Tools and Tricks for Improving Any Resource Database

Tools and Tricks for Improving Any Resource Database Or … “How We Turned Our Database Around While Tripling the Service Area”

Tear down that wall! Database Department I&R Specialists Resource Team

Qualities of an Effective Resource Team Collaborative Driven Obsessive Independent Empowered Comfortable With Gray Puzzle Solvers Relationship Builders Critical Thinkers (Compare and contrast with qualities associated with the term “database staff. ”)

User Friendly Records Bulleted Lists

User Friendly Records Service area under Eligibility, if appropriate Separate field for documentation

User Friendly Records Service area set to the smallest value that includes everyone who is eligible for the service AND would reasonably travel for that service Matchlist notes showing key information for quickly screening that particular resource

“Tip” Records

And “See Also” Records Built in “See Also” Custom “See Also”

Stepping Outside the Database…

Maintain a list of links to supportive tools. Put a shortcut to this list on every desktop.

Build Customized, Interactive Maps for Tricky Service Areas

Create Training Tools to Help I&R Specialists Navigate the (Not-Always-Intuitive) Taxonomy System This “taxonomy toolbox” acts as an expanded/enhanced category system to familiarize I&R Specialists with the range of taxonomy terms for key customer need areas.

FOOD issues (Continued. )

Thinking OUTSIDE THE BOX to Meet Callers’ Needs These activity sheets help I&R specialists practice finding the appropriate taxonomy for a stated need, as well as related taxonomies when no resources are available for the stated need.

Regional Checklists Track Parity of… Key Services (Like food pantries, shelters, and clinics) Key Programs (Like Head Start, CCDF, and Medicaid) Key Agencies (Like Red Cross and Salvation Army) Key Facilities (Like Police Departments and Utility Providers) Utility Providers Area Agencies on Aging Community Action Programs And More… Parity, Priority, Perspective

Resource Templates Increase Consistency and Save Time Description, Eligibility, Intake and Other Narrative Field Text Agency Name Agency Overview Agency AKA Director’s Title / Confidentiality Inclusion Guideline Information Service Group Structure Advice Consistent, Service Group Name Thorough, Program Name Professional Program AKAs Helpline Notes / Special Instructions Taxonomies Service Areas Matchlist Notes And More….

Enhanced Style Guide Expand your Style Guide to include field-by-field instructions (with screenshots); a range of examples, and an actively maintained glossary of conventions.

Practical, Real-World Policies and Procedures