Energy Assistance Specialist

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.  

POSITION:                                    Energy Assistance Specialist

JOB CLASS/GRADE:                    Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE:                                           Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience

FLSA; EEO; WC:                           Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS:                                IRCO - Pacific Islander & Asian Family Center (PIAFC)

                                                       8040 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland OR 97213,  Hybrid schedule 

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:                  1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:         (1)

APPLY AT:                                    www.irco.org 

STATUS: ?                                      Full-Time with Benefits?

PROGRAM(S):                             Multnomah Energy Assistance

SECTOR:                                       Housing and Supportive Services

REQUIREMENTS:

Bilingual in English and any Asian or Pacific Islander language (Rohingya preferred)

Must be able to pass extensive background check

Applicants need to be within commuting distance to the based worksites and able to work onsite at least three days per week 

Must possess a valid driver’s license and verification of current auto-insurance and have full use of automobile during work hours

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary

IRCO’s Energy Assistance Program provides home energy assistance to households with low income. The purpose of the program is to supplement home heating and electric costs. The person in this position must have excellent communication skills, be well versed in the case management approach, be knowledgeable on how to help clients meet their housing and social service needs and have strong time management and paperwork completion skills.

Position Summary 

The Energy Assistance Specialist is responsible for meeting with potential clients and assessing program eligibility; checking clients’ eligibility before scheduling appointments; completing intake and maintaining case files, required paperwork and reports on a timely and regular basis; meeting individually with clients in a case management setting to help them define, work towards, and reach their goals related to housing; making commitments to utility companies and help with TriMet Hop applications as needed. The Energy Assistance Specialist will be able to refer clients to other sources of assistance to help them reach their goals and interact with staff in other IRCO programs, community partners, and other parties as needed.

Essential Functions 

• Ability to learn the Online Processing and Unified System (OPUS) system for the energy program (training will be provided)
• Must have the ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment and demonstrate a high degree of flexibility to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently to meet commitments
• Strong ability to multi-task and meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines and prepare clear and concise reports
• Utilize a laptop, read, and analyze data in hard copy and on a computer screen
• Successfully respond to situations of pressure involving individual circumstances balanced against agency policies and goals and able to deal with distressed and/or demanding customers and employees in an effective manner
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and listen for understanding and assist in problem solving
• Must have good grammar, spelling, and writing skills. Must clearly communicate verbally and in writing to individuals and groups, including, by telephone.
• Must be able to use basic office equipment, including, telephone, copier, fax machine, and laptop computer. Be able to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the telephone and/or use PC for long periods of time
• Attend training and meetings conducted as part of the Multnomah County Stability Initiative system and Energy Assistance programs
• Occasional travel to client residencies may be required

Secondary Functions 

• Must be punctual, maintain a good attendance record, and be able to work flexible hours to meet the availability of participants and customers
• Attend staff meetings, partner meetings, internal and external committee meetings as assigned; support organizational record keeping requirements; other duties as assigned and as needed by supervisor
• Detailed oriented with excellent organizational and grammar skills; analytical and decision-making abilities
• Communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization 

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Education: Some college course work
• Experience: Less than one year of experience is required
• Ability to work with people from all backgrounds without exception. Good communication is a must. Experience working with refugee and immigrant communities, underserved and low-income families is a must. 
• Ability to courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, organization representatives, vendors, contractors, the public, and others 
• Ability to use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities 
• Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently, and to meet commitments 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multibackground organization
• Strong ability to work with multi-background staff in a team setting
• Ability to use nonstandard procedures and techniques to resolve unusual problems or address management requirements 

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Hybrid setting job
• Mental: There is a regular need for assessment of risk, analysis of options and decisions without complete information 
• Work Independence: Positions at this level are expected to handle regularly assigned work which includes making decisions and taking action under limited supervision. New or unusual work is performed with a moderate degree of supervision, assistance, and review.
• Environment: There is a moderately low level of personal risk encountered.  Job conditions are occasionally uncomfortable relative to noise, temperature, inside/outside work, dirty conditions, or interactions with angry or hostile people
• Schedule: The work schedule occasionally fluctuates based on organization or customer needs. This fluctuation may occur with or without prior notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community 
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year 
• 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting 
• 3% match for student loans or college savings 
• 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Flexible spending account

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email [email protected]

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.