Start a Career at SENDCAA

Title:
Self-Sufficiency Specialist (SENDCAA)
Supervises:
N/A
Purpose of Position:
The Self-Sufficiency Specialist plays a key role in supporting individuals and families on their path toward stability and independence. This position is responsible for administering the Energy Share Program, managing the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), coordinating Medicaid billing, performing data entry, assisting with front desk coverage, and supporting general administrative functions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, compassionate, and thrives in a team-focused, mission-driven environment.

Overview
At Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency, our mission is to provide a range of services and activities designed to alleviate poverty and give low-income people the opportunity to improve their standard of living and achieve self-sufficiency. Every member of our team plays a vital role in fulfilling this mission. Whether your work involves direct client services, administrative support, or technical expertise, your efforts contribute to the success of our programs and the betterment of the community we serve.

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Generous 403(b) company contribution with no match necessary after 90 days of employment.
• Health insurance, dental and vision (eligible almost immediately-1st of the following month).
• Paid time off
• Sick Time
• 11 paid Holidays
• Professional development assistance
• Pay increase after 90 day performance review

ESSENTIAL Skills and Responsibilities:

Client Engagement and Support

• Engage housing instable low-income families in relationship-based coaching services.

• Conduct regular meetings to track progress and maintain ongoing communication.

• Provide referrals to resources (housing, benefits, etc.) and offer follow-up support.

Energy Share Program

• Process applications and determine eligibility.

• Communicate with utility companies and clients regarding assistance.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

• Coordinate distribution of food boxes across service area.

• Maintain participant records and inventory.

• Ensure compliance with state and federal program guidelines.

Medicaid Billing

• Accurately prepare and submit Medicaid billing for applicable services.

• Track billing status and follow up on denials or discrepancies.

• Maintain confidentiality of client health information in accordance with HIPAA.

Data Entry & Records Management

• Enter program data into internal databases and state/federal reporting systems.

• Generate reports as requested.

• Ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping.

Front Desk Coverage & Administrative Support

• Provide backup support for administrative functions, including copying, filing, mail handling, and scheduling.

Community Outreach and Service Coordination

• Build and strengthen community connections to facilitate access to culturally appropriate services.

• Coordinate with internal and external agencies to provide holistic, comprehensive support for clients.

Collaboration and Professional Conduct

• Work transparently with both clients and coworkers to achieve shared goals.

• Demonstrate empathy, respect, and humility in all client interactions.

• Maintain professional communication with clients, providers, and team members.

Core Program Standards
Full-Family Focus: Support all family members, including children and elders.
Family-Led: Families set their own goals with guidance from the coach.
Strengths-Based: Build on existing strengths.
Responsive & Flexible: Tailor coaching to meet each family’s unique needs and goals.
Transparency & Collaboration: Foster trust and clear communication between the coach and family.
Choice: Empower families to determine the level of support they want

Additional Skills & Competencies
• Reliability: Ability to maintain regular and normal attendance for client care.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to maintain professional relationships.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Technology Proficiency: Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, SharePoint) and online data systems.
• Problem-Solving: Must be sensitive to cross-cultural differences and work effectively to find solutions.

Education/Training Required:
• Completion of High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience:
• Minimum of two years of experience in customer service, case management, billing, or administrative support.
• Familiarity with Medicaid billing processes and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and data entry systems is strongly preferred.

Work Conditions:
The working conditions and environment and the physical requirements/activities listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Please note that this position is not eligible for regular remote or hybrid work due to the client facing nature of the role. In-person interactions with clients and other professionals is required. Occasional hybrid work is allowed based on policy. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM with flexibility to meet client needs.
Travel: Frequent travel to client homes and across service area in Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, and Traill counties. Occasional statewide travel.
Working Conditions and Environment: While performing the duties of this position, the individual generally has good working conditions. The employee is often exposed to moderate noise from office equipment.
Physical Requirements/Activities: While performing the duties of this position, the individual is regularly required to stand, walk, sit (approximately 50% of the workday), bend, carry, reach with hands and arms, use hands to finger, handle, feel, and use office equipment, and communicate (talk and hear). Occasionally, the employee is required to balance, kneel, push, pull, lift, twist, stoop, or crouch. The employee is required to lift or exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. Occasionally, the employee is required to lift or exert force of up to up to 50 pounds.

Evaluation & Review
Probationary Period: First 90 days focused on onboarding, training, and skill acquisition.
Annual Review: Performance review based on job duties, progress toward goals, and professional development.
Workplace Policies & Agreements
Review and acknowledge understanding of SENDCAA’s policies, code of conduct, and self-sufficiency procedures annually.

The preceding statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel in this position.