Two staff members from the Calvert County Department of Community Resources Office on Aging have achieved a national professional credential in community resource assistance.
Jenna Cisse and Kristy Matchett each received the Inform USA Certified Community Resource Specialist Certification. This credential recognizes expertise in the information and referral field within human services.
The certification targets professionals who assist clients directly, whether by telephone or in person, by offering guidance and connections to available community resources. Recipients must show proficiency across core competencies and successfully complete a detailed examination administered by Inform USA, the professional association for community navigation and resource referral services.
Jennifer Moreland, director of the Department of Community Resources, highlighted the achievement in a statement. “Our department’s frontline staff strive to provide the best customer service possible for Calvert County residents. These certifications are the result of their dedication and professionalism,” Moreland said.
The Office on Aging operates under the Department of Community Resources and serves residents across Calvert County from its base in Prince Frederick. It functions as part of Maryland’s network of area agencies on aging, coordinating support for older adults to promote independence and well-being.
Key offerings include operation of three senior centers: Calvert Pines Senior Center in Prince Frederick, Southern Pines Senior Center in Lusby, and North Beach Senior Center in North Beach. These facilities provide daily congregate meals, recreational activities such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, games, educational workshops, and social events. Participants aged 50 and older can access computer labs, billiards, intergenerational programs, and organized day trips to regional destinations.
Additional services encompass home-delivered meals for homebound individuals, transportation assistance, caregiver support groups, benefits counseling including State Health Insurance Assistance Program guidance, and a medical equipment loan closet offering items like wheelchairs and commodes at no cost. The office also connects residents to broader resources such as in-home aide services, legal referrals for seniors, and programs like Senior Care or Community Options Waiver for those eligible under Medicaid guidelines.
Information and assistance specialists play a central role by assessing needs, screening for eligibility in state and federal programs, and facilitating referrals. This aligns directly with the skills validated by the Certified Community Resource Specialist credential, which emphasizes ethical practices, active listening, resource database navigation, and follow-up to ensure connections are effective.
Calvert County residents seeking these services can contact the Office on Aging at 410-535-4606 or visit the county website for details on programs and eligibility. The office collaborates with the Commission on Aging, a 16-member advisory board appointed by county commissioners, to address local priorities like affordable housing, transportation options, and dementia awareness.
This certification adds to prior professional development efforts within the office, building capacity to meet growing demands as the county supports its aging population through coordinated, accessible resources.
