Office Specialist II-Bilingual Required

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency • Salem, OR

13d • $21 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) is seeking an Office Specialist II who is mission-driven and dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. This role involves significant interaction with clients, providing essential support and services. The Office Specialist II will be responsible for managing communications, processing applications, and ensuring clients receive the necessary assistance, particularly within the Energy team, helping families maintain comfortable and safe homes. This position offers a rewarding experience by directly contributing to the well-being of the community.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
• Three years of client intake, reception, or related experience
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Driver qualifications are required for this position
• Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required
• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment
• Demonstrates intermediate abilities with Microsoft Office (Excel, Teams, Outlook, Word) and other databases are required
• Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form
• Ability to clearly explain procedures and eligibility requirements to clients
• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and empathy when communicating with those in stressful conditions
• Bilingual English – Spanish/Russian capabilities required
• To qualify as bilingual, staff must possess demonstrated abilities to speak, read and write fluently in English and Spanish/Russian, and pass a pre-employment bilingual proficiencies test

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with diverse populations in crisis is preferred
• Some knowledge of accessing community resources is preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• Answering multiline telephones
• Screening callers for eligibility
• Greeting clients and providing paperwork
• Reviewing incoming applications
• Utilizing computers to gather client information, reports, and emails
• Processing and delivering mail
• Helping families keep their lights on and their homes comfortable
• Greets and assists incoming guests
• Explains eligibility requirements to qualify for services to potential clients
• Remains current on services and funding source changes
• Answers incoming calls
• Explains application directions and the request process to clients
• Collects identification, proof of income, utility bills, benefit information, and other necessary information to determine eligibility from clients
• Utilizes OPUS database to create client files and verify client information needed to determine eligibility
• Follows up with clients by phone or email if additional information and/or documents are needed
• Monitors and reviews incoming digital applications via the website
• Reviews pending applications for completion
• Occasionally communicates payment commitments to the utility companies, sending complete and accurate documentation in communications
• Works closely with team members to gather and share information regarding changes to process, status of pending client applications, and best practices in the office
• Works with other members of the Energy Services team to process applications, communicate pertinent information, problem-solve common roadblocks, and communicate with clients as needed
• Validates all steps of the eligibility process and promptly corrects clerical or financial errors, communicating issues and resolutions to all appropriate parties
• Effectively utilizes time to complete applications
• Assists coworkers as able
• Maintains organized and accurate documentation in accordance with State and Federal regulations and guidelines
• Retains ongoing program updates and applies those updates in daily client assistance
• Maintains organized and accurate documentation and work area
• Performs all duties with client-centered mode of service
• Complies with MWVCAA safety and personnel policies, including punctuality and attendance
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with team members, clients and community partners
• Respects the confidentiality of all agency, program, coworker and client information
• Works as a team with the other Office Specialists to cover the front desk during breaks, lunches, and busy times, and provides front desk coverage in the absence of the assigned Office Specialist
• Assists with intake of walk-in clients during peak times at the beginning of the month, in order to assure a smooth and consistent office workflow

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Rich company culture that values diversity
• 401k contribution after 1 year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life insurance
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
• For some positions, employees may be eligible for company‑sponsored continuing education

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED