The Office of the People's Counsel is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, and by law, is the advocate for consumers of utility services in the District. The Office is a statutory party in all utility-related proceedings before the Public Service Commission. The Office represents the interests of District ratepayers before federal regulatory agencies and is authorized to investigate the operation and valuation of utility companies independent of any pending proceeding.
The mission of the Office of the People's Counsel ("OPC" or "Office") is to advocate for the provision of safe and reliable quality utility service and equitable treatment at rates that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory; assist individual consumers in disputes with utility providers; provide technical assistance, education and outreach to consumers and ratepayers, community groups, associations and the UCAN Board; and provide legislative analysis and information to the Council of the District of Columbia on matters relating to utilities. In defining its positions, the Office is further required to consider “the public safety, the economy of the District of Columbia, the conservation of natural resources, and the preservation of environmental quality, including effects on global climate change and the District’s public climate commitments.”
The incumbent serves as a Consumer Services Specialist in the Office of the People’s Counsel. The incumbent coordinates and provides outreach and educational programs to the District of Columbia utility consumers. The primary purpose of this position is to investigate consumer complaints regarding public utilities in support of OPC consumer service programs with a focus on Climate change. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Consumer Services Division.
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to applyMajor DutiesThe Outreach Specialist is to advocate for the provision of safe and reliable quality utility service and equitable treatment at rates that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory; assist individual consumers in disputes with utility providers; provide technical assistance, education, and outreach to consumers and ratepayers. Outreach Specialists are to request investigations from the utility companies on behalf of DC Residents.
Plans, implements, and supports the outreach programs. The incumbent develops, builds, and maintains relationships with, Non-Profits and including Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, the Utility Consumer Advisory Networking Board (UCAN), Civic and Citizen Associations, and their members.
With the emphasis on partnering with, the incumbent provides consumer education, outreach, and technical assistance to District consumers so that they can understand their rights as ratepayers and make informed decisions about their utility services. Provides information to support evaluations of organizational outreach with the goal of increasing awareness of the People’s Counsel’s mission and services. Provides updates, metrics, and information to support the awareness of executives of outreach activities.
Coordinates and or participates in a number of community outreach activities, including, but not limited to, community meetings, workshops, activities, etc. Coordinates the outreach schedules with other DC agencies.
Provides cost estimates for budget preparation for outreach programs as well as estimates budgetary expenditures and other resources required for outreach events.
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply!Knowledge Required By The Position

• Knowledge of the mission goals, objectives, and operating policies and procedures of the Office of the People’s Counsel to effectively partner with ANC and Civic Organization to provide outreach and education programs to DC utility consumers.
• Ability to conduct in-depth research, data analysis, and report findings.
• Ability to develop, plan, coordinate, deliver, and sustain programs and/or events. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and via social media outlets.
• Ability to create content for social media and other forms of electronic communication, such as video.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to apply quantitative and qualitative analytical concepts and methods to come up with data-based recommendations on how to improve community outreach programs.
• Ability to effectively interact with staff in the Office, District government officials and employees, staff members, utility company liaisons, the private sector, the federal government, and the general public.

QualificationsApplicant must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the CS-9 grade level of the District of Columbia government service or its non-District equivalent that demonstrates knowledge, ability, and a proven track record.
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to applyLICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONn/a
WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTWork is primarily performed in an office setting
PROMOTION POTENTIAL none
Other Significant FactsThe incumbents of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations, Suitability.
This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
EEO STATEMENTThe District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.