Do you want a career that truly helps people? Join the mission-focused Housing & Energy Team at Penquis, a trusted agency that has supported residents across Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties for over five decades.
We are hiring a dedicated, full-time Eligibility Specialist in our Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). In this key role, you will work directly support clients by conducting interviews (in-person and phone), carefully collecting and verifying documentation, and determining program eligibility.
This is a full-time opportunity in our Bangor office. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with limited travel to surrounding areas.
Location: Bangor, Maine
Eligibility Specialist Responsibilities:
- Perform comprehensive interviewing and screening to obtain necessary information, including citizenship documentation, housing information, household makeup and the household’s income to determine eligibility for energy assistance programs.
- Acquire and maintain knowledge of all energy assistance program requirements and guidelines, HEAP, LIAP, AMP, WX, CHIP and AST as well as other agency programs to provide accurate information to client inquiries.
- Provide referrals to other resources as appropriate to the individual’s or family’s need.
- Interact with the public in a professional manner; maintain client information in complete confidence; learn and apply federal and state regulations.
- Employ excellent customer service skills to serve clients in high-stress and emergency situations.
- Learn and maintain knowledge of application processing systems to calculate income, energy assistance payments, and capture household criteria for participation in programs via entry into systems.
Eligibility Specialist Requirements:
- Associate’s degree in the social service or business field and/or 1-2 years’ work experience in an office setting where client contact was a responsibility.
- Computer proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet programs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must have a valid Maine driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation.
- Upon hire and periodically thereafter, must comply with Penquis background check requirements with satisfactory results as outlined in current contract provisions.
Excellent Benefits Package: (benefit eligible)
- 14 Paid Holidays (Including your Birthday!)
- Paid Time off +3 Days upon hire
- Paid training for all required certifications
- Dental/Health/Vision
- Retirement Plans
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Wellness Incentives
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Reimbursement
The rate of pay for this position starts at $18.20 per hour, as additional compensation may be given consideration with relevant experience.
Penquis offers an excellent benefits package, competitive wages, and opportunities for educational advancement, certification, and coursework. Join our team by applying on line at www.penquis.org or contact us at 973-3500 (TDD: 973:3520) or by email at employment@penquis.org to request an application and job description.
In accordance with federal regulations, Penquis does not discriminate. Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Penquis is a tobacco and smoke-free workplace.
