Energy Assistance Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Become A Part of the El Programa Hispano Catolico Team

El Programa Hispano Catolico (EPHC) is an organization that supports individuals in reaching their fullest potential. For nearly 40 years, our mission has been to advance racial equity and social justice through the power of our Latine roots, culture, and community. This mission, which is at the heart of everything we do, has allowed us to respond to local needs by addressing the social determinants of health. We achieve this through our program areas: Housing, Economic Sustainability, Education, Community Wellness, and DV/SA Prevention and Intervention. Today, EPHC serves more than 30,000 people annually and employs over 100 staff members, the majority of whom are bilingual, and over 93% are bicultural.

Although EPHC is affiliated with the Catholic Charities Network, candidates or participants do not need to be Catholic to work with us or receive services. Across our programs and services, staff of all faiths-or none-work within our framework of respect for our mission, the dignity of the human person, and the common good.

To learn more about EPHC, visit our website at https://elprograma.org/

Benefits:

• Vacation & Sick Time Benefits
• 14 Paid Holidays
• 90% employer-paid health insurance with buy-up options
• 401k with Employer Contribution
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Access to our Retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Group Life Insurance
• Bonus Wellness Days
• Continuous Growth and Development Opportunities
• Opportunities to serve your community and make a positive impact

About The Role:

 The Energy Assistance Specialist is responsible for administering federal and state energy assistance funds to eligible residents in Multnomah County. This position requires a high level of attention to detail and accuracy to review documentation for eligibility, conduct database entry, and adhere to all-program guidelines and regulations. The specialist will spend a majority of their time interacting with the public (virtually and in-person) through individual appointments and conducting outreach in the community. Other responsibilities include scheduling appointments and attending program meetings. Because this position requires interaction with a high number of community members, many of whom are in crisis, the individual should be able to relate in a culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and compassionate way with diverse populations. 

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist with coordination of the energy assistance phone line, telephone screening and scheduling appointments.
• Manage waiting list and coordination between team/reception.
• Verify that client meets the income and funding source eligibility criteria.
• Verify documentation compliance according to the County's guidelines.
• Interview clients and identify other potential services we can provide to ensure family stabilization.
• Accurately enter data into OPUS (Oregon Community and Housing Services database). Respond to all corrective actions and establish positive communication with the County's staff.
• Maintain client files in accordance with funder guidelines.
• Attend funder and agency meetings, trainings and events as required or requested by manager.
• Assist with tracking agency resources for energy assistance.
• Conduct off-site outreach events including other organizations, schools, etc.
• Effectively represent El Programa Hispano Catolico in the local community.
• Adhere to El Programa Hispano Catolico policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by EPHC manager/Lead.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Must be bilingual (Spanish/English) and bi-culturally competent.
• Ability to communicate concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing in Spanish and English.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Cultural humility and the ability to relate compassionately to people experiencing poverty.
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• At least 1 year experience working in a professional setting.
• Experience conducting energy assistance or similar program preferred, but not required.
• Ability to build relationships among partner agencies and the Latinx community to promote services.
• Commitment to EPHC mission to work in partnership with vulnerable populations to achieve lasting solutions to poverty and injustice.
• Demonstrated judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential matters.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• Must be able to organize and prioritize work, be proactive, take initiative, resolve problems, follow through, and simultaneously manage multiple priorities to ensure goals are met in a timely manner.
• Ability to work well in a team setting, as well as independently; be flexible and adapt well to different dynamics in fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule as needed for occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Driving is required; occasional travel in the Gresham and Portland area. Valid driver's license and automobile insurance at agency-required levels (100/300/100).
• Successful completion of civil, criminal and/or motor vehicle background checks.
• Ability to support organizational and program specific mission and goals.

Compensation: $25.00-$26.00 per hour. Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience.

Location & Typical Working Conditions: Most of the work performed by this position can be accomplished in a hybrid/remote work environment, though frequent in-person meetings will be required and there are times that work requires in person, onsite activities. On-site work is located at EPHC's office in Gresham, OR and meeting participants as needed in the Metropolitan Portland area. Job duties may require occasional travel, and evening and weekend work depending on project deadlines.

EPHC strives to provide a balanced work-life schedule through our innovative 4-day workweek. We believe in maximizing productivity and employee well-being by providing an extra day each week for you to recharge and enjoy personal pursuits if you successfully complete your work in that timeframe.

TO APPLY: Please visit and apply through El Programa Hispano's online application at www.elprograma.org/careers

EPHC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

El Programa Hispano Catolico is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. EPHC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, veteran, military status, religion, age, creed, national origin, sexual identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.