JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Utilities Assistance Program Compliance Specialist

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 Program Compliance 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 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

• Audits all client applications for accuracy and compliance with LIHEAP and OEAP guidelines

Program Administration (As Needed):

• Assists with Client Intake processes as needed

• Identification of low-income households in Wasco, Hood River and Sherman counties, through

direct outreach activities and referrals from shelters, law enforcement, faith-based

organizations, culturally specific organizations, social service providers, Veterans Service

Offices, employment specialists, 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 file documents to prove eligibility.

• 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 Education resources to eligible households in the MCCAC service

area.

Liaison/Public Relations (As Needed):

• 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 a plus.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience with remote working preferred

• Experience with file auditing preferred

• 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 homeless or social service programs a plus.

• Ability to read, write, and speak clearly and effectively. Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

• Experience with computers and a variety of programs.

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: Energy Program Manager

Salary and Benefits Information

Hourly Wage Starting Range: $17.00/hr.

• 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.

• 3% differential for successful bilingual candidates

To Apply

Submit 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.

The position will remain open until filled. First-round interviews will occur the week of January 17th, 2022.