Energy Assistance Worker

If you want a rewarding role where your office skills and attention to detail help families receive vital heating assistance, consider becoming an Energy Assistance Worker with the Department of Human Services. This position gives you the opportunity to support customers through the application process while applying important Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) rules at the Danville Processing Center. You will build meaningful connections as you help applicants gather information and understand their options. Your work will support the well-being of households throughout the community.

This position assists individuals applying for heating assistance by reviewing applications, verifying information, and determining eligibility according to LIHEAP guidelines. Daily tasks involve working with customers, vendors, and electronic systems to ensure timely and accurate benefit processing. As an Energy Assistance Worker, you will perform the following duties:

• Applicant Interviews: Conduct interviews with applicants, gather information, and review details needed to determine eligibility
• Information Verification: Request and validate documents, communicate with customers and third parties, and update forms and letters
• Application Processing: Review LIHEAP applications for completeness, analyze information, and finalize cases within required time frames
• System Research: Use electronic systems to obtain data needed for eligibility determinations and crisis arrangements
• Customer Interaction: Provide referrals, respond to inquiries, and assist customers in stressful or complex situations
• Record Imaging: Image applications and supporting materials into electronic files to maintain complete documentation

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.
• 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 Danville, 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.

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 Montour County. If no eligible candidates who live within Montour 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.