Energy Assistance Worker - Lackawanna County Assistance Office

If you want to use your skills to help households access vital heating assistance, consider becoming an Energy Assistance Worker with the Department of Human Services. In this role at the Lackawanna County Assistance Office, you play a key part in guiding applicants through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) process. Your efforts support accurate eligibility decisions and timely benefits for community members in need. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to support your neighbors while building your professional strengths. This position supports the LIHEAP process by gathering information, reviewing applications, and ensuring that applicants receive fair and accurate benefit determinations. The role helps community members access essential heating assistance through clear communication and careful documentation. As an Energy Assistance Worker, you will perform the following duties: - **Applicant Interviews:** Conduct interviews in person or by phone to collect information needed for determining eligibility - **Application Review:** Examine applications for accuracy and advise applicants of missing information - **Verification Gathering:** Request income, housing, and heating information from third parties to confirm eligibility - **Income Calculation:** Compute income using approved methods to ensure applicants receive the correct benefit level - **Crisis Processing:** Handle requests for crisis benefits in accordance with program guidelines - **Record Maintenance:** Update LIHEAP files, remove outdated materials, and use computer systems to check benefit history Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the [position description](https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=50366668). **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 with 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:** This position may be eligible to telework part time. Specific details of the telework schedule will be discussed during the interview process. 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 Scranton, PA. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. - **Hourly Rate:** In some cases, the starting hourly rate may be non-negotiable. - 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](https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx). For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the [link](https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency Guidelines. - Hiring preference for this vacancy may be given to candidates who live within Lackawanna County. If no eligible candidates who live within Lackawanna 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 ther…