Senior Ratepayer Assistance Specialist

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State..Senior Ratepayer Assistance SpecialistMaine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)Division: Consumer Assistance and Safety DivisionPosition Code: 1175Location: Hallowell, Maine (Hybrid Work Schedule Available)Vacancies: 1Salary Range: $54,017.60– $75,732.80 annuallyOpening Date: November 5, 2026Closing Date: November 19, 2026About the MPUCThe Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) plays a crucial role in shaping Maine’s energy and utility landscape. Our mission is to ensure that all Mainers have access to safe and reliable utility services at just and reasonable rates, while promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Our Consumer Assistance and Safety Division (CASD) is dedicated to protecting consumer rights, resolving utility-related disputes, and ensuring utility companies follow Maine laws and regulations. CASD handles complaints involving billing, service quality, disconnections, payment arrangements, and more. The Division also educates the public and monitors utility compliance across the state.If you are passionate about serving your community and protecting consumers, we encourage you to apply!Job DescriptionThis is complex administrative work involving the analysis and investigation of inquiries and complaints from consumers regarding public utilities. Work includes investigations, negotiating resolutions with utility management and consumers, documenting findings of violations, and participating in reviewing rate and tariff filings and adjudicatory proceedings. This work involves significant time working on the telephone with the public. Work is performed under limited supervision.Representative TasksInvestigates, mediates, and resolves complaints to solve complex disputes concerning utility services.Reviews and evaluates case reports to ensure compliance with laws, rules, and past practices.Reads and explains applicable tariffs, laws, rules, policies, and procedures to other staff, consumers, and consumer representatives to ensure implementation and compliance with rules.Compiles and writes statistical reports on complaints, inquiries, and investigations to provide information to management.Recommends disposition of cases and findings of violations of rules to finalize actions.Independently issues decisions on cases that are legally binding and that can result in a utility company providing credit to the customer, establishing payment arrangements, or finding other resolutions to the complaints.Conducts informal hearings on complaints, on-site audits of utility credit and collection procedures, training programs with utility representatives, and special projects to provide information, resolve complaints, and ensure rules are followed.Advise Consumer Assistance Specialists to assist them with the investigation and resolution of consumer complaints.Participates in advocate and advisor teams conducting investigations and adjudicatory proceedings to evaluate and make recommendations on quality of customer services.Required Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesKnowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.Knowledge of resources and organizations where individuals can obtain assistance.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.Ability to interpret and explain rules and regulations.Ability to investigate disputes, evaluate information, arrive at logical conclusions and make sound recommendations and decisions.Ability to work independently.Ability to write clear and concise reports of investigations.Ability to apply standard precedents to cases.Ability to prepare testimony, testify, and be subjected to cross-examination.Ability to comprehend and analyze credit and collections procedures and make recommendations for change.Ability to train other employees.Minimum Qualifications (Entry level knowledge, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, the following coursework/training and/or experience).Education and/or experience of an investigative nature with consumer complaints which includes analyzing complex data and making decisions consistent with regulations.Ability to draft clear, concise, and well-reasoned decision letters is also required.Cover Letter.Resume.Professional or academic writing sample.Incomplete applications may not be considered.Licensing/Registration/Certification RequirementsNone.How to Apply:Interested applicants must apply online by clicking the “Apply for this opening” button at .Application materials required:Cover LetterResumeProfessional or academic writing sampleIncomplete applications may not be considered.For questions about the position, please contact:Tanya M. LavoieMaine Public Utilities Commission View email address on click.appcast.io 207-287-1360Why Work for the State of Maine?No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—\"Dirigo\" or \"I lead\"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60-$13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by up to 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes a percentage of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office .Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.Information provided during the application, interview and selection process will be verified.Our Commitment to DiversityThe State of Maine is an Equal Opportunity Employer . We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, including those of different races, genders, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, and religions. Reasonable accommodation is available upon request for individuals with disabilities..If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Maine