Utility Assistance Program Specialist
About The Position
MAAC’s utility assistance programs, including California Department of Community Services programs such as LIHEAP, provide funds to help low-income households pay utility bills and mitigate the economic impacts of utility costs. The Utility Assistance Program Specialist supports these programs and MAAC’s efforts to restore stability to San Diegans in an expedited manner. The role reviews applications for completeness and eligibility, communicates program requirements and procedures to applicants, landlords, community organizations, and the public, and provides application assistance and participant education. The specialist enters and tracks information in data systems and spreadsheets, maintains case documentation, reviews and audits files, conducts administrative reviews, researches concerns, and takes corrective action as appropriate. The position also facilitates presentations, makes referrals, and provides technical assistance to Community Based Organizations.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Two years of post-secondary education and/or experience in clerical/office work, social services, or comparable work.
- Knowledge of eligibility and/or case management practices and procedures.
- Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to the assigned area.
- Knowledge of record-keeping principles and procedures, data collection, and report preparation.
- Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications, including word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.
- Knowledge of business letter writing, English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
- Ability to perform specialized and technical eligibility and case management work accurately, quickly, and with minimal supervision.
- Ability to analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data effectively.
- Ability to interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
- Ability to make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
- Ability to operate modern office equipment and word-processing, database, spreadsheet, and other software applications.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects and tasks, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English in person, by telephone, and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
- Ability to multitask and manage large case files while maintaining high productivity.
- Must complete a physical examination, TB clearance, and drug screen through a MAAC-designated doctor or clinic, and provide required influenza, pertussis, and measles immunization records before the first day of employment.
- Must satisfy background, education, DMV, NSOR, exclusion, and debarment checks before hire and periodically during employment.
- Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal insured vehicle, and a driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier; incumbents are enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.
- For work in a licensed childcare facility, must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance and submit a signed criminal record statement and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form before the first day of employment.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Review assigned applications for accuracy, completeness, and eligibility.
- Perform required data entry.
- Check and tabulate standard mathematical data to determine program awards.
- Explain program procedures and required eligibility documentation to applicants, landlords, and the public.
- Provide technical assistance to Community Based Organizations assisting clients with applications.
- Audit case files to verify eligibility determinations, case management activities, and documentation comply with applicable policies, procedures, funding rules, and regulations.
- Conduct administrative reviews of eligibility denials.
- Retrieve case records, research problems or concerns, and take corrective action as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain accurate, detailed records; verify information, research discrepancies, and record findings.
- Use dashboards and Excel spreadsheets to track assigned application status.
- Deliver presentations about program benefits, eligibility, and processes.
- Make and document referrals to other resources.
- Provide comprehensive education and counseling to participants.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
