Job description
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Children and Family Services, Economic Assistance unit is looking for a a passionate, human services professional for the position of LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) Program Specialist. The successful candidate will participate in a culture where employees are highly motivated, energetic, excited and enthusiastic working for DHHS and serving our fellow Nebraskans.
This position may be located at any local office across the state area subject to office space availability.
DHHS State of Nebraska values our employees as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job qualifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Performs program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of program activities to manage the day-to-day operational and technical functions of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- Researches, reviews, analyzes, and interprets federal regulations, federal laws, state laws and their administrative requirements to formulate appropriate policies, procedures, and interpretations for LIHEAP.
- Drafts, develops, and implements policy, procedure and program regulations related to LIHEAP, and ensures staff and service providers are working with uniform guidelines by evaluating and coordinating program policies and regulations.
- Attends and participates in public hearings involving LIHEAP policy and procedure revisions.
- Researches, reviews, analyzes, and reports on federal regulations, state laws and administrative requirements that may affect LIHEAP for intent and meaning and to formulate appropriate changes in State policies and procedures.
- Writes reports, position papers, impact statements and other documents to formulate policy material to cover specific areas of LIHEAP by conducting research and meeting with other department staff, representatives of other agencies and health and/or human service providers.
- Develops and prepares for submission required federal and state reporting documents and related forms.
- Explains, clarifies, and interprets operational practices, policies, procedures, federal and state regulations, contract requirements and activities related to assigned program(s) to agency staff, community organizations, members of the general public and contractors/service providers.
- Assesses program effectiveness, identifies training needs/requirements, and develops and presents educational skills-based training to agency staff and service providers to enhance program services.
- Develops quality assurance processes, program improvement plans and processes for performance accountability; coordinates and leads desk audits and on-site reviews of service providers and collects necessary data to evaluate, analyze and prepare written reports and recommendations.
- Monitors, assesses, and evaluates service provider activities for compliance with policies, procedures, and legal mandates; ensures all contractual requirements are met and in compliance with program standards.
- Reviews and monitors service provider and client historical data to ensure improper utilization of services has been avoided through comparison of established standards to actual services delivered and payments received.
- Prepares and presents informational presentations to agency staff, clients, and service providers to explain the types of services and benefits available and the requirements of such, education on new or revised assistance programs and services and promote participation.
- Develops informational releases concerning program activities including memos, administrative bulletins, and informational pamphlets for distribution to agency staff, service providers/contractors, representatives of community organizations and/or members of the general public to create awareness of program services, enrollment procedures, policies, and authorizations.
- Approves providers for enrollment prior to submission for data processing by ensuring their compliance with program standards and proper completion and accuracy of the completed enrollment form.
- Serves on committees, boards, councils and/or advisory groups concerned with functions and activities of the assigned program(s).
REQUIREMENTS: Bachelors degree, or equivalent coursework/training, in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services or other program related field. Professional experience working in a human/social service or health care agency with responsibility for planning or evaluation services, programs or operational policies and practices may substitute in lieu of the educational requirement.
PREFERRED: Two years of experience working with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Two years of experience using N-FOCUS.
OTHER: Valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Knowledge of: the regulations governing the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); the procedures utilized to administer LIHEAP; N-FOCUS; the principles and practices of public administration; procedure and policy development; methods and techniques of program planning; federal and state laws, rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to health and human services programs.
Public funds and budgeting methods; the principles and techniques of adult learning; quality assurance mechanisms; principles and techniques of planning, monitoring and evaluating human services programs and service delivery systems.
Skill in: interpreting and/or clarifying policy to interested groups; conducting formal presentations to provide education and share information.
Ability to: plan, organize and direct a major program; work collaboratively in a team setting; analyze, develop and organize materials; establish and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, service providers/contractors, community organizations and clients; communicate electronically, on paper or in person to promote, explain, discuss, advise and interact with interested groups on various program issues and problems.
Prepare and review technical documents such as summaries of state and federal regulations, action plans, reports, contracts and grants; understand, interpret and apply instructions, laws, rules, policies and procedures pertinent to the program; exercise independent critical thinking skills; maintain liaison with community representatives and other governmental agencies.
- Health and Prescription Plans
- Dental
- Flexible Spending Account (Dependent Care Only)
- Health Savings Account
- Long and Short Term Disability
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