Utility Assistance Program Specialist (TEMP)

MAAC•Chula Vista, CA

2d•$21 - $24

About The Position

Since 1965, MAAC has been maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life-changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in five core focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Through a wide variety of programs, MAAC has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the community. Learn more about the great things happening with MAAC at http://www.maacproject.org/ . JOB SUMMARY MAAC’s utilities assistance programs include but are not limited to the State of California Department of Community Services (CSD) for the Low Income Home Energy Assistant Program (LIHEAP). Programs provide funds to assist low-income households with utilities bills and mitigate the economic impacts of utility costs to low-income households. The work is focused on areas including, but not limited to, determining applicant eligibility for the programs, answering questions and responding to applicants, landlords, and the public regarding program policies and procedures, facilitating workshops, providing application assistance, entering information into data management systems, and maintaining paper documentation and files. The Program Specialist will work to support MAAC’s efforts to restore stability to San Diegans in an expedited manner.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Eligibility and/or case management practices and procedures
Applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility
Record-keeping principles and procedures
Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications
Principles of business letter writing and record keeping
English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and staff
Ability to: Perform specialized and technical eligibility and case management work with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision
Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and word-processing, database, spreadsheet, and other software applications programs
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner
Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Multi-tasking; ability to manage large case files and high productivity.
High School Diploma or GED.
Two (2) years post-secondary education and/or experience in clerical/office, social services, or comparable work.
Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.
Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.
Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier.
Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Review submitted/assigned applications for accuracy, completeness, and to determine eligibility
Perform required data entry
Check and tabulate standard mathematical data to determine program award
Inform applicants, landlords, and the general public of program procedures and required documentation for program eligibility
Provide technical assistance to Community Based Organizations who are assisting clients with application submissions
Conduct comprehensive audits of case files to ensure eligibility determinations, case management activities, and documentation are accurate, complete, and in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and applicable funding source rules and regulations
Conduct administrative reviews regarding the denial of eligibility
Pull case records, conduct research regarding problems or concerns, and take corrective action as appropriate
Develop and maintain accurate and detailed records, verify accuracy of information, research discrepancies, and record information
Use dashboards and Excel spreadsheets to track status of their assigned applications.
Deliver presentations on program benefits, eligibility, and processes
Make and document referrals to other resources
Offer comprehensive education and counseling to participants
Perform other duties as assigned