using one
software for logging the call and tracking the appointment, but we wanted the
site coordinators to have access and this saved us a lot of programming
expense. We do not log the callers’ names or telephone numbers in Refer
so it is not double data entry.
Quite often, when we let the caller know
that we are an information & referral service, we are asked other
questions. Site coordinators are expected to promote our 2-1-1 Helpline
program and they are given cards to hand out to each client. So we view
this as a promotional program as well as a contracted service.
Let me know if you have any questions –
we are pleased with the way the connections are made on this program and we are
starting in on our third year… first training is this afternoon!
From: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Anne Fogoros Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009
9:36 AM To: 'airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com' Subject: [airsnetworker] EITC/VITA
If your call center receives funding for taking EITC/VITA calls or for
scheduling appointments, I would appreciate knowing how many calls you handle
and the amount of the funding you receive.
The information contained in this e-mail is intended solely for the
named addressee. Viewing, copying or distribution of this e-mail or its
information by any other person is unauthorized. If you are not the
intended recipient, notify the sender by returning the e-mail and delete this e-mail
from your system.
Afternoon, Morning all,
I am looking for some advice from other 211's that are presently operating
`remotely' from an agent's residence. What type of ISP are you using? We are
currently trying AT&T Broadband cards, but are finding this is not working due
to spotty coverage supplied by AT&T. Any thoughts & suggestions on how you were
able to succeed in this please let me know, I thank you for your time.
George West
Supervisor
United Way 2-1-1 of Missouri
Direct: (314) 242-1804
Call Center: 211
Toll-Free: (800) 427-4626
TTY: (866) 385-6525
E-Mail: george.west@...
URL-1: http://www.211missouri.org
URL-2: http://www.211southwestillinois.org
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail may contain information that is privileged,
confidential, and/or otherwise protected from disclosure to anyone other than
its intended recipient(s). Any dissemination or use of this e-mail or its
contents by persons other than the intended recipient(s) is strictly prohibited.
If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender
immediately by e-mail or telephone so that we may correct our internal records.
Please then delete this e-mail in its entirety. Thank you.
I am still trying to pull together the idea of an online course based on "real calls" (i.e. voiced from transcripts with identifying information removed). Does anyone have any such transcripts???!?
One of the improvements in the upcoming edition of the ABCs of I&R ("Please renew or upgrade at the Enhanced membership level to receive your free copy, plus help to keep AIRS viable because if everyone joined at the Basic level, we would not be!"), is an enhancement to the section on Serving Military Personnel and their Families ...
... anyway, as part of the research, this resource may be worth sharing immediately ...
www.MilitaryMentalHealth.org is an online mental health screening tool that provides an anonymous self-assessment for depression, alcohol disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. Individuals can print the results of their assessments to take with them to a health care provider.
We handle appointments for EITC/VITA for 3 counties. Last
year’s call volume, for 2 counties, was just under 5000 calls. The
amount we receive depends a bit on what our relationship is with the individual
county – if they are supporting our other efforts, especially information
& referral generally, our pricing is lower. The pricing varies too
based on # of sites, general scope of the program.
We use vcalendar (open source scheduling program) to set up the
appointments, so that site coordinators may access the information as
well. We do not make reminder calls the night before but we generally
prefer to do rescheduling if a site has to close due to weather or other
emergencies. Site coordinators may print the daily lists which include #
slots per time period, name and telephone number.
We keep track of the calls in Refer and the appointments in
vcalendar. It’s not as efficient as using one software for logging
the call and tracking the appointment, but we wanted the site coordinators to
have access and this saved us a lot of programming expense. We do not log
the callers’ names or telephone numbers in Refer so it is not double data
entry.
Quite often, when we let the caller know that we are an
information & referral service, we are asked other questions. Site
coordinators are expected to promote our 2-1-1 Helpline program and they are
given cards to hand out to each client. So we view this as a promotional
program as well as a contracted service.
Let me know if you have any questions – we are pleased
with the way the connections are made on this program and we are starting in on
our third year… first training is this afternoon!
