LIHEAP Case Worker

OUR ORGANIZATION

Step Up Suncoast was incorporated in 1968 as a non-profit corporation under Florida law and was designated by the Governor as the community action agency for its service area. Our main office is located in Sarasota, FL. We are a member of the National Community Action Network and The Florida Community Action Network as well. With a budget of just over $20 million, our work allows us to assist low-income families with crisis services and various programs centered around early childhood development. To learn more about Step Up Suncoast, please visit www.stepupsuncoast.org. Our Vision Thriving communities with improved quality of life for current and future generations. Our Mission Empowers individuals and families to achieve long-term economic stability through education, support services, and community partnerships. Our Core Values Honesty. Integrity. Responsibility. Respect

JOB DESCRIPTION

Step Up Suncoast Client Services Specialist Required

• Bilingual Ability
• English/Spanish
• speak, read and write both languages
• Required!

Classification:

Pay Type:

Non-Exempt•

Hourly Status:

Full-Time Reports to:

Director of Client Services Supervises:

• No one

Job Description Position Summary/Objective:

The Client Services Specialist (LIHEAP) is responsible for utilizing community resources for eligible clients in need of emergency assistance and other immediate related services.

Essential Functions:

(Duties and Responsibilities) Complete the required amount of application appointments per day as set by the direction of the Utility and Housing Assustance Coordinator. Responsible for screening and determining the eligibility of clients. Determine the amount of assistance awarded to each client based on set guidelines. Efficiently communicate with Energy Providers to make commitments on behalf of qualified clients to resolve crisis situations and prevent disconnection or interruption in utility services. Enter the client's information into the data tracking program and update information as required. Responsible for maintaining individual client files with proper documentation while maintaining all required confidentiality standards and guidelines. Address and/or revise files that are returned for clarification and/or correction upon review by the Utility and Housing Assistance Coordinator. Maintain an accuracy rate of 90% or higher with client eligibility and benefit awards. Complete forms, reports, and paperwork in a timely and comprehensive manner as required. Represent the Agency in a positive manner and provide respectable client service to all participants. Make appropriate referrals to clients for needed services. Keep current on community services offered. Initiate community services with selected clients. Meets with Utility and Housing Assistance Coordinator, as needed, to review client issues. Adhere to all agency policies and procedures. Attend all meetings as required in a punctual, professional, and contributory manner. Notify supervisor immediately of any safety concerns Participate in Agency activities as required. Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED. Associates degree preferred, or demonstrate ongoing consistent efforts toward the acquisition of AA degree. Florida Family Development Credential (highly desired)

Training Requirements:

LIHEAP training as required.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Must have excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills. Must have the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Must be able to interpret various forms of income verification information received from clients. Have the ability to be flexible, update and adjust to policy, procedure, and schedule changes as warranted by program needs and/or decisions from the State of Florida DEO. Must have demonstrated skills working in a Microsoft Windows environment and be able to use the Agency software within one month of hire. Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation instructions, and procedure manuals. Must be sensitive to the needs of the low-income community, and demonstrate culturally competent skills, including understanding the impact of poverty on families. Must be highly organized, accountable, and able to work independently. Must be able to establish rapport with staff and families and empower them by building on their strengths. Must be able to work in a collaborative, creative, problem-solving environment. Bilingual (Spanish/English)

REQUIRED

Licenses/Certificates/Screenings:

Must have a valid Florida Driver's License. Must have reliable transportation for work-related travel, including nights and out of town. Must be insurable under SUS's organizational policies. Pre-employment drug screening is required. Must pass a Level II criminal background check.

https:

//infor.flclearinghouse.com must agree to ongoing random drug/alcohol screening.

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and carry 20 pounds.

Work environment:

The work site will include a variety of settings based on work responsibilities including a normal office setting, off-site outreach destinations, and other settings as needed to perform work responsibilities.

Expected hours of work:

Hours of work and days are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Employees may be called upon outside these hours for client visits, outreach, or attend other functions of the position or agency as needed.

Travel:

Local travel, off-site outreach destinations, and other agency meetings or training. Some travel to Hardee County is required. LIHEAP training, conferences, and other meetings may be outside the local area and overnight. Step Up Suncoast provides its employees Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), veteran status, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other status protected under federal and state laws as outlined in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $18.50 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person