Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title:

community resource advocate ii

Department:

housing stability - utility assistance

Open Date:

October 29, 2024

Reports to:

community resource advocate supervisor

Close Date:

until filled

Work Location:

1001 sw baseline street, hillsboro, or 97123

Hiring Range:*

$19.02-$20.92

FLSA Status:

non-exempt

Position Status:

regular full-time (RFT)

Benefit Status:

eligible for benefits

Work Hours Per Week:

40

Number of Positions:

1

Months Active:

all

Positions Supervised:

0

Notice, this position requires you to be bilingual in English and Spanish, both verbal and written.

*Note:

For applicants with extensive qualifications and/or years of experience, hiring range may be exceeded with approval. If approval is granted, it will be based upon careful review of the applicant's qualifications, experience, internal equity and budgetary considerations. The final rate approved will typically never be at a rate equal to or above the established midpoint of the pay range for the position.

Community Action Organization reserves the right to modify, interpret or apply this job description as needed. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties (including essential duties), and skills to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not a contract implied or otherwise and the employment relationship remains at-will. The aforementioned requirements may be subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified persons with disabilities. All positions are contingent upon funding and successful passing of all required background checks, required registry checks, and physical screenings if required.

All staff in positions which regularly require driving either company or personal vehicles while performing work on behalf of Community Action are required to provide Human Resources proof of a valid driver's license for a motor vehicle record check both at hire and annually thereafter. Human Resources will conduct a motor-vehicle record. These records will be held as confidential records in Human Resources. All accidents will be reported to Human Resources within 48 hours.

Benefits: All regular full-time (RFT) status positions of 20 hours per week or more year round or part year of .50 FTE or higher are eligible for our outstanding benefits package including:

• Individual Medical with premium covered at 90%
• Free Dental insurance for the employee
• Health care waiving employees are eligible for a health care waiver benefit of $100 per month
• Employer matched retirement dollar for dollar for the first 3%
• Generous paid sick and vacation time
• 13 paid 0bserved holidays
• Free life and long term disability insurance
• Medex travel assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Rich and diverse mission-based working environment
• Possible student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Staff meeting program criteria for use of a second language in their position may apply for and if approved qualify for a bilingual pay benefit for $100 per month

Position Summary:

In support of the Agency's mission, this position is responsible for equitable allocation of utility assistance resources to best meet the needs of each applicant. This involves screening clients for eligibility, gathering required documentation, and providing direct assistance from a variety of funds in adherence with all funding guidelines. This position must accurately enter information into statewide client databases and provide additional referrals as needed. This position requires the ability to accurately evaluate clients' situations and make decisions about which combination of funds best applies to their needs and provides the most assistance possible. Duties also include establishing collaborative relationships with utility companies and clients while achieving positive results with diverse populations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Conduct phone-based or face-to-face interviews with low-income households that live in Washington County.
• Screen households for eligibility to participate in Utility Assistance programs and schedule appointments as appropriate.
• Determine eligibility and process payments for a variety of programs in accordance with policies/procedures and navigate various complex funding sources, such as LIHEAP, LIHWA, OEAP, OREF, and others.
• Negotiate with utility companies and other fuel providers to prevent disconnects, restore service, or guarantee bulk fuel delivery.
• Accurately enter information into statewide client database in order to capture required statistical information as well as generate authorized payments.
• Maintain real-time, accurate, complete and confidential records including client identification documents, billing records, and income eligibility documents. Submit and prepare reports as required.
• Collect and enter information (including required client documentation) into multiple systems of record or databases as needed with a high degree of accuracy.
• As appropriate, provide resource information on energy conservation, utility policy, payment plans and other community resources as needed.
• Engage in outreach activities to educate and share client service with low-income households. Participate in application and program enrollment events as needed.
• Consistently maintain a clean and orderly workstation to ensure interactions with clients are healthy and high-quality, and efficiencies in operations are maintained.
• Maintain confidentiality of all client information and/or other confidential information.
• Strictly adhere to all safety policies and procedures at all times and respond/correct any at-risk safety issues immediately.
• Strictly adhere to agency code of ethics and standards of workplace behavior.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet business needs including regular and reliable attendance and adherence to all company workplace behavior standards.

Marginal Functions and Responsibilities:

• Participate in special projects and data collection to enhance program planning and delivery.
• Keep informed about availability and current status of social service programs serving Washington County residents.
• Other marginal functions and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Education/Training/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalency with a minimum of six months customer service experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Bilingual Spanish/English, both written and verbal.
• Intermediate computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and software programs.
• Experience completing data entry with accuracy.
• Experience working collaboratively with a wide range of other professionals and social service agencies.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Preferred:

• Associate's Degree or higher in Social Services or a directly related field.
• Knowledge of Washington County community resources.
• Experience completing data entry with a high degree of accuracy in multiple systems of record.
• Experience interviewing clients and assessing needs, providing appropriate information and referrals, and advocating on behalf of clients.

Required Licensing or Other Special Certifications:

• N/A

Required Physical Demands of Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Work is performed in normal office environment.
• Constant exposure to computer and keyboard with extensive phone use.
• In normal work day, may stand/walk 2 hrs/day; may sit _5.5_ hrs/day; may drive _1/2_ hrs/day; may use hands for repetitive grasping, pushing and pulling, typing and fine manipulation _4.5_ hrs/day; may use hands at or above shoulder level for _1_hrs/day.
• In normal work day, may bend, squat, and/or climb frequently.
• Work is light in nature, lifting maximum of 20 lbs with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 20lbs.
• May require walking or standing to a significant degree, or sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arms and/or leg controls.

How to Apply for this Position:

To be considered we must receive a completed Community Action Employment Application form. You are welcome to also include a cover letter and resume at your option. Transcripts may be required for certain positions. Applications can be completed on our website: or you can print off the application to complete or pick up the application form at either of our following locations:

Hillsboro - 1001 SW Baseline St, Hillsboro OR 97123

Beaverton - 5050 SW Griffith Dr, Suite 101, Beaverton OR 97005

Be sure to submit your application in a timely manner. If you choose not to complete an online application, you can send your completed application form, optional resume and cover letter and any other required documents via fax at 503.400.3691. If you prefer to mail your application be sure to mail attention Human Resources at the Hillsboro office address above.

All application submissions will be acknowledged with a receipt notification. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you.

All current Community Action employees are encouraged to apply for openings at Community Action which they are interested in. For current employees, some qualifications may be met by an equivalent combination or education and experience at the discretion of the employer.

Community Action is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state equal employment opportunity laws. Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and selection process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.

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