Energy Assistance Worker - Allegheny County Assistance Office

Are you seeking a role where your attention to detail and steady support can strengthen your community as an Energy Assistance Worker with the Department of Human Services? In this job, you guide applicants through important steps that connect them with heating assistance at the Allegheny County Assistance Office. You review information, answer questions, and help individuals understand their options. Your work ensures that families receive the help they need during challenging times.

This position centers on reviewing applications, gathering information, and determining eligibility for heating assistance programs. As a Energy Assistance Worker, you will perform the following duties:

• Application Management: Review and organize large volumes of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applications to ensure correct and timely processing
• Eligibility Review: Analyze information and verify details to determine benefit eligibility
• Client Interaction: Interview applicants, explain program rules, and assist them in documenting eligibility factors
• Information Gathering: Collect details by telephone, mail, and in person from applicants and third party sources
• Data Entry Work: Retrieve and enter case information using computer systems and required applications
• Program Interpretation: Explain departmental policies, procedures, and benefits to clients and partner agencies

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, 37.5 hours per week
• Seasonal employment typically runs for 6 to 8 months during the fall and winter seasons to assist clients with the process of applying for heating assistance.
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• 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.
• Telework: This position may be eligible to telework part time. Specific details of the telework schedule will be discussed during the interview process. 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 Pittsburgh, PA. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.
• Hourly Rate: In some cases, the starting hourly rate may be non-negotiable.
• 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 Guidelines.
• Hiring preference for this vacancy may be given to candidates who live within Allegheny County. If no eligible candidates who live within Allegheny 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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.