Program Eligibility Specialist

Program Eligibility Specialist

About the Organization Welcome to HRDC, where you'll find us working to improve our neighbors' lives by building a better community in Bozeman, Livingston and Southwest Montana. We invite you to become part of our HRDC family whether you need help or are able to provide help.

We believe in building a better community through supporting our neighbors across Southwest Montana with nearly 50 different programming initiatives.

HRDC exists to instill hope, develop resources, design solutions, and change lives.

We envision a place where poverty has no impact because opportunity and quality of life are equally afforded to everyone.

EOE Statement HRDC does not discriminate against any person including customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, reprisal, and where applicable, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, political ideas and beliefs, level of English skills, if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by HRDC, in the performance of contracts and the delivery of services or funding. Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.

All are encouraged to apply. At HRDC IX , we value lived experience and nontraditional backgrounds. Studies have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Open Date 8/20/2026

Full-Time/Part-Time Seasonal

Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt

Location Market Place

Description

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Section I: Position Details

Job Opening Date:August 20, 2026

Job Status:This position is a full time seasonal contract (Early-September through approximately April 30) & 40 hours per week

Wage:$24.00/hour

General Summary of Purpose of this Position:Informs customers and interested parties of the scope, nature, and requirements of the Energy Assistance Programs. Processes Energy Assistance Program applications, verifies information, determines eligibility and benefit levels, and maintains required documentation Performs outreach functions and consumer education activities. Performs routine office functions and other duties as assigned.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Program Compliance (35%):Supports the Program Manager in meeting local, state, and federal compliance requirements.

• Follows funding requirements and maintains complete and accurate documentation.

• Participate in regular Energy team meetings to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

• Work with Compliance and Customer Support departments to ensure shared understanding and data tracking

1. Customer Eligibility and Program Compliance (40%):Determines program eligibility and processes applications

• Performs heat bill assistance intake and application processing

• Assists customers with completing their application when necessary

• Verifies information provided by applicant

• Determines program eligibility, calculates benefits, and processes applications

• Balances empathy for customers with sound judgment and consistent application of program requirements and funding limitations.

• Maintains client files and appropriate documentation per program regulations

1. Customer Support (10%):Serves as a community resource person for all energy assistance programs

• Explains the energy assistance programs (LIHEAP, CRF emergency furnace repair/replacement, Weatherization, Energy Share of Montana) to consumers and interested parties

• May coordinate scheduling of service for no-heat situations

• Attends appropriate meetings and training

• Informs consumers and other interested parties of the scope, nature and regulations of the energy assistance programs

• Demonstrates knowledge of local resources and makes appropriate referrals

1. Data Management & Reporting (5%):Supports the collection, maintenance, and review of accurate program data.

• Maintain accurate data entry and reporting in databases such as CHIMES or Case Worthy, and ensure timely submission of reports for compliance purposes.

• Maintains organized and current program records in approved Google Drive locations

• Reviews program data for accuracy and compliance with reporting requirements

1. Teamwork (5%):Interacts and communicates with people representing a wide variety of backgrounds, organizations, agencies and professions

• Communicates clearly and professionally in person, by telephone, electronically, and in writing

• Promote effective communication and cooperation with staff, clients and other service providers

• Represents the HRDC at public hearings and meetings

1. Organizational Participation (5%):

• Attend all organizational team meetings

• Read the weekly news to stay informed

• Participate in trainings and wellness days when available

• Conduct respectful, professional, and effective conversations with customers and volunteers regarding behavioral expectations, program compliance, and HRDC property standards.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Program Philosophy and Service Delivery:

• Adhere to the program philosophy that empowers customers with freedom of choice, autonomy, and accountability.

• Additionally, this role will assist customers in developing their plans for belonging, well-being, meaning, and purpose.

Cultural Awareness:

• Demonstrates the ability to understand and connect with customers from diverse socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, ensuring access to all appropriate internal and external community resources.