From:
airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com [mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Anne Fogoros Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 9:36 AM To: 'airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com' Subject: [airsnetworker] EITC/VITA
If
your call center receives funding for taking EITC/VITA calls or for scheduling
appointments, I would appreciate knowing how many calls you handle and the
amount of the funding you receive.
The
information contained in this e-mail is intended solely for the named
addressee. Viewing, copying or distribution of this e-mail or its information
by any other person is unauthorized. If you are not the intended
recipient, notify the sender by returning the e-mail and delete this e-mail
from your system.
we have our agency on face book, not a lot happening though
--- On Thu, 12/11/09, Clive Jones <clivemjones@...> wrote:
From: Clive Jones <clivemjones@...> Subject: [airsnetworker] Aging agencies -- just wondering ... To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, 12 November, 2009, 19:05
... but are any of our AAA or ADRC members getting involved with any social media initiatives (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)?? ... we're pondering a webinar and would love to get examples from across the spectrum of I&R.
We direct calls to the VITA sites using their website, we don't include the sites in our database because they are short lived. We receive $175 per quarter ($700). We took 673 calls last year, up from 428 the previous year.
We are having the conversation about setting appointments for the northern region in tax year 2011 (not this coming January but January a year) but have not found a scheduler software that is compatible with IRis. We are talking to Bowman as well about software development. We are trying to avoid double entry.
And my morning canceled, so I'm working my way through emails and will respond to your other request before lunch.
/r
Robin AR Smith, CIRS, LSW, MGM Executive Director WV 211 PO Box 211 Mannington, WV 26582 304-376-3102 http://www.wv211.org/
Adjunct Faculty Division of Social Work West Virginia University I check email at 8:30 AM, noon and 3:30 PM. If you need attention other than these times, please call.
If your call center receives funding for taking EITC/VITA calls or for scheduling appointments, I would appreciate knowing how many calls you handle and the amount of the funding you receive.
The information contained in this e-mail is intended solely for the named addressee. Viewing, copying or distribution of this e-mail or its information by any other person is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, notify the sender by returning
the e-mail and delete this e-mail from your system.
I would do a much larger medium communication policy rather than a policy specific to online networking tools like Twitter, Facebook, Friendfeed, MySpace, etc. A larger carefully thought out staff communication policy would address the important issues that can come up on any of these tools. Visit the sites and observe what behaviors currently exist and incorporate the Do's and Don'ts. Include paragraphs or subsections dealing with appropriate/inappropriate behaviors/ I don't think making one for Twitter amd Facebook alone is the way to go. Make it more broad. See the following for ideas:
Policy Highlights Regarding Open Mediums
The organization should have a clear policy that addresses:
Appropriate/Inappropriate language (Unfortunately, some need it spelled out.)
Appropriateness of links provided (You would not want links to refelct negative tastes, political views, or religion.)
Non-political links and tweets
Personal Vs. Organization twitters/tweets/facebook/myspace or any public forum or medium
Tweet/Facebook/Myspace/post/other communications with the organizational mission in mind at all times.
The tweeters/facebookers/myspacers should understand they are representing the organization and that their personal viewpoints should never override information provided and should never dictate information shared or re-stated.
Maintaining and Building Your Online Community of Networking Members
Allowed: Tweet organizational related material. Re-tweet information that you know your network will appreciate.
Not Allowed: Arguing, flaming or using derogatory language when tweeting.
Allowed: Stay positive and friendly. Share, share, share. Be CAREFUL what you share!
Not Allowed: Sharing Offensive material. An example, someone may share a youtube video that may seem funny to you but offensive in nature. It is not appropriate or welcomed to share it. Keep it to yourself and delete the posting or delete the person/group. Although we are not responsible for what others post, we can be viewed as a congruent partner in something distasteful if we re-post, share, or comment.
Allowed: Be private in sending messages to network members you do business with. Always remember you are a representative of the organization which ultimately is a reflection of who you are individually - which could cost you your job. Be very serious about defaming remarks posted by employees who may be having a bad day and go online to vent, even on their personal accounts.
