Job Information
HRDC IX Program Eligibility Specialist in Bozeman, Montana
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HRDC does not discriminate against any person including customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity, reprisal, and where applicable, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, political ideas and beliefs, level of English skills, if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by HRDC, in the performance of contracts and the delivery of services or funding. Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.
All are encouraged to apply. At HRDC IX , we value lived experience and nontraditional backgrounds. Studies have shown that women, nonbinary individuals, and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.
Job Opening Date: July 25, 2024
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
Job Closing Date: Open until filled
Job Status: This position is a seasonal contract (Mid-September through April 30) & can be either part time-30 hours or full time-40 hours
Wage: $23.00/hour
Job Location: Market Place in Bozeman
General Summary of Purpose of this Position:
Informs customers and interested parties of the scope, nature, and requirements of the Energy Assistance Programs. Takes applications for heat bill assistance, verifies information, completes all required forms to determine eligibility and benefit level in various grant programs. Performs outreach functions and consumer education activities. Performs routine office functions and other duties as assigned.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Duty Statements. This position has the following duties and responsibilities. They are listed starting with the most important. The percentage at the end of each statement is an estimate of the percentage of time spent on each duty. This listing does not include minor duties which constitute less than 5% of the position’s time unless such duties are significantly important or critical to the success of the position. Each of the duties listed below is considered an essential function of this job. (Essential functions are those functions that the employee must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. Regular and predictable work schedule and attendance are considered essential functions.)
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities, in order of importance
- Determines program eligibility and processes applications (75% of time spent)
Performs heat bill assistance intake and application processing
Assists customers with completing their application when necessary
Verifies information provided by applicant
Determines program eligibility and level of benefits
Maintains a balanced client empathy and exercises judgment in assisting within funding limitations
Maintains client files and appropriate documentation per program regulations
- Interviews consumers for energy needs assessment and completes appropriate referrals (10% of time spent)
Informs consumers and other interested parties of the scope, nature and regulations of the energy assistance programs
Demonstrates knowledge of local resources and makes appropriate referrals
- Serves as a community resource person for all energy assistance programs (5% of time spent)
Explains the energy assistance programs (LIHEAP, CRF emergency furnace repair/replacement, Weatherization, Energy Share of Montana) to consumers and interested parties
Negotiates with vendors regarding scheduling service for no-heat situations
Attends appropriate meetings and training
- Interacts and communicates with people representing a wide variety of backgrounds, organizations, agencies and professions (5% of time spent)
Communicates both personally and impersonally through oral or written directives and memoranda, with all parties involved
Promote effective communication and cooperation with staff, clients and other service providers
Represents the HRDC at public hearings and meetings
- Prepares correspondence, interagency forms, state and federal forms and reports (5% of time spent)
Completes required forms and reports within time frames specified by individual program requirements
Prepares correspondence and maintains appropriate records
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Language Skills:
Read and comprehend basic instructions and present information to others
Read, interpret, and write routine reports and correspondence
Mathematical/ Money Handling Skills:
Add, subtract, multiply and divide simple numbers
Apply concepts of basic algebra
Handle small amounts of cash
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Computer Skills:
Words per minute computer keyboard required: Demonstrate competency
10-Key strokes per minute data entry required: Demonstrate competency
Specialized Office Equipment:
Operate fax machine to send or receive documents
Operate 10-key calculator to add, subtract, divide, or multiple numbers
Operate multi-line telephone to place, receive or transfer calls and to retrieve voice mail messages.
