Benefits:

Paid time off

401(k)

401(k) matching

Training & development

This position requires providing great customer/client intake services for qualified low-income clients seeking utility payments and related assistance at one of two community outreach Service Centers serving Nueces County.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Interviews applicants or recipients to determine eligibility for public assistance;

Interprets and explains rules and regulations governing eligibility, methods of payment, and legal rights to applicant or recipient.

Records and evaluates personal and financial data obtained from applicant or recipient to determine initial or continuing eligibility, according to departmental directives and State and Federal guidelines.

Initiates procedures and referrals to grant, modify, deny, or eligibility for various programs, such as utility assistance, minor home improvements, air conditioning/heating replacements or repairs, training/tuition assistance, and employment.

Authorizes amount of payments (pledges) based on determination of eligibility for programs. Identifies need for social services, and makes outside referrals to various agencies and community resources available.

Prepares regular payment and special reports as required. Prepares and keeps records of assigned cases consistent with departmental, State and Federal requirements.

Meets with clients to assist them in completing forms and applications for assistance, determines client eligibility, and makes referrals for related or outside services.

Assists clients in interpreting/understanding forms, policies, regulations, and other items for assistance through other social service agencies.

Records and evaluates personal and financial data to determine initial or continuing eligibility.

Complies with all State, Federal and Agency mandated requirements related to all aspects of application intake, and provides clients with written information related to utility pledges and other benefits, including referrals.

Processes pledges to participating utility companies for client payments, including household crisis requests.

Responds promptly to clients’ inquiries—via email, text, telephone call or office visits--related to their status, payments, and related information.

Collects data for various surveys and reporting purposes as assigned.

Conducts follow up of pending documentation and required information needed.

Maintains client files consistent with State, Federal, and Agency requirements—including maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive applicant information.

Assists with outreach intake efforts in personal homes, apartments, and other public places.

Achieves intake client production goals to satisfy State and Federal requirements.

Assist with infrequent rearranging of file and supply cabinets, and keep working areas organized and safe.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School diploma or GED, and

One year of experience in client intake activities, preferably in the area of social services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Demonstrates ability to read and write, keeps accurate records, follows oral and written instructions, and files alphabetically and numerically.

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing and database systems, filing and records management systems (Office Excel and Word).

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Accepts responsibility for the direction, control, and planning of intake activities.

Must be able to manage multiple tasks successfully, including coping with the appropriate pressure; this means staying calm and empathizing with clients.

Must have strong interpersonal skills—paying attention to what clients are saying, understanding the points being made, and asking appropriate questions without interrupting the client.

Must be attentive to detail, thorough, and possess a strong work ethic.

Must be organized, self-motivated, make sound decisions and able to work with minimum supervision, and dependable.

Must be able to read, interpret, and apply Agency and State regulations and requirements, including management directives.

Ability to develop plans to accomplish work, and prioritize and organize one's own work.

Ability to relate well to all people in the community regardless of color, national origin, race, religion, sex, disability, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, homeless, or socio-economic status.

Must be a team player, and be flexible when provided varying and unanticipated work assignments.

Must be able to perform accurate and timely mathematical calculations.

Interacts with people beyond giving and receiving instructions--is courteous, cooperative, conscientious, and tactful with clients, co-workers, and immediate supervisor.

Performs repetitive tasks according to set procedures with precision and thoroughness.

Knowledge of local social service agencies and services offered to low income individuals.

Dresses in appropriate business attire and is professional in appearance and mannerisms.

Proof of work eligibility must be provided.

Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug test.

Must successfully pass and submit a pre-employment TB test and must successfully pass and submit a TB annually thereafter.

Must successfully pass and submit a post offer initial physical examination within two weeks from the date of hire and must successfully pass and submit a physical examination report every five (5) years of employment.

Must have transportation and current liability coverage on vehicle to be used in the performance of job duties. Moderate travel on a daily basis may be required.

Must possess a valid Texas Driver's license (Operators-Class C), and driving record must be approved by insurance company on an annual basis.

Able to effectively use spreadsheet and word processing software, like Excel and Word.

A working knowledge of Spanish preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Normal physical activity includes frequent sitting, occasional standing and walking in a usual workday.

Requires occasional pushing and pulling of objects, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and reaching above shoulder level.

Requires employee to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing over 20 Lbs. such as boxes of supplies and paper.

Frequently uses head in static and flexing/rotational movements.

Requires use of hearing, seeing and touching to perform various job duties.

Requires occasional twisting at desk when answering phone or typing at computer.

Requires employee to use hands, arms, feet, legs, neck and head while performing Agency tasks.

Requires extensive speaking with staff, clients, and the public.

Requires frequent use of computer keyboard and a 10 key calculator.