JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Utility Assistance Intake Specialist – Bilingual
Why work at MCCAC?
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC), located in heart of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, serves Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties. MCCAC offers programs and services to ensure our most vulnerable community members have access to healthy, safe, stable and affordable housing. This is accomplished through our housing, energy/utility payment assistance and weatherization programs. MCCAC envisions a thriving community where our friends and neighbors have opportunities to be successful and thrive.
Job Purpose:
The Utility Assistance Intake Specialist will play a key role in working to mitigate poverty and heating availability through intake appointments and outreach in the MCCAC service area. The position will collaborate with other MCCAC departments to ensure that clients have access to all services we provide and will assist in referring to other area service organizations when appropriate.
Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities:
Program Administration
Identification of low-income households in Wasco, Hood River and Sherman counties, through direct outreach activities and referrals from faith-based organizations, culturally specific organizations, social service providers, Veterans Service Offices, employment specialists, shelters, law enforcement, physical and behavioral health care providers and community-based organizations.
Interview, screen and determine eligibility of low-income households for all federal, state, and local energy assistance programs.
Work with clients to collect necessary eligibility documentation
Link energy program participants to all available community resources and MCCAC programs as needed.
Coordinate services to Black, Indigenous and Persons of Color (BIPoC) and LGBTQ+ households through partnerships with culturally specific organizations and other organizations providing services specific to these community members.
Assist in providing Energy and Utility Bill Payment Education resources to eligible households in the MCCAC service area.
Program Compliance:
Ensures data and file quality for all clients served
Enter client specific data into the OPUS data base system, for tracking and reporting purposes.
Ensures compliance with all contractual requirements for the federal, state, and local programs
Assures that all required systems and records are maintained, accurate, and up-to-date
Liaison/Public Relations:
Represents MCCAC in local, state, regional, and national forums, acting as a conduit for input and information, promoting innovation at all levels, and effectively advocating for low-income populations.
Collaborates with community partners to provide wraparound services to MCCAC clients
Networks with energy assistance providers across the state to identify best practices and innovative techniques for serving low-income households.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Skills, knowledge and demonstrated abilities in areas of social services, client advocacy, equity and racial justice and low-income or homeless service delivery
Knowledge of energy assistance in local, federal, and State of Oregon programs that assist low- income households
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Organized, accurate and concise with attention to detail
Excellent leadership, team building and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office platforms. OPUS experience a plus.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
Qualifications:
Degree in a field with demonstrated relevance to mission a plus (for example, social welfare, public administration, social work. human services). Minimum of High School diploma or GED equivalent required.
Experience in social service programs a plus.
Ability to read, write, and speak clearly and effectively. Bilingual in Spanish and English is required.
Experience with computers and a variety of programs is preferred.
Position Details:
The position may require some overnight and out of area travel for training opportunities.
This position is rated as active with frequent kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting, regularly requires the individual to lift 30 pounds.
The duties outlined in this job description are not all inclusive and additional duties and tasks will be assigned as required.
Prior to date of hire, and throughout employment certification of the following are required:
Valid driver’s license
Proof of current auto insurance
MCCAC is an equal employment opportunity provider.
Location: The Dalles and Hood River, service area of Sherman, Wasco and Hood River Counties.
Fair Labor Standards Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Utility Assistance Program Manager
Salary and Benefits Information
Hourly Wage: $19 per hour plus additional 3% bilingual pay differential
Benefits: MCCAC offers an excellent benefits package including Blue Cross medical insurance with the agency covering 90% for employees and dependents. Dental and vision coverage. Life insurance, 401k, paid vacation and sick leave.
To Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to kbuckles@mccac.com. Cover letters should include why you are uniquely qualified to serve in the position and what strengths you would bring to the role.
Veterans, people of color and people with lived experience are encouraged to apply.
Position will remain open until filled.