Economic Support Specialist

Sieda Community Action

JOB TITLE:

Economic Support Specialist I UNIT:
Economic and Family Support Services

REPORTS TO:

Resource Center Supervisor FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt

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

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supports and models the agency and unit mission, vision, and values.
• Maintain a regular attendance pattern to ensure continuity of services and adequate staff coverage.
• Demonstrates professional behavior, including appearance and maintaining an orderly functioning common and office areas.
• Treat all individuals in a courteous, non-judgmental, reasonable and confidential manner.
• Accepts responsibility as a member of the team and works cooperatively with all staff for the benefit of Sieda clients.

• Ability to speak comfortably and effectively one-to-one or in group settings.
• Must be able to solve practical problems. Must demonstrate good listening skills.
• Ability to utilize electronic translation devices when needed.
• Must be able to speak courteously and in a clear manner.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret most complex documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to customers and staff.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of written rules and regulations and translate that information to various program staff in a format resulting in contractual compliance in the delivery of program services.

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 and hear, occasionally required to…