Office Assistant (Utility Bill Payment Assistance)

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Office Assistant (Utility Bill Payment Assistance)

Salary

$18.71 - $25.01 Hourly

Location

Eugene, OR

Job Type

Temporary (Limit of 1040 hours within fiscal year)

Job Number

202400446

Department

Health & Human Services

Division

HHS HS Energy Services

Opening Date

10/14/2024

Closing Date

10/28/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

DESCRIPTION

About the Position

The Utility Assistance Programs are dedicated to making a positive impact in Lane County by providing support to low-income community members in need. The various utility bill payment assistance programs are generally seasonal, following the Federal Fiscal Year beginning in October, with peak activity occurring during the fall and winter heating season. While the position status is temporary, this is a full-time position during this busy season. Temporary employees may work up to 1040 hours per fiscal year, as funding allows.

The Office Assistant 2 position provides an essential role in administering the Utility Assistance Programs through offering customer service support to community members in need by phone and email, providing technical expertise to subrecipient agencies providing this service to households, and reviewing completed applications for eligibility and accuracy. This position contributes to ensuring the seamless and effective operation of our office, providing important support to our team and the community at large.

Key Responsibilities:

• Customer Service : Answer phone calls and emails from the public, offering information on how to apply for the program or following up on the status of their application. Applicants may be in crisis, so de-escalation or advanced customer service skills are preferred.

• Support of Subrecipients : Offer technical expertise to contracted non-profit agencies through phone and email, answering inquiries related to eligibility, database usage, and program requirements.

• Support of Vendors : Communicate directly with utility companies about account balances, pledges and payments on accounts.

• Auditing Applications : Review completed Utility Assistance applications for completeness, accuracy and eligibility, applying program rules and regulations.

• Program Implementation : With the Utility Assistance team, update, edit and create necessary documents for each program year in Word, fillable PDF and Cognito forms.

  Qualifications and Preferred Knowledge:

• Computer competence is essential, with advanced skills being preferred

• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite

• Familiarity with online Cognito forms

• Experience with the industry-specific OPUS database is a plus

• Knowledge of utility assistance programs is a plus

If you are a highly organized and customer-oriented individual with a passion for helping those in need, we encourage you to apply for the Office Assistant 2 position within the Utility Assistance Program of Lane County.

About the Division

The Human Services Division is dedicated to supporting the diverse communities of Lane County, including veterans, seniors, adults, children, youth, and families, during times of challenge and change in their lives. Our mission is to tackle the underlying causes of poverty, hunger, and homelessness through a comprehensive range of services encompassing prevention, intervention, stabilization, and economic opportunity services.

Through collaborative efforts with compassionate local communities, we strive to empower Lane County residents by facilitating access to essential tools and resources they need to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter, more stable future for themselves. The division plays a vital role in administering funding, coordinating services, and offering assistance across six key program areas. These programs are a blend of contracted services with public and nonprofit organizations, direct support from our dedicated county staff, and active involvement in community initiatives. Our division’s program areas include:

• Administration: overseeing and managing operations, ensuring smooth functioning and effective coordination.

• Dovetail Coordinated Care Services: collaboratively coordinating integrated, wraparound services to optimize support for individuals and families.

• Utility and Rental Assistance: providing crucial support to help individuals maintain housing stability and meet essential needs.

• Housing, Homelessness and Community Services: addressing homelessness, housing insecurity and community improvements to enhance living conditions and opportunities for our most vulnerable citizens.

• Veterans Services: tailoring specialized support and resources to assist our Lane County veterans and their families.

• Workforce Services: providing employment and training programs for both job seekers and businesses throughout Lane County.

Through these program areas, the Human Services Division is committed to making Lane County a better place to live, work, and play.

*Lane County employees may be eligible for student loan repayment. Public Service Loan Forgiveness: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Schedule: Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm

This is an AFSCME represented position

*This position is budgeted for a maximum of 1,040 hours during the fiscal year.

QUALIFICATIONS

Training:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

  Experience :

• Two years of responsible clerical and office assistance experience.

An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Notes :

• This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check.

  Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

CLASSIFICATION DETAILS

Office Assistant 2 Classification Details (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lanecountyor/classspecs/newprint/964906)

Selection Process

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2022 -2024 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Trauma Informed Care Statement

Lane County Health & Human Services is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other. Our employees receive ongoing training to develop or deepen their understanding of trauma and its impacts.

Veteran Preference Information (https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/human_resources/talent_acquisition/Selection_Process/veterans__preference_information_)

Careers with Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits

At Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career. Read on to learn what great benefits await you in a career with Lane County.

Introducing ALEX (https://www.myalex.com/lanecounty/home#choose-benefits) , Lane County's benefit advisor! ALEX is an interactive tool that will help you understand the benefits being offered, out of pocket expenses and coverage available. You will need the Collective Bargaining Unit found in your job posting and when asked for your date of hire, please put in today's date.

*The below information describes typical benefits available for Regular Full-time Employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position, employment status (regular, temporary, or extra help) and/or bargaining group.

ALEX Benefit Advisor (click here) (https://www.myalex.com/lanecounty/home#choose-benefits)

Collective Bargaining Units:

Admin-Pro

AFSCME

AFSCME Nurses

AFSCME Physicians

FOPPO

LCPOA

Local 626

Prosecuting Attorney's

Benefits to keep you & your family well - Physically

Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30 days as an eligible employee.

Medical/Rx/Vision - Lane County offers medical, prescription and vision exam coverage for you and your eligible dependents. The plan options and costs per month for 2018 are outlined below:

If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA: $1,500 (individual) or $3,000 (family) annually. This amount is prorated based on date of hire.

Eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.

Wellness Clinic - The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more.

Dental - Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.

Fitness Center Membership - Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center. Employees may add their families at a discounted rate.

Benefits to keep you & your family well - Financially

Retirement - Lane County pays for, and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment. (Current members are eligible upon hire.)

Disability - Lane County pays a portion of wages for eligible employees through Short-Term Disability, and provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations.

Time Management - Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.

Holidays - Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year:

New Year's Day Independence Day

Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday Labor Day

Presidents' Day Veterans' Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth Christmas Day

Life Insurance - Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.

County-paid Training & Development to keep your career well

On-site Classes - Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees' soft and technical skills.

Online Training - Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.

Conferences & Seminars - Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.

Lane County offers these other valuable benefits

Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.

Vision - Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.

Supplemental Life Insurance - Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.

Aflac - Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.

Group Discounts - Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership.

Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern.

For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at (541) 682-3124.

01

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have included all RELEVANT education, employment and experience in your application. To ensure compliance with Oregon Equal Pay laws, Human Resources will conduct a wage analysis based on the information you have provided in your application to determine the appropriate starting wage if you are selected.

• I acknowledge I have provided all relevant education and employment history.

  02

  What is your highest level of education?

• High school or equivalent to completion of twelfth grade

• Associates or higher degree

  03

  How many years of responsible clerical and office assistance experience do you have?

• No experiences or less than 2 years

• At least 2 or more years

  04

  Our target population is low-income individuals. What has been your experience working with low-income or other underserved populations? (25 points)

  05

  Describe your experience with office software tools such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, PDF editors. Can you provide specific examples of the most advanced documents you have created? (50 points)

  06

  How could an employee of the Energy Assistance programs promote equity and inclusion for the people receiving assistance and within their team? (25 points)

  Required Question

Agency

Lane County

Department

Health & Human Services

Address

151 W 7th Ave Eugene, Oregon, 97401

Website

https://www.lanecountyor.gov

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