Energy Assistance Worker - Cumberland County Assistance Office (Seasonal)

Join the team as an Energy Assistance Worker with the Department of Human Services and make a meaningful difference for families in Cumberland County. This role gives you the chance to guide clients through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) process while helping them access vital heating support. Your attention to detail and commitment to service will help households stay safe and warm during challenging seasons. Step into a position that values your compassion, organization, and dedication.

This role centers on processing LIHEAP applications, verifying information, and assisting households with energy needs. As an Energy Assistance Worker, you will perform the following duties:

• Eligibility Reviews: Complete cash and emergency applications by reviewing mail-in forms, conducting interviews, and gathering verification
• Data Verification: Use LIHEAP and other programs to collect information and validate details
• Application Decisions: Reject ineligible applications, analyze documentation, and determine correct benefit levels
• Case Updates: Record verification, update addresses, and prepare notifications and referrals
• Vendor Coordination: Contact vendors, confirm heating sources, and manage collateral contracts
• Program Support: Prepare reports, participate in supervisory conferences, assist other programs, and respond to case audits and reviews

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Seasonal full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week. Seasonal employment typically runs for 6 to 8 months during the fall and winter seasons to assist clients in the process of applying for heating assistance.
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Carlisle. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Hourly Rate: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting hourly rate of $21.22 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience in general office work which included interviewing the public; or
• Any 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 Guidelines.
• Hiring preference for this vacancy may be given to candidates who live within Cumberland County. If no eligible candidates who live within Cumberland 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:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

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.

• 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.