Energy Assistance Program Coord

Metropolitan Family Service • Gresham, OR

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

Metropolitan Family Service (MFS) is seeking an Energy Assistance Program Coordinator to serve as the MFS contact for outreach, enrollment, and case management of families seeking energy assistance in Multnomah County. This role, under the supervision of the Program Quality Manager and in partnership with Multnomah County, MFS SUN Site Managers, 211 Info, and community partners, is crucial for implementing new systems and prioritizing families with specific needs. The Coordinator will focus on building relationships with community partners and ensuring eligible families receive necessary energy assistance. MFS is committed to creative problem-solving, believing in the potential of families, and fostering independence through prevention and wellness.

Requirements

• Training and a minimum of 2 years of experience in social services, family support, housing stabilization, case management, or related services.
• Demonstrated experience in providing resource navigation and referral services.
• Experience in community recruitment, marketing and community outreach is essential.
• Experience working in collaboration with a variety of agencies and programs.
• Bi-lingual in a language in addition to English highly preferred, ability to read, write and speak effectively in communicating with clients in a professional setting (Spanish preferred).
• Strong knowledge of strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with diverse families and community partners.
• Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate documentation.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with other staff and team.
• Knowledge and competency to operate a personal computer.
• Competency in using Word, Excel, G Suite, and database programs.
• Competency to use various social media tools, Zoom, Google Hangouts/Meets and other tools to communicate to families virtually.
• Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Possesses excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals and groups.
• Ability to maintain appropriate and professional relationships with participants and volunteers.
• Values working in a multicultural, diverse environment.
• Equity and Social Justice Values working in a multicultural, diverse environment.
• Values and supports inclusion and program access for clients.
• Supports agency goals for reducing disparity in outcomes for communities of color.
• Adopts anti-racism approaches to services by understanding and acknowledging systemic and individual racism and privilege.
• Collaboration and Teamwork Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with a broad range of individuals and groups within all program areas of MFS as well as other agencies.
• Values the inclusion of multiple voices, including clients/service users, in the design and implementation of programs and services.
• Minimum of a BA or BS in public service, recreation or human services related field; MSW or MA preferred; or equivalent, related experience.
• Experience working in Training and a minimum of 2 years of experience in social services, family support, housing stabilization, case management, or related services.
• Personal transportation allowing for travel within the Portland Metropolitan area in a timely manner.
• If driving a personal vehicle must maintain a valid driver’s license for the state of residency, personal auto liability insurance coverage, and a driving record permitting coverage under the agency auto liability policy.
• MFS requires all employees and volunteers to complete a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a public school setting or with public school partners preferred.
• Experience working with families experiencing housing instability, poverty, or barriers to accessing services preferred.
• Fluency and ability to communicate effectively in languages in addition to English is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with MFS program staff, SUN Site Managers, Community Partners and 211 Info to help low income individuals in Multnomah County access energy assistance when needed.
• Provide broad and targeted outreach in Multnomah County through MFS, Community Partners and 211 Info to make sure qualified applicants know that energy assistance is available.
• Comply with Metropolitan Family Service policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee and program handbooks.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community and community organizations.
• Maintain correct and timely credit card logs and timesheets.
• Maintain records and accurate data.
• Develop outreach strategies and promotional materials (e.g. flyers, mailings, signage, emails, and social media posts) to engage families.
• Build strong relationships with families.
• Conduct ongoing community outreach to identify families in need of support.
• Outreach and Relationship building should include, and is not limited to: staffing County Energy Events, media and marketing events, Energy Fairs, Neighborhood and Community Fairs, Energy Assistance intake events at schools, community organizations and apartment complexes.
• Verify and document eligibility of households seeking energy assistance.
• Calculate income according to Oregon Housing and Community Services Energy Assistance Manual.
• Inform Applicants of eligibility requirements at the time they make an appointment with MFS.
• Give eligible applicants a payment receipt after their application is completed, within 45 days from the time of intake.
• Provide applicants who mail in their application written response explaining the outcome of their application, including their benefits.
• If assistance is denied or delayed, which includes a fair hearing process, an applicant must be sent a Notice of Action (NOA).
• Provide applicants who are determined to be ineligible both a verbal message and a written NOS stating they are ineligible and the process for a fair hearing.
• Assist a participant who wants to appeal a denial decision.
• Inform applicants of any change in their benefits.
• Promote hope, leadership, community connection, and long-term stability.
• Follow client file standards detailed in the OHCS Energy Assistance Operations Manual.
• Complete files accurately and completely with proper supportive materials.
• Submit applications in a timely manner including “Corrective Action” follow-up.
• Adhere to “No Wrong Door” policy.
• Respect participant confidentiality.
• Work with participants in an efficient, respectful, courteous and professional manner.
• Connect families to broader MFS services and community-based supports.
• Deliver services using equitable and inclusive practices, utilizing the MFS Equity Lens.
• Maintain complete and accurate client files in accordance with Multnomah County and MFS standards.
• Complete intake documentation, assessments, service plans, progress notes, releases of information, confidentiality forms, and grievance acknowledgements.
• Document all participant contacts and services.
• Ensure regular case reviews, file maintenance, and supervisory review requirements are met.
• Spend energy assistance funds according to County timelines.
• Prepare reports and data summaries as required by funders and MFS leadership.
• Attend monthly and any scheduled bi-monthly Energy Coordinator’s meetings facilitated by Multnomah County.
• Attend supervision meetings, SUN team meetings, and trainings.
• Collaborate with MFS staff and community partners to align services and maximize support for families.
• Create and sustain effective relationships with SUN staff and the larger school community.
• Participate in appropriate school and community meetings/committees to develop and maintain strong community partnerships.

Benefits

• Hybrid options are available with supervisor approval.
• Metropolitan Family Service is committed to building a diverse workforce to broaden and deepen our work in the communities we serve.
• MFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree