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About Mass 2-1-1
 

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What is Mass 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services Information and Referral. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families seeking services or volunteer opportunities and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. 2-1-1 makes it possible for people to navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human service agencies and programs. By making services easier to access, 2-1-1 encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency. It also is hoped that it will reduce the number of non-emergency calls inappropriately made to 911.


Why do we need Mass 2-1-1 in Massachusetts?

Often people can not easily access the information or service they need because they do not know whom to call. There is no simple way to remember the name or number of the local service access point. The creation of 2-1-1 has changed that.

Within the Commonwealth there are literally thousands of phone numbers for health and social service programs, government offices, community organizations, volunteer referral centers, donation clearinghouses, educational systems and neighborhood groups. There are over 100 comprehensive and specialized Information and Referrals (I&Rs) in the Commonwealth, each with its own name and 10 digit phone number.
 

Newsletters

April 2010 Newsletter
July 2010 Newsletter
 

Relationship with MEMA

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Council of Massachusetts United Ways (COMUW) have agreed to utilize Mass 2-1-1 as the Commonwealth’s primary telephone information call center during times of emergency. The easy to remember 2-1-1 telephone number will be utilized as a resource for human service and public safety/disaster response and planning agencies. It was designed, in part, to reduce the number of non-emergency calls made to 9-1-1.

This new partnership will offer citizens the opportunity for ‘one-stop-shopping’, with access to vital updated disaster information, numerous post-disaster programs, interpreter services, and call tracking of caller locations. Mass 2-1-1 will also have the ability to act as the registration site for spontaneous volunteers and donations from the public during an emergency or crisis.

Mass 2-1-1 was created by The Council of Massachusetts United Ways on behalf of 22 local United Ways serving every community of the Commonwealth. Seven years ago, COMUW embraced the national 2-1-1 program, as established by the Federal Communications.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. Click here for additional information about MEMA.


Relationship with EOHHS

Mass 2-1-1 has an existing relationship with Executive Office of Health & Human Services for the development and use of the “Resource Locator”, a statewide database. The following agencies have been working partners on 2-1-1 development and involved with data collection for the 2-1-1/EOHHS statewide database: Community United Way of Pioneer Valley, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Brockton Area Multi Services, United Way of Greater Attleboro-Taunton, Barnstable County Dept. of Human Services, United Way of Merrimack Valley and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and Hampshire Community Action Commission contributed during the early database development phase. Mass 2-1-1 recently met with the Undersecretary of EOHHS, Fred Habib and some of his staff to discuss the future of our relationship. As a result EOHHS has agreed to continue and enhance it’s support of the “Resource Locator” including the upgrading of the software. It was agreed that our relationship was mutually beneficial and that we would work over the next few months to find ways to expand and enhance our relationship. The financial investment this represents on the part of EOHHS is over $200,000 for fiscal year 07.


Relationship with EEC

Mass 211 is part of the statewide network of community-based child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&Rs). Mass 211 works with EEC to ensure that high quality resources and services that children need to grow and learn are accessible to every family. The Massachusetts Child Care Information Line is the trusted partner of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). EEC helps eligible families find and pay for quality early education and out-of-school time programs. EEC also provides support for information and referral services to help families make informed child care choices, inclusive programming for children with special needs, parenting and family support. EEC contracts with Mass 211 to provide access to these services statewide. Using Mass 211, a statewide information and referral call center, which is managed by United Way of Tri-County and is reached by dialing 211 from anywhere in the state, the agency is helping working parents find their way to the child care information they need.

For Families who need:

  • Information to make informed child care choices
  • Information on inclusive programming for children with special needs
  • Parenting and/or family support

EEC's mission is to provide the foundation that supports all children in their development as lifelong learners and contributing members of the community, and supports families in their essential work as parents and caregivers.

Mass 211 Specialists are available 24/7 to assist parents and guardians find licensed child care providers and to learn about financial assistance for eligible families. Finding a quality center or family provider for your child takes time and energy, but it is the most important step toward a successful child care experience. More and more, research tells us that our children's healthy development depends on safe and positive experiences during the first few years of life. If you are a parent who works during these early years, choosing good child care is one of the most crucial decisions you will ever make for your child.

Internship Opportunities

Mass 211, Massachusetts' # 1 Information and Referral service for health and human services, is seeking client service orientated staff with a human service background to help connect callers to services in their community.

Information and Referral Specialist

Description:

  1. Conduct telephone assessment of clients' needs and enter basic demographic information.
  2. Determine with caller appropriate options and community services.
  3. Search databases and communicate options.
  4. Appropriately support and motivate callers to follow through on referrals.
  5. Develop and maintain positive relationship with agencies in database.
  6. Represent Info Line at community fairs or other public events.
  7. Assist with marketing.
  8. Complete periodic caller satisfaction follow-up surveys.
  9. Database maintenance and updating

Qualifications:

  • Ability to give and receive information.
  • Ability to comprehend and remember information.
  • Ability to understand and communicate the consequences of various courses of action.
  • Ability to make reasonable judgments based on the information available.
  • Ability to use a telephone and operate office machines and basic computer skills.
  • Ability to work in busy and sometimes noisy environment.
  • Ability to multi-task and search multiple databases.

Experience:

  • Minimum of one year experience in the human service or customer service field
  • CIRS certification or willingness to obtain after one year.
  • Spanish and/or Portuguese speaking a plus.
  • Strong verbal communication skills
  • Intermediate level computer skills.

Hours: 12-15 hours per week. Length/Availability: 15 weeks minimum.

Web Designer

Description:

Mass 211 is currently accepting applications for a Web Design Intern.

Candidate must:

  • Have experience with Dreamweaver
  • Be able to take directions well
  • Work independently with little supervision
  • Have experience in graphic design
  • Be interested in health & human services

Hours: 10 hours a week. Length/Availability: Varied: until project completion.

Diversity in organizational practices is a core value of Mass 211, Inc. resulting in culturally competent services and programs. Our hiring practices appreciate the strengths offered through differing cultures, races, ethnicities, classes, and sexual orientations. Resumes and letter of interest to: mass211@rocketmail.com. No phone calls please.

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