Energy Assistance Program Service Specialist

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct intake for Agency programs.

• Assist, provide information and referral, and to serve as an advocate for clients in obtaining energy assistance and/or other necessary services.

Agency Expectations

• Comply with all agency policies and procedures.
• Represent the agency professionally both internally and externally.
• Deliver friendly, responsive service to the public, community organizations, and clients.
• Engage respectfully and positively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Foster and maintain productive relationships necessary to execute job responsibilities.
• Demonstrate efficient and flexible time management.
• Uphold confidentiality and security of all records and communications.
• Advocate for the needs of clients and programs.
• Collaborate effectively with community partners and colleagues.
• Actively participate in agency-wide and program-specific events.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Education equal to high school diploma or GED

• 1-3 years of experience working with people of diverse backgrounds

• Data entry experience

• Basic math skills

• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

• Ability to follow oral and written directions.

• Ability to work with the public.

• Ability to type a minimum of 45 words per minute.

• Proof of valid driver’s license and current/adequate vehicle insurance coverage

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience working for or collaborating with a CAP agency.

• Demonstrated understanding of diverse backgrounds and cultures

• Knowledge of paperless file retention software

• Bilingual

Direct Reports: None

Essential Job Functions

Clerical Tasks:

• Open mail and data enter received applications into statewide eHeat system and Laserfiche file retention software daily.

• Maintain accurate, well-documented, complete records and files.

• Complete Outreach and record activities through data entry into eHeat system to comply with State requirements.

• Ability to complete home visits if requested by client.

• Provide information to clients about services through other agencies and make referrals where appropriate.

• Cover satellite offices as required.

Client Relations:

• Assist clients in applying for Agency services by interviewing and obtaining information if required to complete applications during meetings with clients and those mailed directly to the office.

• Assist clients and vendors in dealing with Energy Assistance Program situations.

• Responsible for prioritizing applications during high volume processing providing clients most in need with timely services.

• Interview, obtain and analyze information if required to determine eligible assistance for client with Crisis Program.

• During Energy Assistance heating season, after business hours, weekend, and holiday availability of staff to respond to emergency situations for clients.

• Assist with Food Distributions and participate at County Fairs and other community events.

Computer/Data Entry:

• Review client files for completion and accuracy prior to data entry.

• Data entry Crisis information indicating vendor and payment amount into eHeat statewide system.

• Utilize program procedures to ensure optimum provision of services to clients in a courteous consistent manner and in keeping with agency procedures.

• Scanning client applications and crisis forms into Laserfiche file retention software.

Other Duties

• Provide guarantee of payment amounts to fuel vendors about eligibility of services offered through West Central.

• Keep immediate supervisor informed of all problems, unusual or extraordinary matters of significance coming to his/her attention, so that prompt corrective action can be taken as needed.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor and Program Director.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Physical Requirements

• Occasional standing, walking, and sitting.
• Ability to use hands for typing, handling documents, and operating office equipment.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to communicate clearly in verbal and written form.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close and distance vision, color perception, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

• Moderate noise level typical of an office setting.
• Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.