Energy Assistance Program Specialist

Energy Assistance and Housing Specialist

1 FTE (40 hours/week) Shakopee Office location:

738 1st Ave E, Shakopee MN 55379

SUMMARY

The Energy Assistance and Housing Specialist’s primary responsibility is to assist applicants for the MN Energy Assistance Program and assess households experiencing homelessness. They will do this by confirming the eligibility of the applicant’s income, providing data entry, supporting families in energy crisis situations, scanning applications, logging EAP applications, and providing information and referrals for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program. When working with a household experiencing homelessness, they will complete an assessment and connect them to resources that will best suit their needs.

The Energy Assistance and Housing Specialist position in Shakopee will perform the following duties:

*The Specialist’s objectives are to provide data entry, evaluate eligibility for the Energy Assistance Program/Housing Programs (and request additional information if necessary/required for Energy Assistance applications), sort incoming files, verify possible crisis, and connect them to resources. In addition, the Specialist will provide Front Desk Office Support for the Shakopee office when needed.

*The Shakopee EAP and Housing Specialist will also take calls, assist walk-in’s, and provide support to families in crisis situations with information and referrals by completing an assessment with the households and verification of crisis situations.

**This position during the summer months (June-August) will focus on providing primary support for the Front Desk and performing office support duties and outreach.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS --Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Respect and respond competently to the culture, traditions, lifestyle, language, and values of each family and community.
• Data Entry for Energy Assistance Program applications and Coordinated Entry assessments for those experiencing homelessness.
• Determine eligibility requirements using the state program approved methods; this could include verifying income sources and calculating income.
• Develop and write client plans specific to emotional} physical, social, and cultural issues in an effort to reduce housing barriers. Monitor client progress toward goals. The Specialist challenges, assists, councils, advocates for, and empowers clients to become self-supporting.
• Establish mutually respectful partnerships with individuals and families to support the efforts of individuals and families to reach their goals.
• Maintain all records according to agency/program guidelines.
• Complete required paperwork and enter information into the e-HEAT software system.
• Maintain Client Confidentiality
• Coordinate vendor consumption and follow up activities.
• Utilize the Laserfiche Workflow System, HMIS, and Client Track.
• Provide Scanning/Printing support
• Clerical support
• Be knowledgeable of all CAP Agency programming and community resources; collaborate with staff and external sources for the coordination of services.
• Attend and participate in meetings, workshops, conferences and community events as requested.
• Participate in a CAP Agency Community Team to implement outreach, recruitment, and development of community partnerships for agency programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MISSION DRIVEN COMPETENCIES

• Fostering Teamwork
• Managing Chang
• Communication
• Building Collaborative Relationships
• Customer Centered
• Analytical Thinking
• Use of Technology and information management

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation, Training and Experience Guidelines

Associates Degree and plus one year experience working with the public in a customer service role, or a High School diploma or its equivalent and four years’ experience working in a same/similar customer service industry or equivalent combination of education and experience. Qualified individuals must possess the ability to deliver and engage in difficult conversations regarding program guidelines and criteria, have the ability to address and prioritize client situations requiring immediate action/ attention.

Knowledge of:

• Understand and accurately apply all Federal and State Program Regulations pertaining to the EAP and Housing application and certification process.
• Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Specialized CAP Agency and state agency Energy Assistance software applications.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software applications.
• Experience working in crisis situations in person and via telephone, must possess a high level of analytical skills, strong attention to detail, comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts.

Skill in:

• Working with families in crisis from various social backgrounds.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills, the ability to work as a team member.
• Strong record-keeping and writing skills and computer proficiency a must. Entering numerical data into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Mobility to drive a motor vehicle in order to attend meetings. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY: Scott, Carver, Dakota CAP Agency will not deny anyone the opportunities for training or employment because of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, sexual preference, disability or status with regard to public assistance.

The Scott Carver Dakota CAP Agency is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer