Community Resource Advocate II, Utility Assistance - Bilingual Required

Community Action of Washington County; Tigard (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Tigard, Oregon is looking for a Community Resource Advocate II to manage utility assistance resources. The candidate must be fully bilingual and possess strong decision-making skills to determine client eligibility for programs. Duties include processing payments from various funding sources and negotiating with utility providers. Applicants should have a High School Diploma and experience in customer service, with the ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment. This role aims to support low-income households in the community.

Qualifications

• Must be fully bilingual in verbal and written communication.
• Experience collaborating with social service agencies in diverse environments.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Manage equitable allocation of utility assistance resources.
• Conduct eligibility interviews and process payments accurately.
• Negotiate with utility companies to prevent service disconnects.
• Engage in outreach activities to educate low-income households.

Skills

Bilingual communication (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali, Farci, or AAVE)

Customer service experience

Data entry accuracy

Intermediate computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)

Effective communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree or higher in Social Services

Job description

Community Resource Advocate II - Utility Assistance (Bilingual Required)

Community Action is a non-profit organization that provides critical services to low-income families in the areas of housing, homeless services, economic empowerment, family development, and early childhood care and education. Community Action leads the way to eliminate conditions of poverty and create opportunities for people in the Washington County area.

Job Position Description

This position plays a crucial role in our mission by managing the equitable allocation of utility assistance resources. You will be responsible for screening clients for program eligibility, processing direct financial assistance from various complex funding streams such as LIHEAP, LIHWA, etc., gathering required documentation, and providing essential referrals.

This role requires a high degree of accuracy, strong decision‑making skills to determine the best combination of funds for each client, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with both clients and utility providers to achieve positive outcomes.

Abbreviated Duties List

• Conduct phone-based or face-to-face interviews with Washington County low-income households to determine eligibility for Utility Assistance programs.
• Accurately determine eligibility and process payments from a variety of complex funding sources (e.g., LIHEAP, LIHWA, OEAP, OREF) in strict adherence to all funding guidelines.
• Negotiate with utility companies and fuel providers to prevent service disconnects, restore service, or guarantee bulk fuel delivery.
• Accurately enter detailed client information, required documentation, and authorized payments into statewide client databases and multiple systems of record.
• Maintain real-time, accurate, complete, and confidential client records (billing, income, ID documents).
• Provide comprehensive resource information on energy conservation, utility policy, payment plans, and other relevant community services.
• Engage in outreach activities and participate in application/enrollment events to educate and share services with low-income households.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all agency safety policies, procedures, and the agency code of ethics.

Abbreviated Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 6+ months customer service experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Bilingual Requirement: REQUIRED to be fully bilingual (verbal and written) in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali, Farci, or African American English Vernacular.
• Intermediate computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and related software programs.
• Proven experience completing data entry with high accuracy.
• Experience working effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of professionals and social service agencies in a diverse work environment.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

What Will Make You Stand Out

• An Associate's degree or higher in Social Services or a directly related field.
• Familiarity with Washington County community resources.
• Prior experience interviewing clients, assessing their needs, and advocating on their behalf.