Energy Assistance Specialist

IRCO•Portland, OR

3d•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. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org . POSITION: Energy Assistance Specialist JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 1 / Grade 8 WAGE: Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience FLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864 LOCATIONS: IRCO - Pacific Islander & Asian Family Center (PIAFC) 8040 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland OR 97213, Hybrid schedule FTE; FT/PT; STATUS : 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1) APPLY AT: www.irco.org STATUS: ? Full-Time with Benefits? PROGRAM(S): Multnomah Energy Assistance SECTOR: Housing and Supportive Services REQUIREMENTS: Bilingual in English and any Asian or Pacific Islander language (Rohingya 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 This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Program Summary IRCO’s Energy Assistance Program provides home energy assistance to households with low income. The purpose of the program is to supplement home heating and electric costs. The person in this position must have excellent communication skills, be well versed in the case management approach, be knowledgeable on how to help clients meet their housing and social service needs and have strong time management and paperwork completion skills. Position Summary The Energy Assistance Specialist is responsible for meeting with potential clients and assessing program eligibility; checking clients’ eligibility before scheduling appointments; completing intake and maintaining case files, required paperwork and reports on a timely and regular basis; meeting individually with clients in a case management setting to help them define, work towards, and reach their goals related to housing; making commitments to utility companies and help with TriMet Hop applications as needed. The Energy Assistance Specialist will be able to refer clients to other sources of assistance to help them reach their goals and interact with staff in other IRCO programs, community partners, and other parties as needed.

Requirements

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Some college course work
Experience: 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
Bilingual in English and any Asian or Pacific Islander language (Rohingya 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

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

Ability to learn the Online Processing and Unified System (OPUS) system for the energy program (training will be provided)
Must have the ability to 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
Strong ability to 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
Must have good grammar, spelling, and writing skills.
Must clearly communicate verbally and in writing to individuals and groups, including, by telephone.
Must be able to use basic office equipment, including, telephone, copier, fax machine, and laptop computer.
Be able to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the telephone and/or use PC for long periods of time
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
Must 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
Detailed oriented with excellent organizational and grammar skills; analytical and decision-making abilities
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