Energy Assistance Worker - Bedford County Assistance Office

If you are interested in a seasonal job opportunity that allows you to help Pennsylvania citizens stay warm during the winter season, then look no further! The Department of Human Services is currently seeking an Energy Assistance Worker at the Bedford County Assistance Office to help eligible individuals receive benefits through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Join our dedicated team and make a positive impact with the work you do.

This is a full-time, seasonal position that typically runs for 6-8 months during the fall and winter seasons to assist clients in the process of applying for heating assistance. In this role, you will have the opportunity to process initial benefit applications and CRISIS applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). After receiving on-the-job training, your duties will include interviewing clients, acting as a liaison with heating vendors, and reviewing and completing applications received to recommend approval or disapproval of benefits consistent with federal and state regulations. The majority of this job is completion work through data entry. The work assignments are limited in scope and work is reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to the program regulations. You may perform other related duties as assigned.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Seasonal full-time employment. The season runs approximately October to April, but employment may begin as early as September and last until June.
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. Work hours may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time based on bargaining unit seniority and organizational demands once all other eligibility criteria are met. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Bedford.
• WORK CONDITIONS: Assigned duties are performed in a controlled office environment. In counties with district offices, employees may be reassigned to different work sites due to operational needs. Reassignments will be made in compliance with contract language.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience in general office work which included interviewing the public; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• Hiring preference for this vacancy may be given to candidates who live within Bedford County. If no eligible candidates who live within Bedford County apply for this position, candidates who reside in other counties may be considered.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.