Utility Assistance Program Specialist

MAAC; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit social service organization in California seeks a Program Specialist to assist low-income households with their utility bills through eligibility determination and application assistance. The role requires proficiency in data entry and a strong understanding of program policies. Ideal candidates will have a High School Diploma/GED and two years of relevant experience, with bilingual (English/Spanish) skills preferred. Strong customer service and record-keeping abilities are essential in this impactful position.

Qualifications

• Proven capability in eligibility and case management practices.
• Experience with applicable laws and regulations.
• Strong record-keeping and data reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Review applications for accuracy and determine eligibility.
• Perform data entry and manage case files.
• Provide information on program procedures and assist applicants.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Record keeping

Bilingual communication (English/Spanish)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Two years of post-secondary education/experience

Tools

Excel

Data management systems

Job description

Company Story

OUR STORY
Since 1965, MAAC has been maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life-changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in five core focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Through a wide variety of programs, MAAC has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the community. Learn more about the great things happening with MAAC at http://www.maacproject.org/.

Job Summary

MAAC’s utilities assistance programs include, but are not limited to, the State of California Department of Community Services (CSD) for the Low Income Home Energy Assistant Program (LIHEAP). Programs provide funds to assist low-income households with utilities bills and mitigate the economic impacts of utility costs to low-income households.
The work is focused on areas including, but not limited to, determining applicant eligibility for the programs, answering questions and responding to applicants, landlords, and the public regarding program policies and procedures, facilitating workshops, providing application assistance, entering information into data management systems, and maintaining paper documentation and files.
The Program Specialist will work to support MAAC’s efforts to restore stability to San Diegans in an expedited manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review submitted/assigned applications for accuracy, completeness, and to determine eligibility
• Perform required data entry
• Check and tabulate standard mathematical data to determine program award
• Inform applicants, landlords, and the general public of program procedures and required documentation for program eligibility
• Provide technical assistance to Community Based Organizations who are assisting clients with application submissions
• Conduct comprehensive audits of case files to ensure eligibility determinations, case management activities, and documentation are accurate, complete, and in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and applicable funding source rules and regulations
• Conduct administrative reviews regarding the denial of eligibility
• Pull case records, conduct research regarding problems or concerns, and take corrective action as appropriate
• Develop and maintain accurate and detailed records, verify accuracy of information, research discrepancies, and record information
• Use dashboards and Excel spreadsheets to track status of assigned applications
• Deliver presentations on program benefits, eligibility, and processes
• Make and document referrals to other resources
• Offer comprehensive education and counseling to participants
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

• Eligibility and/or case management practices and procedures
• Applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility
• Record-keeping principles and procedures
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications
• Principles of business letter writing and record keeping
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and staff
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills preferred

Ability To

• Perform specialized and technical eligibility and case management work with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and word-processing, database, spreadsheet, and other software applications programs
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Multi-tasking; ability to manage large case files and high productivity

Education / Experience / Certification

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two (2) years post-secondary education and/or experience in clerical/office, social services, or comparable work

Value-Base Behaviors

Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other person’s views and underlying assumptions.

Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers.

Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Attends work consistently and punctually. Arrives to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines.

Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary information of MAAC systems.

Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes.

Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person.

Health Status

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.

Background Clearance

All positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources.

Transportation

Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle driving record. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.