Energy Assistance Specialist

IRCO•Portland, OR

1d•$48,600•Hybrid

About The Position

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. IRCO’s Energy Assistance Program provides home energy assistance to households with low income, aiming to supplement home heating and electric costs. The Energy Assistance Specialist must possess excellent communication skills, be well-versed in the case management approach, knowledgeable in helping clients meet their housing and social service needs, and have strong time management and paperwork completion skills. This role involves meeting with potential clients to assess program eligibility, checking eligibility before scheduling appointments, completing intake, and maintaining case files, required paperwork, and reports on a timely and regular basis. The specialist will meet individually with clients in a case management setting to help them define, work towards, and reach their housing-related goals, make commitments to utility companies, and assist with TriMet Hop applications as needed. The Energy Assistance Specialist will also refer clients to other sources of assistance and interact with staff in other IRCO programs, community partners, and other relevant parties.

Requirements

Bilingual in English and any Asian or Pacific Islander language (Vietnamese preferred)
Must be able to pass extensive background check
Applicants need to be within commuting distance to the based worksites and able to work onsite at least three days per week
Must possess a valid driver’s license and verification of current auto-insurance and have full use of automobile during work hours
Some college course work
Less than one year of experience is required
Ability to work with people from all backgrounds without exception
Good communication is a must
Experience working with refugee and immigrant communities, underserved and low-income families is a must
Ability to courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, organization representatives, vendors, contractors, the public, and others
Ability to use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities
Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently, and to meet commitments

Nice To Haves

Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multibackground organization
Strong ability to work with multi-background staff in a team setting
Ability to use nonstandard procedures and techniques to resolve unusual problems or address management requirements

Responsibilities

Learn the Online Processing and Unified System (OPUS) system for the energy program (training will be provided)
Function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment and demonstrate a high degree of flexibility to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently to meet commitments
Multi-task and meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines and prepare clear and concise reports
Utilize a laptop, read, and analyze data in hard copy and on a computer screen
Successfully respond to situations of pressure involving individual circumstances balanced against agency policies and goals and able to deal with distressed and/or demanding customers and employees in an effective manner
Maintain a high level of confidentiality and listen for understanding and assist in problem solving
Clearly communicate verbally and in writing to individuals and groups, including, by telephone
Use basic office equipment, including, telephone, copier, fax machine, and laptop computer
Attend training and meetings conducted as part of the Multnomah County Stability Initiative system and Energy Assistance programs
Occasional travel to client residencies may be required
Be punctual, maintain a good attendance record, and be able to work flexible hours to meet the availability of participants and customers
Attend staff meetings, partner meetings, internal and external committee meetings as assigned
Support organizational record keeping requirements
Other duties as assigned and as needed by supervisor
Communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization

Benefits

Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
Work that helps your community
3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting
3% match for student loans or college savings
12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending account