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Information and Referral (I&R) Professionals
Indiana 211 Partnership is proud to support the work of I&R professionals in Indiana. The information contained in this section of the IN211 website is designed for the volunteers and and staff who work in the I&R field.
What is I&R?
I&R stands for Information and Referral. I&R is so much more than “giving a phone number.” I&R involves active listening skills, assessment of a situation, education about the service delivery system and advocacy to help break barriers to service.
As of January 2007, there are nearly 100 I&R professionals in Indiana who have achieved certification by AIRS, Alliance of Information and Referral Systems. Individual certification may be obtained by I&R Specialists (who respond to people in need) and Resource Specialists (maintain resource data) after they achieve and document the following:
* a level of education
* comprehensive training
* length of service in I&R field, and
* a successful score on the certification exam.
IN211 Offers to I&R Professionals:
* Trainings – free, on-demand online training sessions (in development, pending funding)
* Resource Database Information – standardized structure for data-sharing, resource database updates, monthly online meetings/conference calls to exchange information and demonstrate software tips
For more information:
* AIRS, Alliance of Information & Referral Systems, the international association and accreditation organization for professional I&R
* AIRS-Indiana, the state affiliate of AIRS
* 211.org
