Income Maintenance Caseworker I-Energy -Part-Time

Harnett County•Lillington, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Harnett County DSS is seeking an eligibility caseworker for its Energy unit. The position interviews applicants and completes applications for the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), which assists low-income families facing or at risk of a heating- or cooling-related emergency, and the seasonal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which provides a one-time credit to an eligible individual’s main heating vendor during December through March. The unit also administers private funding sources and other utility assistance programs. Work is high-paced and busier in certain seasons; the position is described as temporary and may work full time during the fall and winter when application volume is high. The caseworker gathers and verifies applicant information, evaluates emergencies, applies program rules to determine eligibility, and communicates decisions or approvals to vendors. The role also explains applicants’ rights and responsibilities, refers clients to other appropriate agency services, and manages program deadlines. Some home visits may be required at the discretion of the Supervisor or Program Manager. The position is based at 311 Cornelius Harnett Boulevard, Lillington, North Carolina. Office space and regular office equipment are provided. The work requires close visual attention and mental concentration while speaking with clients and accurately recording information. The physical effort is described as comparable to that required in any office job. Hiring range is $20.4235 per hour.

Requirements

Knowledge of casework and general knowledge of community programs, federal, state, and local programs, social planning concepts and techniques, crisis intervention, and advocacy techniques.
Good mathematical reasoning and computational skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret rules, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients, applicants, the public, and public officials.
Listening skills and ability to obtain and assemble facts for case evaluation.
Ability to interpret verbal and non-verbal behavior and discuss sensitive emotional subjects with clients.
Ability to speak and write clearly and organize and maintain a workload effectively.
Meet one of the stated training and experience pathways: graduation from an accredited associate degree program in Human Services Technology, Social Services associate, Paralegal Technology, Business Administration, Secretarial Science, or a closely related curriculum; or high school graduation plus two years of specified paraprofessional, clerical, or public-contact experience; or high school graduation plus three years of specified paraprofessional, clerical, or public-contact experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Computer knowledge.
Be a highly motivated team player, flexible, and possess excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

Interview applicants and gather information about the crisis, residence, income, bank accounts, and resources.
Use tact and judgment to assess each emergency, including whether household members face life-threatening risk.
Explain applicants’ rights and responsibilities, including paperwork requirements, appeal and hearing rights, and reporting changes.
Refer clients to other appropriate agency services, such as Medical Assistance, DSS Social Workers, Food and Nutrition Services, and Child Day Care services.
Verify information relevant to eligibility, including the assistance unit, citizenship, countable income, contributions, resources, and the emergency situation.
Contact employers, landlords, mortgage companies, financial institutions, and other sources or use records and computer programs to verify information.
Compile and review verifications, establish budgets, and apply program regulations to determine eligibility.
Meet program deadlines, including CIP deadlines of 18–48 hours depending on the situation and the LIEAP deadline of 10 days after receiving all information.
Send an approval to the vendor for approved energy emergency assistance, such as a verbal pledge or letter.
Make home visits when required by the Supervisor or Program Manager.
Perform other duties assigned by the Supervisor, Program Manager, or Director to meet agency needs.