Job description

The DCEA, Inc. Community Service Programs provide aid to low-income households with the high cost of home energy and emergency services for limited help with rent/mortgage evictions, utility disconnect notices and food. They also distribute USDA Surplus Commodity Food, provide job placement services, and provide limited home visits and errands for elderly and disabled clients.

All Douglas-Cherokee benefits eligible employees receive the following benefits:

• Up to 14 paid holidays per year
• Earned sick leave and annual leave
• Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan

Full time employees (work an average of 30 or more hours/week) are eligible for the following benefits:

• Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System
• Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Community Services Advocate serves as a source of information and link between the low-income residents of the area and the DCEA Neighborhood Service Center. Provides information and referral on all available services.

Community Services Advocate Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares client applications.
• Ensures all documentation is correct according to guidelines and procedures, records all client contact and information, keeps up-to-date client records as required, and assists clients with services as needed for all grant programs.
• Develops a working knowledge of all database functions and policies.
• Assists with and helps to maintain program reports.
• Assists with preparation and provision of USDA commodity food services.
• Maintains NSC office supply inventory.
• Maintains NSC food pantry/necessities closet inventory.
• Promotes various community programs and meetings of interest to low-income persons.
• The Community Services Advocate utilizes a roster of service agencies and organizations in respective county and is knowledgeable of the services provided. Works with all community groups, agencies, and individuals to accomplish the goals of the NSC.
• Develops a working knowledge of the different funding categories available for use in provision of services and ensures all guidelines and procedures are being followed for each.
• Receives regular guidance from the Case Management Specialist in provision of case management services.
• Ability to deal tactfully with the public, clients, and co-workers, and to exercise good judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must have valid driver’s license and proof of insurance on vehicle.
• The Community Services Advocate must have the ability provide home visits to clients who cannot come to the NSC to apply for services.
• Maintains confidentiality of client and agency information.
• Travels within the county, to and from the DCEA Central Office and to meetings when necessary.
• Complies with all rules, policies, and procedures of DCEA.
• Maintains confidentiality of client and agency information.
• Notifies applicants of their rights including the right to appeal.
• Utilizes universal precautions when dealing with blood or bodily fluids of clients, staff, or volunteers.
• Maintains overall appearance of the NSC, including but not limited to personal office space, lobby, restrooms, break room, pantry areas, parking lots, and outside NSC area steps, ramps, porches, and sidewalks.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

WORK SITE: Based in a county served by a DCEA Neighborhood Service Center.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Does not supervise anyone.

Community Services Advocate Education/Experience Qualifications:

• High School or GED required. Associates degree preferred.
• 1 Year experience in customer service and detailed clerical work.
• Computer proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and data entry.
• A resident of county in which NSC is located with extensive knowledge of resources and geography of county is preferred.
• Experience in detailed record keeping.
• Experience in working with low-income populations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Typical work environment involves lifting, bending, twisting, temperature changes, sitting. May occasionally lift/move items up to 60 lbs.
• The physical environment requires the employee to work primarily inside, in temperature-controlled conditions, however some work may occur outside as well. Some noise and interruptions are present.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $11.41 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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