Equity, Safety, & Wellness:

• The person in this position complies with HRDC safety policies, procedures & guidelines; participates in safety training & drills as required; Reports unsafe conditions, incidents or near misses immediately; takes proactive steps to ensure the work area is clean and safe at all times.

• Actively promotes wellness, safety, and equity for all cultures and ethnicities.

• Adheres to policies and programs that affirm, support, and value diversity, including those for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and communities.

Customer Boundaries:

• Balances empathy towards customers while modeling and maintaining healthy boundaries in customer relationships.

Travel:

• This position will primarily serve customers located in Gallatin, Park and Meagher Counties

• This position requires travel to inspections within the service areas

• Occasional travel for training

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, interpret, and write routine documents and correspondence in English; Spanish language skills perferred

• Ability to analyze and interpret complex and sensitive information

• Ability to explain complex program requirements clearly and respectfully

• Ability to effectively disseminate information about HRDC and community programs.

Mathematical Skills:

• Basic math skills, including the ability to calculate annual household income

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

• Ability to interpret a variety of program manuals, guidelines, and instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

Confidentiality:

• This position requires regular handling of sensitive and confidential client and agency information. Unauthorized disclosure could harm client interests and the organization, and may also violate state and federal privacy laws. This position may have access to reports, records, and personnel files, and must exercise the highest level of discretion, judgment, and confidentiality at all times.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in navigating spreadsheets, multiple databases, email, calendar

• Willingness to learn new software systems

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and web-based databases.

Drivers License:

• Valid State Driver’s License required

• Reliable vehicle and appropriate liability insurance are required

Licenses or Certifications That Would Be Useful but Are Not Required:

• CPR and First Aid, Trauma Informed Care, Mental Health First Aid

Other Required Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:

• Ability to effectively work and communicate positively with all socio-economic groups

• Ability to effectively perform duties with a thorough knowledge of agency goals, objectives, projects and services

• Ability to balance direct customer service with detailed administrative responsibilities

• Excellent attention to detail

• Self-motivated with the desire to work with others and contribute to the team environment toward common goals.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and effectively manage workflow

• Ability to present self and organization in a positive and professional manner

• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints from customers

• Demonstrate knowledge of community resources and partner agencies

• Ability to effectively establish and maintain positive working relationships with other social service providers, organizations, program participants, and staff

Essential Physical, Mental and Emotional Requirements of this position.The following physical, mental and emotional abilities are considered essential to perform the duties listed above:

• The incumbent must be able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, must be able to work under time and/or deadline pressures.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or GED required; some post high school education is preferred or comparable life/work experience

Supervision Received:

• This position operates under general supervision.

• The incumbent’s work is primarily assigned by daily workflow and operations.

• The incumbent is authorized to make decisions as to the timing and sequence of work and the work is performed according to established policies and procedures and/or within applicable laws, rules and regulations governing the tasks being performed.

Supervision of Others:

• None

Financial Responsibility:

• Responsible for data entry for payable claims with proper coding according to eligibility requirements

Personal Contacts:The incumbent is responsible for the following personal contacts (either in oral or written form) when performing the Duties and Responsibilities of the Position:

• Daily interaction with the public or consumers

• Interacts with program managers, executives, HRDC boards and/or committees several times a year

• Interacts with representatives of other service providers on a weekly or more frequent basis

• Interacts with funding agencies to provide information or exchange facts annually

• Interacts with governmental compliance or auditors to provide information or exchange facts annually

Working Conditions:

• Works in a temperature-controlled office environment

• Weekly or more frequent operation of a motor vehicle under all weather conditions

• May interact with customers experiencing hygiene-related challenges

• May interact with customers experiencing emotional distress or behavioral-health crises, which can manifest in loud outbursts, anger, and threats of harm to self or others

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Assigned duties and responsibilities may be added, removed, or changed at any time as organizational needs evolve.

This position is currently accepting applications.