Energy Assistance Technician - Specialist Officer I - Non-Merit

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Family Investment Division, Office of Home Energy Programs, Department of Health and Human Services.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring within this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

Examples of Duties

Under close supervision is responsible for determining eligibility of Home Energy Programs within the Family Investment Division, Office of Home Energy Programs.

• Participates in all phases of the client application process, including interviewing clients to assess needs, reviewing applications, requesting verifications, and determining eligibility.
• Responds to customer inquiries.
• Responds to BGE and outside agency inquiries, and advising customers regarding energy conservation; data entry including maintenance of case notes and records.

• Enters information into and runs queries from the OHEP database.
• Reviews State computer systems, such as the DHS Eligibility and Enrollment System and BEACON.
• Refers customers to the Fuel Fund, the Community Assistance Network, Dept. of Social Services and other agencies for additional resources.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Possession of a high school diploma or GED

plus

One year of experience working with the public in a customer service capacity, requiring data entry and performance of basic math calculations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic community, human and social service programs. (ENTRY LEVEL)
• Knowledge of computer office systems. (FULL PERFORMANCE)
• Knowledge of Federal, State & Local policies.
• Skill in written communication and basic math calculation.
• Skill in providing customer service with difficult or hostile clients.
• Skill in utilizing office computers, equipment and software.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret and explain local & state energy policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.
• Ability to interpret Federal, State & Local regulations, procedures and guidelines and, gather and analyze data.

Conditions of Employment

These positions are essentially sedentary with occasional walking, lifting, or other restricted physical activities.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance
In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.

Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance
In order to qualify for life insurance benefits, part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.

Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave
Sick Leave - Monthly sick leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. No maximum on accrual. Accrued balance can be applied toward service credit at retirement.

Vacation Leave - Monthly vacation leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. Earnings increase after five, ten and fifteen years of service generally.

Holidays - Part-time 30 to 39 hour non-merit or non-classified employees will generally be paid for ten holidays per calendar year. Other part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees working 29 hours per week or less will receive two paid holidays per calendar year. These holidays are the Christmas holiday and the Independence Day holiday.

Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.