What are the responsibilities and job description for the Energy Assistance Worker Chester County Assistance Office (Seasonal) position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
Join the Chester County Assistance Office as an Energy Assistance Worker and support families who rely on vital energy programs. In this role, you will review applications, explain requirements, and help applicants understand available assistance. You will contribute to smooth program operations and ensure that each case is handled with care. This position provides a rewarding opportunity to serve others and help the Department of Human Services (DHS) make a lasting impact on the local community.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on helping applicants complete the steps needed to qualify for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assistance and ensuring all information is reviewed correctly. It plays an important part in keeping program operations accurate and responsive to community needs. As an Energy Assistance Worker, you will perform the following duties:
- Applicant Interviews: Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for energy assistance benefits
- Application Review: Examine mail-in applications and verify completeness and accuracy of documentation
- Data Verification: Use computer programs to gather necessary information and complete forms and correspondence
- Information Gathering: Contact vendors, employers, and other sources to confirm details when needed
- Case File Checks: Review existing recipient files to confirm accuracy of categorically eligible applicants
- Issue Evaluation: Assess information received via complaints, duplicate applications, and other agencies to determine underpayments or overpayments
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Seasonal full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week. Seasonal employment typically runs for 6 to 8 months during the fall and winter seasons to assist clients in the process of applying for heating assistance.
- Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. Your schedule may change based on operational needs.
- Overtime and travel as needed
- Work Conditions: Assigned duties are performed in a controlled office environment. In counties with District Offices, employees may be reassigned to different work sites due to operational needs. Reassignments will be made in compliance with contract language.
- Telework: This position may be eligible to telework part time. Specific details of the telework schedule will be discussed during the interview process. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Thorndale. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.
- Hourly Rate: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting hourly rate of $21.22 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- Two years of experience in general office work which included interviewing the public; or
- Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
- Hiring preference for this vacancy may be given to candidates who live within Chester County. If no eligible candidates who live within Chester County apply for this position, candidates who reside in other counties may be considered.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
- You must pass a background investigation.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
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You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Retirement PlanSalary : $21 - $32