Economic Support Specialist

Sieda Community Action•Centerville, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Sieda Community Action’s Economic and Family Support Services Unit is hiring an Economic Support Specialist I for its Appanoose County resource center in Centerville. The position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of economic programs, primarily LIHEAP, ECIP, resource and referral assistance, and special projects. Occasional travel may be needed to provide coverage in Davis, Keokuk, Mahaska, Van Buren, and Wapello counties. The usual schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The specialist assesses client needs, gathers and enters information into agency and state systems, refers clients to community resources, and works with utility companies to advocate for clients. The role processes program applications and income eligibility checks and arranges approved financial assistance for household utilities. In outer counties, the specialist may independently open and close the resource center. The position also supports temporary coverage across the seven-county service area, conducts local low-income board elections, communicates with clients and partners, and contributes to program planning and agency goals. The role receives periodic supervision and has limited independent decision-making authority. It requires travel in and outside the service area; a valid driver’s license, vehicle, and insurance are required as stated in the posting. The position involves regular interaction with clients, staff, and other agencies, and work is performed in an office/resource-center environment with occasional exposure to extreme cold or heat.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1 year of experience working with the public.
Moderate computer knowledge and experience, including the ability to use existing program software applications with minimal training.
Ability to perform simple computer maintenance to keep equipment operational.
Strong organizational skills.
Thorough knowledge of office procedures, filing systems, office equipment, and VOIP telephone systems.
Valid driver’s license, vehicle, and insurance; proof of auto insurance and a valid license are required if travel reimbursement is claimed.
Ability to communicate clearly and courteously one-to-one and in group settings, listen effectively, and respond appropriately to customers and staff.
Ability to solve practical problems, define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and interpret written rules and regulations for program staff.
Ability to use electronic translation devices when needed.
Ability to talk and hear regularly; occasionally stand, walk, handle or feel objects, use fingers, reach with hands and arms, and lift or move up to 20 pounds.
Ability to meet close-vision and focus-adjustment requirements.

Nice To Haves

Some college or vocational/technical training.
Knowledge of issues surrounding people experiencing poverty.

Responsibilities

Operate economic programs in the county resource center, including LIHEAP, ECIP, resource and referral assistance, and special projects.
Assess client needs and collect client information for entry into the agency database and state LIHEAP system.
Refer clients to available community resources to address identified barriers.
Open and close outer-county resource centers independently and correctly when applicable.
Work with local and regional utility companies to advocate for clients.
Arrange approved financial assistance to help clients maintain household utilities, including electricity, propane, natural gas, and water when funded.
Process applications and income eligibility checks for Sieda programs.
Provide temporary coverage across the seven counties when needed due to emergencies, vacancies, or other service disruptions.
Communicate in a timely and effective manner with clients, staff, partners, and funders.
Coordinate regularly with the Resource Center Supervisor about program concerns and possible service changes.
Conduct low-income board elections in the county office and submit election information to the main Sieda office within established time frames.
Participate as a team member in the Economic and Family Support Services unit and agency.
Perform other duties needed to support the unit and agency goals.
Follow program standards and Sieda policies and procedures.
Maintain regular attendance, professional conduct, orderly work areas, confidentiality, and cooperative working relationships.
Travel in and outside the service area as required.