Certification Specialist

Kids for the Future; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plan

HSA/FSA

Job summary

Opportunity Council in Whatcom County is seeking a Certification Specialist to review staff program files for utility and rental assistance programs, ensuring completeness and adherence to eligibility rules. You will correct files and provide feedback to intake staff, while preparing documentation for payments and vendor relations.

The role includes backup support for eligibility and outreach services, and ensuring confidentiality of client data in line with state and federal guidelines.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• At least two years’ experience related to the position.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and five-year driving history within Opportunity Council’s Auto Insurance Standards.

Responsibilities

• Reviews staff program files for completion and accuracy, compliance with program eligibility, and funders’ rules. Issues corrections as needed.
• Provides feedback on program eligibility and documentation requirements.
• Prepares files for utility and landlord payment processing using client databases and paperless systems.
• Assists with vendor communications and payments.
• Supports client database and file system development; may assist with eligibility and outreach services as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality of all client data in accordance with guidelines.

Skills

Two years’ experience

Attention to detail

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

• Location 1111 Cornwall Ave,Bellingham, WA, 98225,United States


• Base Pay $22.00 - $24.00 / Hour


• Employee Type Regular Full Time

Description

Position Open Date: 09/10/2026

Interested in making a difference in your community while building a career? Join our team as a Certification Specialist!

WHO WE ARE:

For 60 years, Opportunity Council has worked throughout Northwest Washington to build just, equitable communities through service, investment, and collaboration. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. Part of a national network of Community Action Agencies, we are dedicated to helping people help each other and themselves—building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute.

OUR VALUES:

At Opportunity Council, our values guide everything we do. Collaboration, respect, integrity, passion, and learning shape how we show up for each other and for our community. We’re also committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every part of our work—from the help we offer in the community to the kind of workplace we create for our staff.

To learn more about us and our work, visit our website: www.oppco.org

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Certification Specialist reviews staff program files for Opportunity Council’s utility and/or rental assistance programs to ensure the files are complete and accurate and comply with program eligibility and rules set forth by federal, state and private funders. When necessary, the Certification Specialist issues file corrections and provides file feedback to intake specialists. In addition, the Certification Specialist prepares staff files for payment and assists the Energy Certification Supervisor with vendor relations and payments. As needed, the Certification Specialist provides backup support for eligibility and outreach services to clients seeking assistance from Community Services intake programs, and performs a variety of complex clerical and administrative functions.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reviews staff program files for completion and accuracy, compliance with program eligibility, and rules set forth by funders. Issues corrections to staff as needed.


• Provides feedback to staff regarding program eligibility, file documentation requirements and file processing.


• Prepares files for utility and landlord payment processing using client database and paperless file systems.


• Assists Energy Certification Supervisor with communication and payment to utility vendors and landlords.


• Assists Energy Certification Supervisor & Leads with client database and client file system development.


• In backup role, may provide direct client services including eligibility determinations, providing information and referral, and processing client information.


• Maintains confidentiality of all client data in accordance with agency, state, and federal guidelines.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience


• At least two years’ experience related to skills and abilities required for this position


• Valid Washington State driver’s license and five-year driving history within Opportunity
  Council’s Auto Insurance Standards.

We place a strong value in hiring individuals with lived experiences of, poverty and/or homelessness or who have previously participated in Opportunity Council programs or other social services.

OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance.

• Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal, holidays)


• Paid time off for wellness needs


• Employer-paid holidays


• Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options


• HSA and FSA plans, subject to plan terms


• Eligibility for critical illness insurance coverage


• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer contribution


• Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents


• Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage


• Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, and long-term care and p ersonal legal services

ABOUT WHATCOM COUNTY:

Working with Opportunity Council in Whatcom County is more than just a job, it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, our community is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to positive change. Whether you're supporting local families, advocating for equity, or building programs that uplift our neighbors, you'll find purpose and connection here. Join us in building a stronger Whatcom County where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute

We believe our team should reflect the communities we serve. That’s why we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. Opportunity Council is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not permit discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, marital or family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, age, genetic information, disability, use of a service animal, or any other status protected by law.