Bilingual Utilities Assistance Specialist - Hood River

Oct 29

Job Title: Bilingual Utilities Assistance Specialist

Reports To: Housing Utilities Assistance Program Manager

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Location/

Schedule:

On-site, Full-Time

Why work at MCCAC?

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC), located in the heart of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, serves Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties. MCCAC offers programs and services to ensure our most vulnerable community members have access to healthy, safe, stable and affordable housing. This is accomplished through our housing, energy/utility payment assistance and weatherization programs. MCCAC envisions a thriving community where our friends and neighbors have opportunities to be successful and thrive.

Summary:

The Utility Assistance Intake Specialist supports MCCAC’s mission to alleviate poverty by helping clients access utility and energy assistance programs. This position conducts intake appointments, assesses eligibility, and connects clients to internal programs and external services. The Specialist plays a vital role in outreach efforts and supports underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to resources across MCCAC’s service area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• · Conduct outreach and accept referrals from community partners to identify eligible low-income households in Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties.
• · Interview and assess clients for eligibility for federal, state, and local energy assistance programs.
• · Guide clients in submitting required documentation and accessing other MCCAC and community services.
• · Support targeted services for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ households through culturally specific partnerships.
• · Provide clients with education on energy and utility bill payment resources.

• · Ensure complete and accurate client data entry into the OPUS database.
• · Maintain high-quality and up-to-date client files and documentation.
• · Follow all contractual, regulatory, and agency-specific compliance requirements.
• · Monitor internal systems and recordkeeping for accuracy and efficiency.

• · Represent MCCAC in local and regional forums to advocate for low-income households and promote program innovations.
• · Collaborate with community agencies to provide wraparound services.
• · Engage with other energy assistance providers across Oregon to identify and implement best practices.

• · Strong understanding of social services, client advocacy, equity, and low-income/houseless service delivery.
• · Familiarity with energy assistance programs at the federal, state, and local level.
• · Excellent communication, organization, and attention to detail.
• · Strong team-building and problem-solving abilities.
• · Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with OPUS is a plus.
• · Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
• · Ability to travel locally within MCCAC’s service area and infrequently out of area.
• · Valid Driver’s license and proof of insurance required.

• · High school diploma or GED required; degree in a relevant field (e.g., social work, public administration) preferred.
• · Experience in social service or energy assistance programs is a plus.
• · Experience working with diverse and underserved communities.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• ·
  Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner;
  Develops alternative solutions;
  Works well in group problem solving situations;
  Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• ·
  Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not…