What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certification Specialist position at Opportunity Council?
DETAILED SUMMARY:
The Certification Specialist reviews staff program files for Opportunity Council’s utility and/or rental assistance programs to ensure the files are complete and accurate and comply with program eligibility and rules set forth by federal, state and private funders. When necessary, the Certification Specialist issues file corrections and provides file feedback to intake specialists. In addition, the Certification Specialist prepares staff files for payment and assists the Coordinator with vendor relations and payments. As needed, the Certification Specialist provides backup support for eligibility and outreach services to clients seeking assistance from Community Services intake programs, and performs a variety of complex clerical and administrative functions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Reviews staff program files for completion and accuracy, compliance with program eligibility, and rules set forth by funders. Issues corrections to staff as needed.
- Provides feedback to staff regarding program eligibility, file documentation requirements, and file processing.
- Prepares files for utility and landlord payment processing using client database and paperless file systems.
- Assists Coordinator with communication and payment to utility vendors and landlords.
- Assists Coordinator & Leads with client database and client file system development.
- In backup role, may provide direct client services including eligibility determinations, providing information and referral, and processing client information.
- Maintains confidentiality of all client data in accordance with agency, state, and federal guidelines.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Attends staff meeting and trainings as scheduled.
- Other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Associate’s degree or equivalent experience
- At least two years’ experience related to skills and abilities required for this position
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Maintains extensive and current knowledge regarding eligibility requirements for utility and/or rental assistance programs.
- Detail oriented; responsible for accurate review of files to ensure compliance with contract requirements.
- May occasionally be involved in projects that require new ideas or approaches; position is responsible for developing modifications to established procedures.
- Communication skills: ability to interpret, discuss information and with others—including individuals, agencies and community resources—which involves terminology or concepts not familiar to many people; occasionally provides advice and recommends action involving less complex issues.
- Demonstrated ability to provide services to diverse, low-income population effectively and respectfully.
- The ability to function as a member of a team, working in collaboration with other staff members.
- Time management skills including the ability to work independently and prioritize with frequent interruptions and in crisis situations.
- Record keeping skills ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date, accurate, detailed notes and client files.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of clients’ files.
GENERAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Strength: Lifting and carrying general office supplies, typically weighing less than 25 pounds.
Manual Dexterity: Sitting for long periods while keyboarding on the computer, performing routine clerical tasks or speaking and taking notes by telephone.
Mobility: Driving; sitting for prolonged periods
Visual Discrimination: Staring at a computer screen while performing routine clerical and administrative support functions.
Hearing: Ability to listen on the phone while taking notes of conversation.
Concentration: Interpret and/or discuss information with others, which involves terminology or concepts not familiar to many people.
Conceptualization: Position deals with a variety of problems, and the answer sometimes must be constructed form prior knowledge of the agency, its policies, practices and precedents, and the program and functional field.
Judgment/Temperament: Much of work is routine; may occasionally be involved in projects that require new ideas or approaches.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed onsite in a fast–paced office environment with frequent interruptions and often crisis situations. Majority of work centers on program compliance that requires a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. May require some travel for outreach services and community meetings.
Benefits@Opportunity Council
Opportunity Council offers the following benefits to eligible employees:
- Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal holidays)
- Paid time off for wellness needs
- Employer-paid holidays
- Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
- HSA and FSA, subject to plan terms
- Eligibility for Critical Illness coverage
- 403(b) retirement plan (5% employer contribution)
- Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
- Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
- Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care and personal legal services
Opportunity Council is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency serving homeless and low-income families and individuals. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. For over 50 years we have offered a broad scope of services that range from addressing immediate and crisis-oriented needs (food, emergency shelter, eviction-prevention) to longer-term programs that promote self-sufficiency in our community (early childhood education, home weatherization). For more details, please visit our website at https://www.oppco.org.