Other (Specify): Copier, scanner, postage machine
Computer Software and Operating Systems:
Utilize computer Spreadsheet (Excel/Google Sheets) to input, format and edit data and save, print or transmit data
Utilize computer Word Processing (Word/Google Doc) to input, format and edit documents and save, print or transmit documents
Utilize computer Internet/ E-Mail to access, send, retrieve, save, print or transmit documents, or data files
Operate Personal Computer with Windows operating system to start programs, input, format and edit data files and print or transmit data
Utilizes proprietary, custom or online programs or data bases to input, format, and edit data and save, print, or transmit data. Specify Software: State of Montana databases including CHIMES, Department of Labor, and TEAMS
Specialized Tools (Non-Computer):
None
Agency, professional or governmental policies and regulations:
State or Federal Regulations or Laws (List by Name): Administrative Rules of Montana; LIHEAP Policy and Procedures
Agency Policies or Procedures (List by Name): All HRDC policies and procedures
Drivers Licenses Required for Performing this Position:
Montana Class D Driver License and appropriate insurance.
Professional Licenses or Certifications Required by Law, Rule or Regulation for Performing this Position:
All State and Federal certifications required per funding sources must be obtained within 6 months of requirement. Failure to obtain certification can result in termination of employment.
Licenses or Certifications That Would Be Useful but Are Not Required:
None
Other Required Knowledge, Skills or Abilities:
Ability to effectively work and communicate with a wide range of individuals from all socio-economic groups
Ability to read, interpret and implement documents such as governmental regulations, rules, and procedure manuals
Ability work with minimal supervision and effectively manage work flow
Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints from customers or claimants.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Exhibit self-motivation, high energy level, high level of organization, and efficiency
Demonstrate ability to make appropriate programmatic decisions
Effectively establishes and maintain positive working relationships with program participants and other team members
Ability to speak precisely and clearly in public
Effectively disseminates information about program offerings
Ensures compliance with program and performance standards
Essential Physical, Mental and Emotional Requirements of this Position:
The following physical, mental and emotional abilities are considered essential to perform the duties listed above:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
The incumbent must be able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and work under time pressures.
Must be able to sit for extended periods of time
Education and Experience
Education: The following course(s) of study or class work usually provides the required knowledge skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position:
Graduation from high school or GED required
Some post high school education is preferred
Experience: The following kinds of experience usually provide the required knowledge skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position:
Two years work experience that would provide general office skills including computer usage, office machines operation, and general office procedures.
Eligibility testing experience is preferred
Supervision
Supervision Received:
This position operates under general supervision.
The incumbent’s work is primarily assigned by daily workflow and operations. The incumbent is authorized to make decisions as to the timing and sequence of work and the work is performed according to established policies and procedures and/or within applicable laws, rules and regulations governing the tasks being performed.
Works under the direct supervision of the Program Director; consults Program Director on questions, problems and procedures as they arise.
This position supervises the following position(s):
None
Decisions
Impact of Decisions and Errors Made by Position:
Decisions, final recommendations and/or errors primarily affect clients of LIHEAP, Weatherization, and Energy Share Programs
Judgment Required to Make Decisions:
Requires judgment to solve day‑to‑day problems, but usually within established procedures, guidelines, and precedents
Exception Authority:
This position cannot authorize exceptions to Program policy or procedure.
Financial Responsibility
Handling Cash or Checks:
This position handles cash or checks for Energy Share payments.
Prepares vendor claims for Program Director approval
Enters data necessary for the State to reimburse the agency’s Contingency Revolving Fund
Personal Contacts
The incumbent is responsible for the following personal contacts (either in oral or written form) when performing the Duties and Responsibilities of the Position:
Interacts with the public or consumers daily
Interacts with Program Director weekly or more frequently
Interacts with representatives of other service providers on a weekly or more frequent basis
May interact with funding agencies to provide information or exchange facts
Confidentiality:
The incumbent regularly works with confidential and client data, which if disclosed, may be detrimental to agency/client interests. Release of such information may also violate disclosure laws.
Working Conditions:
The incumbent is exposed to the following unusual, potentially hazardous or unpleasant working conditions:
Works in temperature controlled office environment
Weekly or more frequent contact clients are in a highly emotional state of mind
Limited exposure to hostile or angry clients or public members
Limited overnight travel required
Department
Energy/LIEAP
Employment Type
Full-Time Contract - 40 hrs
Compensation
$23.00/ hour