Location: Easton,PA, USA
THE POSITION
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of citizens in need during the chilly winter months? The Department of Human Services (DHS), Northampton County Assistance Office (CAO) is seeking a seasonal Energy Assistance Worker at the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Helpline. Make a positive impact in your community by joining a team that helps residents stay warm during the winter season! Apply now!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As an Energy Assistance Worker, you will be processing benefit applications as well as CRISIS applications for LIHEAP. You will perform various duties such as interviewing clients applying for heating assistance, completing applications, recommending benefit decisions, and acting as a liaison with heating vendors. You will frequently use computer applications to effectively interact with clients and to identify additional community resources that will enhance LIHEAP benefits. This role requires strong verbal and written communication skills, partnered with genuine consideration to accurately assess information, apply policies, and build rapport to understand client needs.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
* Full-time, seasonal employment, 37.5 hours per week. Seasonal employment runs from approximately October to April but employment may begin as early as September and last until June.
* Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. May change based on operational needs.
* Overtime and travel as needed.
* Work Conditions: Assigned duties are performed in a controlled office environment. In counties with District Offices, employees may be reassigned to different work sites due to operational needs. Reassignments will be made in compliance with contract language.
* Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
* You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
* Two years of experience in general office work which included interviewing the public; or
* An 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.
* Hiring preference for this vacancy may be given to candidates who live within Northampton County. If no eligible candidates who live within Northampton 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:
* 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.
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.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ...@pa.gov.
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.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
* 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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little extras that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
* Eligibility rules apply.
01
How much full-time experience do you possess in general office work which includes interviewing the public?
* 2 years or more
* 1 but less than 2 years
* Less than 1 year
* None
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
How many semester credits of college coursework have you completed?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the Attachments tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the Attachments tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
* 60 credits or more
* 30 but less than 60 credits
* Less than 30 credits
* None
04
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which Level of Performance most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The Level of Performance you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the Yes button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.
* Yes
05
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - INTERVIEW APPLICANTS
Interview applicants, by phone or in-person, to gather relevant information for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to determine benefits eligibility. Complete application forms (including arithmetic calculations), vendor authorization forms, and notice-to-applicant forms.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience interviewing applicants to gather relevant information to determine BENEFITS ELIGIBILITY and complete application forms for the LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP).
* B. I have experience interviewing applicants to gather relevant information to determine BENEFITS ELIGIBILITY and complete application forms. This was NOT related to LIHEAP.
* C. I have experience interviewing people to gather relevant information and complete related forms.
* D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to interviewing or public speaking.
* E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
06
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* Your experience interviewing people to gather information and the subject(s).
* Your level of responsibility.
07
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
08
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DATA ENTRY
Enter applicant information into databases or spreadsheets to create, track, and maintain records. Recheck the information to ensure accuracy for eligibility determination.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience entering LIHEAP applicant information into databases or spreadsheets to create, track, and maintain records and rechecking the information to ensure accuracy.
* B. I have experience entering information into databases or spreadsheets to create, track, or maintain records and rechecking the information to ensure accuracy. This was NOT related to LIHEAP.
* C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data entry.
* D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
09
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* Your experience performing data entry including the type(s) of database or spreadsheet used and the subject(s).
* Your level of responsibility.
10
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - CUSTOMER SERVICE
Communicate with the public, other agencies, coworkers, or other personnel to gather and provide information. Respond to inquiries; explain rules, regulations, and policies; and refer individuals for additional assistance if necessary.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience communicating with others to gather or provide information; respond to inquiries; explain rules, regulations, or policies; and refer individuals for additional assistance if necessary. This was related to LIHEAP.
* B. I have experience communicating with others to gather or provide information; respond to inquiries; and refer individuals for additional assistance if necessary. This was NOT related to LIHEAP.
* C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communications or conflict resolution.
* D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
12
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* Your experience providing customer service, the audience, and the subject(s).
* Your level of responsibility.
13
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Write case narratives, reports, emails, correspondence, memorandums, or other methods of disseminating information, ensuring that all information is accurate and complete in accordance with policies, standards, and legal requirements.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance which best describes your claim.
* A. I have experience writing case narratives, reports, AND internal and external correspondence to disseminate information. I was responsible for the final content. This was related to LIHEAP.
* B. I have experience writing narratives OR reports. This was related to LIHEAP.
* C. I have experience writing narratives, reports, OR internal and external correspondence to disseminate information. I was responsible for the final content. This was NOT related to LIHEAP.
* D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business or technical writing or English composition.
* E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
15
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
* The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
* Your experience writing, the type(s), and the subject(s).
* Your level of responsibility.
16
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
* College/University
* Course Title
* Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address 613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
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