About Us
Westbay Community Action, Inc. is a nonprofit, multi-service agency serving the needs of Kent County residents since 1966. We provide people with connections to grow through our services, partnerships, and advocacy efforts.
Summary
Our Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is seeking a self-motivated Eligibility Specialist. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing LIHEAP applications and providing case management to clients at risk of utility termination. This includes coordinating with utility vendors, delivering financial coaching, ensuring program compliance, and participating in community outreach through events and partner collaborations.
This position will participate in local outreach marketing events as well as provide coaching to clients. They must be able to problem solve, work independently, and have a solid work ethic.
This is a full-time (37.5 hrs/week) position with a rate of pay of $21.00/hour. Westbay offers a generous benefits package, including paid time off (vacation, sick and personal), 14 paid holidays, 401k match, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and much more. The selected candidate will work at our two offices. The offices are located at 487 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI, and 1745 Main Street, West Warwick, RI.
Qualifications
- High school diploma required – bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, preferred
- One year experience within LIHEAP Program or working with families and seniors, preferred
- One year of experience in data entry
- Strong communication skills and ability to travel to outreach/marketing events
- Pass a BCI check
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
- Must maintain appropriate auto insurance coverage
Specific Duties
The duties listed below are primary functions of the job, and are not intended to be all-inclusive.
- Support the LIHEAP Supervisor in program development and implementation
- Provide short-term case management and one-on-one coaching to help clients reduce utility costs, improve energy efficiency, and achieve financial stability
- Conduct client assessments and develop individualized plans to minimize future crises
- Determine eligibility and assist with applications for LIHEAP and other external services
- Facilitate job readiness support including resume building and interview prep
- Educate clients on financial literacy, budgeting, credit improvement, and energy conservation strategies
- Advocate for clients with utility companies and entitlement programs to retain services
- Participate in outreach events, trainings, and public policy forums
- Educate the public and clients about available Westbay services
- Maintain strong relationships with co-workers, vendors, and partner agencies
- Coordinate application processing: income verification, eligibility, payment requests
- Maintain accurate client records and enter data into Hancock and agency databases
- Manage appointment schedules, walk-ins, calls, and emails
- Organize and review LIHEAP applications; process daily mail
- Prepare reports and provide staff training on program procedures
- Conduct timely home visits and follow-ups as needed
- Ensure confidentiality of all records and applications
- Inform clients of their rights and responsibilities
- Support client advocacy and engagement in service planning
- Assist the LIHEAP Supervisor as needed with program operations and reporting
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee must frequently use hands, and fingers, handle or feel objects, and
reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The environment is a business office environment and community/state-based organizations. Universal standard precautions are necessary due to the potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens, respiratory infections, and other biohazardous materials.
Westbay Community Action, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Organization.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Warwick, RI 02886 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
