Energy Assistance Worker - Delaware County Assistance Office

As an Energy Assistance Worker for the Department of Human Services (DHS), you play an important part in helping individuals meet essential heating needs. This position gives you the opportunity to learn program procedures and support applicants during the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) season. You work in a supportive office environment that encourages learning and teamwork. Join the Delaware County Assistance Office team that values clear communication, strong effort, and compassion.

This role supports the the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program by helping applicants secure needed energy benefits. It focuses on interviewing households, reviewing documentation, and maintaining accurate records. As an Energy Assistance Worker, you will perform the following duties:

• Application Interviews: Conduct interviews with applicants to gather information and determine eligibility for energy assistance
• Document Review: Examine mail-in applications and supporting materials for completeness and accuracy
• System Use: Access computer programs to collect data needed for eligibility decisions
• Form Completion: Fill out forms and vendor authorizations, including required calculations
• Information Verification: Contact vendors, employers, and others to verify applicant details when needed
• Case Evaluation: Review records and complaints to identify potential underpayments or overpayments

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 in 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 Chester or Darby. 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 Delaware County. If no eligible candidates who live within Delaware 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.