Asking the Second Question Sandra Ray, CIRS Manager, Information and Referral United Way of Greater...
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Transcript of Asking the Second Question Sandra Ray, CIRS Manager, Information and Referral United Way of Greater...
Asking the Second Question
Sandra Ray, CIRSManager, Information and Referral
United Way of Greater Houston
Workshop Objectives Define the “second question” Discuss why going beyond the stated
need is important Learn methods to probe for additional
information Determine when to follow-up on calls
that have multiple needs Learn to close calls when multiple needs
have been disclosed
What is the Second Question?
AIRS definition – there isn’t one Second questions come after
inquirer describes their initial situation
It isn’t always a question either
Definition
Clarifying a caller’s full situation to help him/her obtain services
Or Listening to callers, providing
feedback, and asking open-ended questions that may be related to the caller’s primary need.
Open-Ended Questions Invite a caller to give more than a
yes/no answer Gives the caller the feeling that
specialists are interested in the full story
May lead to other issues that the specialist is not necessarily expecting or equipped to answer
Closed Questions
Require only a short answer Name Address How much do you owe on rent? When are you scheduled for eviction?
Using Both Types of Questions
Both types of questions are needed to assist callers
Callers can be redirected from a lengthy response to a short response with closed questions
Helps the I&R specialist maintain control of the conversation.
So…What is the Second Question?
Why? How? Tell me more… When that happened, what did you
do?
Getting More Detailed
Why? What is the caller’s perception of this
event and why they need assistance Why questions allow the caller time to
reflect Or Vent
Caller Perceptions
Is the caller open to the specialist probing for more information?
Perception = how we see the world or other people; our view of reality
Perception for callers IS reality
Learning about a Situation
How? Asks for details about the time-frame
or steps involved in the situation May also include the manner or
extent of a situation (to the degree) Allows callers to describe reasons for
a situation
Tell Me More… Depending on the situation, it may
be necessary to learn specifics This is a statement that asks
callers to expand on the nature of a situation
Not necessarily looking for someone’s “life history” – only what happened to cause an event (job loss, need for food, etc.)
Final Details
What did you do when that happened? Gives insight into a caller’s
coping skills How others in the situation react
to the caller Family, friends, social network
may also be revealed this way
How to Ask the Second Question Use sound judgment Asking the second question isn’t
optional May involve commenting on what the
specialist hears in the caller’s… Tone of voice Background noise (baby crying, etc.) Emotions displayed by the caller (crying,
yelling, etc.)
If It’s Not Optional…???
It may not always be appropriate Caller expectations of service will
drive call specialist conversation Only needed a number or address Does not want to give too much
personal information
All You Wanted to Know…
Plus anything the caller will tell you Callers often reveal significant
pieces of their life story If the specialist isn’t equipped to
handle the answer – let an experienced staff member or supervisor ask
Staying “On Task”
Easy for call specialist to lose focus of initial reason for the call
Always bring conversation back around to the initial need
Other barriers may be revealed – ask caller to prioritize needs
Following Up Is a follow-up necessary? Can caller follow through on their own? When following up, have specific goals
that should have been met Caller will see if funds are available Caller will have made an appointment Specialist will have made other contacts to
see if additional issues can be addressed.
Wrapping Up
Rephrase the important issues in the call
Restate the caller’s next step to resolve their situation
Remind caller of referral options and best methods for access
End call on a positive note
Scenario 1
A mother with three children calls asking for assistance with an electric bill. She states that her husband left her and withdrew all money from their joint checking and savings accounts.
Scenario 2
A woman age 64 calls to see if someone can help her understand a letter she received from the food stamp office. She applied for services and was denied. She tells you that she is raising her 14 year-old grand daughter and expenses are tight.
Scenario 3
A man, age 52, states that his daughter recently moved back home after being away at college. The expenses are more than he and his wife can afford. The daughter does not have a job. The man asks for help paying the daughter’s car payment and car insurance.
Famous Second Questions from 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE
What is your drug of choice? Who was the last agency that you talked
to? Who have you received help from
recently? (Make sure you define recent.) If you are not able to receive help from an
agency, how will you meet this need? Is transportation accessible to you? How far are you able to travel to receive
services?
Questions/Answers
Sandra Ray, CIRSManager, I&R Services
United Way of Greater Houston50 Waugh Drive
Houston, TX [email protected]
713-685-2469