Are you a person who enjoys helping others, solving problems, and providing excellent customer service? Join the Department of Human Services as an Energy Assistance Worker and assist the most vulnerable members of our community. In this role, you answer program questions, connect clients to helpful resources, and support households seeking energy assistance. The Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Helpline offers an exceptional opportunity to start your career while contributing to a mission-driven organization. If you are ready to help individuals in a rewarding environment, we encourage you to apply today!

This position focuses on helping customers understand and apply for assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). After receiving on-the-job training, you support applicants by reviewing information, determining eligibility, and guiding individuals through required steps. As an Energy Assistance Worker, you will perform the following duties:

Eligibility Decisions: Determine eligibility for LIHEAP cash and crisis benefits by applying federal regulations
Customer Assistance: Answer phone calls and communicate clearly with customers, staff, and community partners
Information Verification: Request and verify details needed to complete documentation and assess eligibility
Application Processing: Review applications for completeness and resolve them within required time frames
Technical Guidance: Provide support to applicants using the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website and myCOMPASS PA mobile application
Crisis Coordination: Work with customers and vendors to address emergency heating situations

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 with no healthcare benefits (37.5 hours per week)
- 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.
Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. This may change based on operational needs.
Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
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 Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.
Work Conditions: Assigned duties are performed in a controlled office environment.
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.
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.

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