Community Support Specialist I - LEAP -165010

Overall Job Objective

What Success Looks Like In This Job

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We are seeking reliable and professional candidates with the compassion and desire to assist individuals that apply for government assistance programs. This position interacts with the public on a daily basis, therefore, candidates must possess the ability to maintain and portray a positive image of the department, demonstrate positive, professional behaviors for others, confront behaviors in a non-judgmental effective manner and deescalate crisis situations. This position is required to interview and assess eligibility for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) on initial and ongoing applicants/participants and will be required to process a monthly caseload of approximately 225.

Note: This is a six-month seasonal, full-time position.

Examples of Duties for Success

• Interviews applicants/participants regarding income, resources, household composition, and employment status to assess their eligibility for assistance.
• Provides courteous customer service and provides applicants/participants with information needed for eligibility.
• Assists applicants in completing all forms and obtaining necessary documentation.
• Communicates with applicants/participants/employers by collateral contact by telephone and documents record of contact in computer system.
• Reviews applications for accuracy and completeness, verifies all information, and computes assistance allotment.
• Explains program eligibility requirements to applicants, including all rules and regulations, his/her rights and responsibilities, available benefit dates, reason for approval or denial, and the right to appeal.
• Determines appropriate referrals to mandated work programs for applicants/participants. Works closely with work program staff to share relative information.
• Participates in dispute resolution process with applicant/participant when requested.
• Prepares evidence, attends and testifies in state level hearing on applicant/participant appeals.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications for Success

• Multitask and work at a fast pace.
• Ability to grasp new concepts quickly and assimilate new ideas efficiently.
• Ability to demonstrate courtesy and respect in the workplace.
• Ability to follow instructions from Supervisor and also follow oral and written instructions, procedures, and regulations.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Accurate data entry and record keeping skills are required.
• Demonstrate the ability to assist clients without bias.
• Ability to handle clients who may be in stressful or crisis situations with care and consideration.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Utilize proper English, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Interpret and apply the use of the LEAP training and Operations Manual, the LEAP Federal and State rules and regulations and the Adams County Department of Human Service policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate the ability to be work independently and also in a team setting.
• Demonstrate the ability to be flexible to change within the LEAP program and the department and follow protocol.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of daily work activities.
• Ability to operate personal computers, including proficient skills with Microsoft Office Word and Excel spreadsheets, copy machines, right fax, eDocs, telephone systems, and Outlook.

More Qualifications for Success

• Experience: Two (2) years of full time, responsible office clerical or extensive public contact experience.
• Education and Training:
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
  • An Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Business, Behavioral Science, or another appropriately related field may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.
• Other: Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.

Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:

• Ability to work in a standard office environment.
• Must be willing to work within the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Leap Season is typically November through April but may begin as early as September.
• This position is 100% federally funded and is subject to the availability of funding.