Application Guide

How to Apply for Screening & Information Specialist

at Health Resources in Action, Inc.

🏢 About Health Resources in Action, Inc.

Health Resources in Action (HRiA) is a mission-driven non-profit that works at the intersection of public health and racial equity, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to systemic change. Employees appreciate the organization's collaborative culture, commitment to innovation, and focus on real-world impact in substance use, mental health, and gambling services.

About This Role

As a Screening & Information Specialist, you'll be the first point of contact for individuals seeking help with substance use, gambling, or mental health issues, providing crisis support and referrals via phone, chat, and SMS. This role is impactful because you directly connect vulnerable populations to life-saving resources and use motivational interviewing to empower them toward recovery.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start your shift by logging into the helpline system, checking for any urgent messages or updates on resources. Throughout the day, you'll take calls, chats, and texts from individuals seeking help for substance use, gambling, or mental health issues, using motivational interviewing to assess needs and provide referrals. You'll document each interaction in the database, verify insurance when needed, and end the day by updating provider lists or preparing for an upcoming outreach event.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Health Resources in Action, Inc. Is Looking For

  • Possesses lived or professional experience in substance use recovery, harm reduction, or behavioral health, and can relate to callers with empathy and non-judgment.
  • Has strong active listening and motivational interviewing skills, able to de-escalate crises and motivate follow-through on referrals.
  • Comfortable with multitasking across phone, chat, and SMS while accurately documenting interactions in a database and verifying insurance.
  • Enjoys representing the helpline at outreach events and mentoring new staff, reflecting a commitment to team growth and community engagement.

📝 Tips for Applying to Health Resources in Action, Inc.

1

Highlight any experience with motivational interviewing or crisis helplines—mention specific techniques or training in your resume.

2

Emphasize your comfort with remote work and managing multiple communication channels (phone, chat, SMS) simultaneously.

3

If you have lived experience, share it thoughtfully in your cover letter to demonstrate empathy and understanding of the caller's journey.

4

Showcase any data entry or database management skills, especially if you've used CRM systems or health information databases.

5

Mention any familiarity with substance use, gambling addiction, or mental health resources, and how you stay informed about best practices.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine passion for public health and racial equity, aligning with HRiA's mission.", 'Demonstrate your ability to engage and motivate individuals in crisis using specific examples of active listening or motivational interviewing.', 'Highlight your experience in information and referral services, counseling, or human services, and how it prepared you for this role.', 'Show willingness to participate in outreach events and contribute to team training and mentoring.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review HRiA's website to understand their specific programs, especially the helpline services and their approach to racial equity.
  • → Read recent news or reports about the opioid crisis, gambling addiction trends, or mental health helpline innovations to speak knowledgeably.
  • → Look up the organization's values and any public statements on harm reduction or recovery-oriented systems of care.
  • → Check for any training resources HRiA provides for staff, such as certification opportunities or continuing education in motivational interviewing.
Visit Health Resources in Action, Inc.'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you handle a caller who is resistant to following a referral? Walk us through your approach using motivational interviewing.
2 Describe a time you had to manage multiple high-stress calls simultaneously. How did you prioritize and stay composed?
3 What experience do you have with data entry and database management? How do you ensure accuracy under time pressure?
4 How do you stay updated on resources for substance use, gambling, and mental health? Provide an example.
5 Tell us about a time you represented an organization at an outreach event. How did you engage the community?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid being dismissive about the importance of data entry or documentation—this role requires meticulous record-keeping.
  • Don't underestimate the emotional toll of helpline work; show that you have strategies for self-care and resilience.
  • Avoid vague statements about 'helping people'—instead, use concrete examples that demonstrate your skills in active listening, crisis intervention, and referral coordination.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Health Resources in Action, Inc.!

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