Economic Support Specialist

Sieda Community Action’s Economic and Family Support Services Unit is seeking a Economic Support Specialist. This position is based in the Jefferson County office located in Fairfield . The Economic Support Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the economic programs in the county resource center. Major programs are; LIHEAP, crisis utility assistance, resource and referral assistance and special projects throughout the year.

Occasional travel to the following counties may be asked for coverage as needed:
Appanoose, Davis, Keokuk, Mahaska, Van Buren and Wapello. Working primarily Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

High School Diploma or GED. Some College or vocational/technical training preferred

Requires 1 year of experience working with the public. Prefer knowledge of issues surrounding persons experiencing poverty.

Requires moderate level computer knowledge and experience, has the ability to use existing program software applications with minimal training and can perform simple maintenance to keep computers operational.

Please read full description listed below.

Sieda Community Action

The Economic Support Specialist I is responsible for the daily operation of the economic programs in the county resource centers. The ESS I works primarily in the following programs: LIHEAP, ECIP, resource and referral assistance and special projects throughout the year.

• The Economic Support Specialist I performs multiple duties requiring moderate skills.
• Acts and conducts all work in accordance with program standards and Sieda policy and procedures.
• Assesses client needs and collects data from clientele to be entered into agency database and state LIHEAP system.
• Makes appropriate referrals to available resources within the community to assist with identified barriers.
• In outer counties, the ESS staff is responsible for opening and closing the Resource Center independently and correctly.
• Works with local and regional utility companies to advocate on behalf of clientele. Arranges approved financial assistance to assist clientele in maintaining needed household utilities such as electricity, propane, natural gas and when funded, water.
• Processes applications and income eligibility checks for Sieda programs.
• Assists the Resource Center Supervisor in providing temporary coverage in all seven counties in the event of an emergency, staff vacancy or other disruption to normal delivery services.
• Communicates consistently with clients, staff, partners, and funders in a timely and effective manner.
• Function as a team member in the Economic and Family Support Services unit and agency.
• Communicates with the Resource Center Supervisor on a regular basis to discuss program concerns and potential changes to service to better meet the needs of the populations being served through Sieda.
• Conducts low-income board elections in their county office and submits election information to the main Sieda office within established time frames.
• Other duties determined necessary to support the Economic and Family Support Services Unit in achieving the goals of the agency.

• Receives periodic supervision regarding task guidelines and completion

• Limited independent decision-making authority

• Obtain specific training required by agency or program guidelines.
• Travel is required both in and outside the service area. Proof of auto insurance and valid driving license is required if travel reimbursement is claimed.

• Requires varying, moderate levels of interaction with staff, customer and other agencies in a role where they represent a Resource Center programming.

• Involved in the planning of a single program reflective of his/her job responsibilities.

• None

• Supports and models the agency and unit mission, vision, and values.
• Maintain a regular…