--- On Fri, 11/13/09, Brian <brian.dunn@...> wrote:
From: Brian <brian.dunn@...> Subject: [airsnetworker] Facebook and Twitter Policies To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, November 13, 2009, 3:35 PM
Does anyone use face book and twitter for I&R? If so do you have any good examples of how you use it? Do you have set up policies and procedures, if so can you email them to me? Greatly appreciated!
Does anyone use face book and twitter for I&R? If so do you have any good
examples of how you use it? Do you have set up policies and procedures, if so
can you email them to me? Greatly appreciated!
Brian Dunn
brian.dunn@...
There is a new National Working Group for Disaster Recovery and you can submit comments. I think everyone should consider commenting on how 2-1-1 can help serve the nation after a disaster occurs. I thought I'd pass it along.
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ready Campaign<ready@...>
Date: Fri, Nov 13, 2009 at 9:57 AM Subject: DisasterRecoveryWorkingGroup.gov To: jamiec@...
Below you will find the link to an interagency web site where you can submit input towards the development of the National Disaster Recovery Framework. Please visit the web site to learn more about the process that is underway. Please share it with your community, colleagues and stakeholders so they can also provide input. www.DisasterRecoveryWorkingGroup.gov
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-- Jamie Carter Director of 2-1-1 VIRGINA, Northern Region CrisisLink
703-516-6774 (direct) | 703-516-6767 (f) jamiec@... | www.CrisisLink.org
Mailing Address: 2503-D N. Harrison St. #114, Arlington, VA 22207 United Way #8265 | CFC #98663 | CVC #8072
Have you updated your programs in the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA database? Go to www.211virginia.org or dial 2-1-1 to update your agency today!
... but are any of our AAA or ADRC members getting involved with any social media initiatives (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)?? ... we're pondering a webinar and would love to get examples from across the spectrum of I&R.
We converted from IRis 3.0 to IRis 4.0 and are quite satisfied
with the product and the service. We also use the IRis online database for our
211 (www.211database.org )
From:
airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com [mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Robyn Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 8:59 AM To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com Subject: [airsnetworker] New database
My agency is currently operating our I & R
service on IRis v. 3. We are exploring other databases and are very interested
in learning about what others are using, how satisified you are, what you used
before, how the transition process was, etc.
My agency is currently operating our I & R service on IRis v. 3. We are
exploring other databases and are very interested in learning about what others
are using, how satisified you are, what you used before, how the transition
process was, etc.
Thanks!
One major drawback to this service is the lack of space to put in useful
information such as:
Restrictions for vaccinations (H1N1 high risk groups for instance)
Insurance accepted (if any) for seasonal flu vaccines
It's an interesting tool, but somewhat limited. My agency, which runs a
statewide flu shot hotline and is partnering with our state's department of
health services on H1N1 clinics, looked into using something similar and just
found it to be too restrictive to be able to get some vital information to
consumers. We felt they might show up at clinics expecting a particular service,
copay, or a free shot, and would find their expectations unmet which would then
end up back in our court with angry clients.
For this year, we've stuck with our browsable lists of flu vaccination sites. If
we can find the right application, we'd like to move to a mapable search, but
we're still looking for that app.
Steve Eastwood
Resource Specialist/Webmaster
Community Information & Referral
www.cir.org
-----Original Message-----
From: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com on behalf of dickmanikowski
Sent: Wed 11/11/2009 1:44 PM
To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [airsnetworker] Find Nearby Flu Shots with Google Maps
This Lifehacker post
<http://lifehacker.com/5402366/find-nearby-flu-shots-with-google-maps>
describes the service and links to the site.
--Dick Manikowski, AIRS Journal editor
Hi everyone. Do any of you use WebInform? We use it for our Mental Health
Association provider database, and I have some general questions I would like to
ask other users. Thanks!
Our
music is pretty nondescript, but we insert around three or four scripts of
helpful information for people on hold such as program updates, any
disaster information, H1N1, etc. I like to think people are being helped by the
on-hold messages.
Hannah
Newton
Certified Resource Specialist
Crisis Clinic
(206) 461-3210 Ex. 618 hnewton@... Need
help but don't know where to turn?Dial 2-1-1. Visit
http://www.crisisclinic.org/newsletters/Archives.html
and subscribe to "Resource Talk," Crisis Clinic's monthly
e-newsletter.
