Job Description

The Energy Assistance Coordinator is responsible for administering fuel and energy programs, including crisis assistance, proactive services, fuel assistance, and emergency assistance programs. This position performs a variety of duties to ensure eligible low-income households receive timely and effective assistance to address energy-related crises and improve household stability. The Energy Assistance Coordinator provides case management, advocacy, outreach, budget oversight, and program compliance while maintaining accurate records and promoting program awareness throughout the service area.

Key Responsibilities

All Couleecap employees are required to support and uphold Couleecap’s mission to fight poverty and create opportunities for economic and social mobility so that all people succeed in thriving communities as well as have the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from all cultures or belief systems.

Eligibility Determination & Case Management

Process client applications and conduct intake interviews.
Review eligibility documentation and determine program eligibility in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Develop and implement individualized proactive plans to assist households in avoiding or resolving energy-related crises.
Provide information, referrals, and resource navigation to support client self-sufficiency and long-term stability.

Crisis Intervention & Advocacy

Assist households experiencing utility disconnection, fuel shortages, or other energy emergencies. · Act as an advocate for clients by coordinating with utility providers, fuel vendors, landlords, and community agencies. · Work collaboratively with clients to establish solutions that address immediate needs and reduce future crises.
Assist households experiencing utility disconnection, fuel shortages, or other energy emergencies.
Act as an advocate for clients by coordinating with utility providers, fuel vendors, landlords, and community agencies.
Work collaboratively with clients to establish solutions that address immediate needs and reduce future crises

Community Partnership & Outreach

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, vendors, service providers, and internal staff.
Develop and implement an annual outreach plan to promote awareness of WHEAP and related services.
Represent Couleecap at community meetings, outreach events, and educational opportunities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in related field, or equivalent experience in case management, eligibility determination, customer service, human services, benefits administration, community outreach, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to assess client needs, gather and review documentation, and make accurate eligibility determinations.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
Experience maintaining accurate records, case notes, data entry, and program documentation.
Ability to work effectively with individuals and families experiencing crisis situations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn specialized program databases and reporting systems.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, vendors, utility providers, community agencies, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience administering energy assistance, public benefits, housing assistance, or other federally or state-funded programs.
Experience in crisis intervention, client advocacy, resource navigation, or financial stability programs.
Knowledge of poverty-related issues and barriers affecting low-income households.
Experience monitoring budgets, program expenditures, and grant-funded programs.
Experience conducting outreach, public education, and community engagement activities.
Knowledge of utility assistance programs, energy conservation strategies, and household budgeting practices.
Professional or lived experience with poverty, housing instability, or navigating public assistance systems, and the ability to apply that perspective to support clients with empathy, trust-building, and a client-centered approach.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations