Intake Specialist

Energy Intake SpecialistThis position works directly with individuals seeking assistance with their energy bills. Primary responsibilities include assessing client needs for eligibility, screening for PSE HELP, CASCADE NATURAL GAS programs, and LIHEAP. Processing client applications, identifying resources within the agency and community, and responding to all phone and email inquiries in a timely manner. This position provides crisis intervention for a high volume of clients on a daily basis, and will require de-escalation skills and conflict management when necessary. Must be comfortable working with vulnerable populations: elderly, disabled, mentally ill, as well as those with a history of alcohol and/or substance abuse.Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) is a nonprofit, private, social services agency. We are committed to creating hope and opportunity for all low-income Kitsap County residents by providing resources that promote self-sufficiency and stability.We exist with a clear vision of creating a community where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.Kitsap Community Resources core values are a vital part of each position, and employees are expected to uphold them to the fullest.Integrity – taking care to honor our commitments in an ethical mannerCompassion – genuinely empathizing with those we serveExcellence – demonstrating a high level of performance in all we doDiversity – showing honor and respect to all individuals we serveCollaboration – so we seek out partnership opportunitiesTeamwork – supporting our employees and partners as we fulfill our missionQualifications:Required Education: High school diploma or GED plus 2 years in social services or related field.Preferred Education: Pertinent experience may be substituted year for year for educationBi-lingual Spanish or other language a plusEnergy work experience or work experience in a related field that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.Ability to pass State and/or Federal Background Checks as determined by position (prior to hire date).Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Must demonstrate recognition and compassion for low-income peoples.Pays attention to detail and accuracyDemonstrates articulate written and verbal communicationHas basic math skills and is able to use a 10-key calculator or regular calculatorMust have organizational skillsHas competent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office SuiteCollaborates with other staff members to reach program goalsHas aptitude for making accurate assessments of client needsAble to handle stress of working with clients in crisisUnderstands de-escalation and conflict resolution techniquesDemonstrates ability to interact directly with low-income households and community partnersUnderstands the socio-economic problems and needs of low-income populationsLicense(s) and/or Certifications:Valid Washington State Driver's License. To operate company vehicles and/or utilize other vehicles for company businessAbility to obtain proof of insurability for operating an automobile. To operate company vehicles and/or utilize other vehicles for company business.Essential Physical and Mental Functions:Position requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, twisting, and bendingMust be able to lift up to 20 poundsCognitive ability to recognize and address safety concernsCognitive and emotional ability to work directly with clients in need, which may include homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, or other mental or physical barriers.Cognitive ability to discern accuracy and apply to work as necessary.Responsibilities- Included but are not limited to:Ensure compliance with KCR Policies & ProceduresReports to and accepts assignments from the Energy Program Supervisor and Energy Program Manager.Screens clients for program eligibility for PSE HELP, CASCADE NATURAL GAS, and LIHEAP programs.Identifies client needs, provides intake services, and advocates for clients when appropriate.Identifies immediate stabilization methods to relieve crisis and address current needsGathers all information needed for processing from the energy vendorsProvides Energy Conservation Education to clients and increases client knowledge of using energy efficiently.Tracks all client pledges for each program and emails in pledges to energy vendors to prevent disconnection of service or to reconnect service.Tracks all completed, pending, denied, and over income applications.Maintains good working relationships with community partners and energy vendors.Provides energy assistance at outstations in the community.Learns Energy reception duties and assists receptionists as needed for coverage purposes.Attends and participates in program and agency staff meetings, conferences, and training sessions.Work/Life BalanceVacation, Sick, Personal Holiday, and other time off for life events such as Jury Duty, Bereavement, etc.100% Employer paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long-term and Short-term Disability for employee only (dependents can be covered through payroll deduction)6.5% Employer Contribution to 401K after first 12-18 months of employmentEmployee Assistance ProgramEmployee Wellness ProgramEmployee Growth & Development Training ProgramsAll duties and requirements listed in this job description are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position; employees will be requested to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Kitsap Community Resources reserves the right to determine the contents of KCR job descriptions.Kitsap Community Resources is an "at-will" employer.KCR recognizes that ideas come from a varied mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. KCR is committed to attracting and retaining a varied and highly skilled staff, by honoring experiences, perspectives and unique identities of the community in which we serve. KCR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, nation of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.KITSAP COMMUNITY RESOURCES (KCR) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. KCR is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.All employment decisions at KCR are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, pregnancy, age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. KCR will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.