This message is targeted to I&R/A programs with direct disaster response and recovery experience:
The new White House Long-Term Disaster Recovery Group is working on a Report to the President and the National Disaster Recovery Framework. I know that many of your 2-1-1s have direct experience in disaster response and recovery. This gives you an opportunity BOTH to comment on making the disaster response and recovery system better (using 2-1-1 observations and statistics) AND to advocate for inclusion of 2-1-1 as a part of the infrastructure and recovery system.
·How would you define a successful disaster recovery?
·Are there clear phases in the disaster recovery process that are useful milestones?
·What features of Federal disaster recovery assistance are most important to you?
·How would you measure progress and what specific metrics should be considered for a successful disaster recovery?
·What are best practices in managing recovery from disasters?
·What are the appropriate state, local, and tribal, roles in leading disaster recovery efforts?
·How can the nonprofit and private sectors be better integrated into recovery?
·What are best practices for community recovery planning that incorporates public input?
·How can federal, state, and local disaster planning and recovery processes and programs be best coordinated?
·As disaster recovery is primarily a state and local leadership issue, what are best practices for the timing (including start and end) and form of federal assistance and coordination?
·What are the greatest capacity challenges that local and state governments face in disaster recovery and what are the best practices for increasing that capacity?
·What are best practices for marshaling Federal assistance -- both financial and professional support - to support state and local efforts to recover from a disaster, and how can we work together to better leverage existing Federal grant dollars?
·What unmet needs are common to most disasters that do not seem to be adequately addressed under the current systems and programs? (INCLUDE LINKS TO STATS IF AVAIL ONLINE)
·What are best practices for integrating economic and environmental sustainability into recovery?
·What are best practices for integrating mitigation and resilience into recovery?
Please forward this to your partners that have best practice learnings or statistics to share!
Thanks in advance for your advocating use of best practices in disaster recovery.
Charlene Hipes
Chief Operating Officer
Alliance of Information and Referral Systems
PO Box 33095
Portland, OR 97292
503/257-3537
fax 503/251-8383
charlenehipes@...
www.airs.org
An online training course that would focus on
listening to "real" calls or audio files drawn from real calls is an
excellent idea!.This would be both a practical and popular on-line
offering.
I think training by listening to prerecorded
calls, either real or simulated, is a is both a useful tool and
method. We have created wave/audio files of pre-scripted, simulated
inquiries that we use in training. We use an open source software for
recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft
Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. Best of all it is
free. I attaching the link.
The benefit of training with audio recordings is that it gives I&R
Specialists an opportunity to listen to, assess and reflect upon how a
call was handled. What were the positive aspects of the call? What was
done correctly? What needed to be improved?
I am glad that the field is exploring the possibility of creating an
audio resource of I&R's Greatest (and not so greatest) Hits that
the whole field could use. Oddly enough, most of the training resources
for I&R Specialists are written or visual and yet the job is
largely based upon audio (hearing and listening). This is a much needed
training resource.
.
Happy to help in any way.
-- Signature DocFaed Hendry
Manager, Training and Outreach (CIRS)
Findhelp Information Services / Services d'information Findhelp 543 Richmond St W, Ste 125, Box 203, Toronto, ON,
M5V 1Y6
Tel: 416-392-4544 | Fax: 416-392-4404 | fhendry@... | www.findhelp.ca
Call 211 for free information on community, social, health and related
government services or visit 211Toronto.ca.
More information... Blue Book | Data Services | Possibilities | Professional Training
This e-mail is intended only for the recipient(s) to whom it is
addressed. Other use is prohibited.
It’s a GREEN world after all! Think
before you print.
From: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com [mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Melissa Ryan-Wocken Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:24 AM To: 'airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com' Subject: RE: [airsnetworker] Training through listening to calls
I agree. I think that kind of training is very helpful even to those who have at this for awhile.
-----Original Message----- From: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com [mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Barbara Fisher Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 6:56 AM To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [airsnetworker] Training through listening to calls
Hi Clive,
I think this would be a great asset. It would be helpful in training, but also a quick refresher for old timers, to hear other call specialists' responses and queries.
We are thinking of an online training course that would focus on listening to "real" calls or audio files drawn from real calls (but with any identification removed) -- i.e. that are able to show the disjointed way that information is usually presented to the I&R/A Specialist and how (not always wirth 100% success), we are able to create rapport, shift through the situation by asking questions and steering towards priorities, etc. It might be a great training tool to have 5-6 of these for folks to listen and analyze.
By the way, this idea is 100% taken from some of the innovative work being done by Charlotte Anderson and her colleagues at Trident United Way in Charleston, South Carolina ....
Has anyone else been doing anything in this direction with maybe some variations and/or have any suggestions on the best way to "recreate" the feeling of listening to a live call? (e.g. working off transcripts and revoicing?)
I’m torn on this issue. Currently, we do not
have any type of hold music. The main reason is due to people in crisis
or suicidal. What type of music is appropriate for someone who is
thinking of harming themselves or for a woman who has just been beaten by her
spouse? So our Center has made the decision to error on the side of
caution and do not have any hold music.
What do folks listen to while you have them on hold?
Any idea what works best? (I tried classical music once -- Vivaldi, I think --
but complaints came that folks preferred a local radio station). This always
struck me as likely to be very inappropriate depending on why people were
waiting but still ...
I bring this up (a) because it is interesting (b) we don't have anything other
than everyone's own "we think" and (c) I was on hold to a bank today
and they used soothing nature music - the sounds of whales trickling down
forest streams amidst light rainfall and the chirping of yellow-crested
warblers -- that sort of thing ... but oddly enough, I found it more
calming/less annoying than most other options I have come across ...
-----Original Message----- From: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Barbara Fisher Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
6:56 AM To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [airsnetworker]
Training through listening to calls
Hi Clive,
I think this would be a great asset. It would be helpful in training,
but also a quick refresher for old timers, to hear other call
specialists' responses and queries.
We are thinking of an online training course that would focus on
listening to "real" calls or audio files drawn from real calls (but
with
any identification removed) -- i.e. that are able to show the disjointed
way that information is usually presented to the I&R/A Specialist and
how (not always wirth 100% success), we are able to create rapport,
shift through the situation by asking questions and steering towards
priorities, etc. It might be a great training tool to have 5-6 of these
for folks to listen and analyze.
By the way, this idea is 100% taken from some of the innovative work
being done by Charlotte Anderson and her colleagues at Trident United
Way in Charleston, South Carolina ....
Has anyone else been doing anything in this direction with maybe some
variations and/or have any suggestions on the best way to "recreate"
the
feeling of listening to a live call? (e.g. working off transcripts and
revoicing?)
Hi Clive,
I think this would be a great asset. It would be helpful in training,
but also a quick refresher for old timers, to hear other call
specialists' responses and queries.
Barb
FCFH 211 Susquehanna River Region
-----Original Message-----
From: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Clive Jones
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 3:06 PM
To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [airsnetworker] Training through listening to calls
Dear all,
Helpful ideas/suggestions needed ...
We are thinking of an online training course that would focus on
listening to "real" calls or audio files drawn from real calls (but with
any identification removed) -- i.e. that are able to show the disjointed
way that information is usually presented to the I&R/A Specialist and
how (not always wirth 100% success), we are able to create rapport,
shift through the situation by asking questions and steering towards
priorities, etc. It might be a great training tool to have 5-6 of these
for folks to listen and analyze.
By the way, this idea is 100% taken from some of the innovative work
being done by Charlotte Anderson and her colleagues at Trident United
Way in Charleston, South Carolina ....
Has anyone else been doing anything in this direction with maybe some
variations and/or have any suggestions on the best way to "recreate" the
feeling of listening to a live call? (e.g. working off transcripts and
revoicing?)
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!
Clive Jones
AIRS
I recall such a statistic - although I thought it was 7-8 calls - used by a
2-1-1 United Way Atlanta exec some years ago -- may be in one of the early
studies on the nede for 2-1-1 in the 2-1-1 Toolkit on the AIRS website.
