Economic Support Specialist

Sieda Community Action’s Economic and Family Support Services Unit is seeking a Economic Support Specialist. This position is based in the Wapello County office located in Ottumwa. The Economic Support Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the economic programs in the county resource center. Major programs are; LIHEAP, crisis utility assistance, resource and referral assistance and special projects throughout the year. Occasional travel to the following counties may be asked for coverage as needed: Appanoose, Davis, Keokuk, Mahaska, Van Buren and Wapello. Working primarily Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm 

High School Diploma or GED. Some College or vocational/technical training preferred

Requires 1 year of experience working with the public. Prefer knowledge of issues surrounding persons experiencing poverty.

Requires moderate level computer knowledge and experience, has the ability to use existing program software applications with minimal training and can perform simple maintenance to keep computers operational.

Please read full description listed below. 

Sieda Community Action

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Economic Support Specialist I                                          UNIT: Economic and Family Support Services            

REPORTS TO: Resource Center Supervisor                                        FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY: 

The Economic Support Specialist I is responsible for the daily operation of the economic programs in the county resource centers. The ESS I works primarily in the following programs: LIHEAP, ECIP, resource and referral assistance and special projects throughout the year.

DUTIES: Essential Functions

• The Economic Support Specialist I performs multiple duties requiring moderate skills.
• Acts and conducts all work in accordance with program standards and Sieda policy and procedures.
• Assesses client needs and collects data from clientele to be entered into agency database and state LIHEAP system.
• Makes appropriate referrals to available resources within the community to assist with identified barriers.
• In outer counties, the ESS staff is responsible for opening and closing the Resource Center independently and correctly.
• Works with local and regional utility companies to advocate on behalf of clientele. Arranges approved financial assistance to assist clientele in maintaining needed household utilities such as electricity, propane, natural gas and when funded, water.
• Processes applications and income eligibility checks for Sieda programs.
• Assists the Resource Center Supervisor in providing temporary coverage in all seven counties in the event of an emergency, staff vacancy or other disruption to normal delivery services.
• Communicates consistently with clients, staff, partners, and funders in a timely and effective manner.
• Function as a team member in the Economic and Family Support Services unit and agency.
• Communicates with the Resource Center Supervisor on a regular basis to discuss program concerns and potential changes to service to better meet the needs of the populations being served through Sieda.
• Conducts low-income board elections in their county office and submits election information to the main Sieda office within established time frames.
• Other duties determined necessary to support the Economic and Family Support Services Unit in achieving the goals of the agency.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

• Receives periodic supervision regarding task guidelines and completion

DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

• Limited independent decision-making authority

ADDITIONAL TRAINING:

• Obtain specific training required by agency or program guidelines.
• Travel is required both in and outside the service area. Proof of auto insurance and valid driving license is required if travel reimbursement is claimed.

PROGRAM REPRESENTATION:

• Requires varying, moderate levels of interaction with staff, customer and other agencies in a role where they represent a Resource Center programming.

PROGRAM DESIGN AND PLANNING:

• Involved in the planning of a single program reflective of his/her job responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• None

OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supports and models the agency and unit mission, vision, and values.
• Maintain a regular attendance pattern to ensure continuity of services and adequate staff coverage.
• Demonstrates professional behavior, including appearance and maintaining an orderly functioning common and office areas.
• Treat all individuals in a courteous, non-judgmental, reasonable and confidential manner.
• Accepts responsibility as a member of the team and works cooperatively with all staff for the benefit of Sieda clients.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to speak comfortably and effectively one-to-one or in group settings.
• Must be able to solve practical problems. Must demonstrate good listening skills.
• Ability to utilize electronic translation devices when needed.
• Must be able to speak courteously and in a clear manner.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret most complex documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to customers and staff.
  

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of written rules and regulations and translate that information to various program staff in a format resulting in contractual compliance in the delivery of program services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, occasionally required to stand, walk, use hand to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to be considered for this position.

FORMAL EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College or vocational/technical training preferred

EXPERIENCE:

• Requires 1 year of experience working with the public.
• Prefer knowledge of issues surrounding persons experiencing poverty.

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY:

• Requires moderate level computer knowledge and experience and the ability to use existing program software applications with minimal training. Ability to perform simple maintenance to keep computers operational.
• Strong organizational skills required. A thorough knowledge of office procedures, filing systems, office equipment and VOIP telephone systems is required.

For questions please contact Danielle Keasling at dkeasling@sieda.org    Applications will be accepted until end of business on October 15, 2026