Energy Assistance Worker - Westmoreland County Assistance Office

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; New Stanton (Westmoreland County); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking an Energy Assistance Worker to support LIHEAP applicants. You will interview households, verify information, process applications, communicate with vendors, and provide patient, accurate guidance to help families access heating assistance.

This full-time seasonal role features an 8:30 AM–5:00 PM schedule with potential telework and in-office duties across Pennsylvania. You will help households stay safe and warm during the fall and winter months.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in general office work which included interviewing the public.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Applicant Interviews: Collect information and determine eligibility for heating assistance.
• Data Verification: Validate income, utility expenses, and other required information.
• Application Processing: Enter data, review electronic files, and check accuracy of computer results.
• Vendor Communication: Contact vendors to confirm benefits and arrange fuel deliveries.
• Customer Support: Answer questions, assist with applications, and explain program requirements.
• Office Tasks: Use computers and office equipment to complete daily work assignments.

Skills

Interviewing the public

Customer service

Data entry

Office administration

Job description

Are you ready to support your community by helping households access vital heating assistance? Start a meaningful career as an Energy Assistance Worker with the Department of Human Services (DHS). In this dynamic role, you will help households secure heating support by reviewing applications and guiding people through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) process. You will make a real difference by assisting families during stressful times and helping them stay safe and warm.

This position focuses on helping households apply for and receive heating assistance through the LIHEAP program. The role includes reviewing applications, verifying information, resolving crises, and providing quality customer service. As an Energy Assistance Worker, you will perform the following duties:

• Applicant Interviews: Collect information and determine eligibility for heating assistance
• Data Verification: Validate income, utility expenses, and other required information
• Application Processing: Enter data, review electronic files, and check accuracy of computer results
• Vendor Communication: Contact vendors to confirm benefits and arrange fuel deliveries
• Customer Support: Answer questions, assist with applications, and explain program requirements
• Office Tasks: Use computers and office equipment to complete daily work assignments

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• This is a full-time, seasonal position that typically runs for 6-8 months during the fall and winter seasons to assist clients in the process of applying for heating assistance.
  • May change based on operational needs.
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
  • May change based on operational needs.
• Travel and overtime 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 Greensburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.
• Hourly Rate: In some cases, the starting hourly rate may be non-negotiable.
• Free parking
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

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 Westmoreland County. If no eligible candidates who live within Westmoreland 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.

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.

• 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.
• 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.