Audrey J. May
Public Services Supervisor
2-1-1 LINC
Memphis Public Library & Information Center
3030 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111
phone (901) 415-2718
FAX (901) 323-7206
email maya@...
________________________________
From: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Martha Love
Sent: Tue 11/10/2009 1:01 PM
To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [airsnetworker] Looking for origin of this statistic: "Studies show
that most individuals average 14 calls in search of help"
---I think Ruby Payne included a similar statistic in her book A Framework for
Understanding Poverty (2005). I can research it for you, if you don't get a
definitive answer on the listserv.
Martha Love
2-1-1 Certified Resource Specialist and Special Projects and
Volunteer Coordinator
Springfield-Greene County Library District
P.O. Box 760
Springfield, MO 65801
(417) 616-0580 - office
(417) 889-2547 - fax
literacyrocks@...
--- On Mon, 11/9/09, Jamie Carter <jamiec@...> wrote:
From: Jamie Carter <jamiec@...>
Subject: [airsnetworker] Looking for origin of this statistic: "Studies show
that most individuals average 14 calls in search of help"
To: 2-1-1DISCUSSION-L@..., airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 11:49 AM
Does anyone know where this statistic originated from?
--
Jamie Carter
Director of 2-1-1 VIRGINA, Northern Region
CrisisLink
703-516-6774 (direct) | 703-516-6767 (f)
jamiec@crisislink. org
<http://us.mc575.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jamiec@crisislink.org> |
www.CrisisLink. org <http://www.crisislink.org/>
Mailing Address: 2503-D N. Harrison St. #114, Arlington, VA 22207
United Way #8265 | CFC #98663 | CVC #8072
Have you updated your programs in the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA database? Go to
www.211virginia. org <http://www.211virginia.org/> or dial 2-1-1 to update your
agency today!
Our ACD phone system allows us to have a line that can be used to listen in on live calls, yet the listener can't be heard or otherwise affect the call. While the trainee is listening, they're also using the database to find resources that may be useful for the caller. We've been using this as part of our training for several years now, and it's proven to be an invaluable part of the process. First of all, as you pointed out, the trainee gets to hear how the conversations go. Secondly, they're getting real time experience using the database. Finally, the trainee is encouraged to ask questions of the phone specialists about how they found a listing, why they said A instead of B, etc., so they start to build a rapport with their co-workers.
From: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com [mailto:airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Clive Jones Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 10:06 AM To: airsnetworker@yahoogroups.com Subject: [airsnetworker] Training through listening to calls
Dear all,
Helpful ideas/suggestions needed ...
We are thinking of an online training course that would focus on listening to "real" calls or audio files drawn from real calls (but with any identification removed) -- i.e. that are able to show the disjointed way that information is usually presented to the I&R/A Specialist and how (not always wirth 100% success), we are able to create rapport, shift through the situation by asking questions and steering towards priorities, etc. It might be a great training tool to have 5-6 of these for folks to listen and analyze.
By the way, this idea is 100% taken from some of the innovative work being done by Charlotte Anderson and her colleagues at Trident United Way in Charleston, South Carolina ....
Has anyone else been doing anything in this direction with maybe some variations and/or have any suggestions on the best way to "recreate" the feeling of listening to a live call? (e.g. working off transcripts and revoicing?)
We are thinking of an online training course that would focus on listening to "real" calls or audio files drawn from real calls (but with any identification removed) -- i.e. that are able to show the disjointed way that information is usually presented to the I&R/A Specialist and how (not always wirth 100% success), we are able to create rapport, shift through the situation by asking questions and steering towards priorities, etc. It might be a great training tool to have 5-6 of these for folks to listen and analyze.
By the way, this idea is 100% taken from some of the innovative work being done by Charlotte Anderson and her colleagues at Trident United Way in Charleston, South Carolina ....
Has anyone else been doing anything in this direction with maybe some variations and/or have any suggestions on the best way to "recreate" the feeling of listening to a live call? (e.g. working off transcripts and revoicing?)