Client Advocate

We envision abundant communities where all prosper. Our mission is to create a more

equitable Seattle through innovative programs and advocacy that empower people to

live healthier and more prosperous lives.

Byrd Barr Place provides services to a range of clients with a focus on individuals,

families, and communities impacted by low-income status, poverty and/or home

instability. As an organization, we are creating a community hub dedicated to preserving

Black Washingtonian history, serving the community as it exists today with essential

services, and partnering with others to advocate for systemic change.

The Client Advocate works directly with community members (our clients) to get them

much-needed assistance to pay for their monthly energy costs. Client Advocates

determine what Energy Assistance programs and services clients qualify for and are

responsible for timely and accurate application processing.

This position is a great starting point or career transition opportunity for people with

customer service or data entry background wanting to work in social services or the

non-profit sector. The ideal candidate brings great communication skills, a customer

service mindset, strong data entry skills, logical reasoning skills, and a passion for

helping people. Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply. All career

level candidates are welcome to apply.

Members of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities, or people who

have personal experience in historically marginalized and excluded communities, are

especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Manage energy assistance application intake process with new and returning clients to help them submit applications for various energy assistance programs offered by Byrd Barr Place. May include scheduled appointments in person or reviewing applications submitted online, as well as managing email and phone calls from prospective clients.
• Responsible for accurate, timely processing and review of all client applications in Salesforce.
• Provide information and education to prospective and existing clients about the programs we offer.
• Process and review applications including following up for additional information and checking for errors before submission.
• Provide support at Front Desk for program related questions and submissions.
• Maintain confidentiality pertaining to clients and staff.
• Provide appropriate referrals and information to all clients.
• Keep daily activity records of all clients served through Salesforce.
• Provide basic and accurate information to leadership as requested.
• Assist in outreach, increasing awareness and visibility of Byrd Barr Place's Energy Assistance Program.
• Other related duties as assigned by the EAP Program Manager.

Minimum requirements:

• 2 years of relevant experience that includes customer service or data entry.
• Demonstrates an excellent ability to relate warmly and compassionately to clients from a variety of racial, cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong data entry skills, including comfort with navigating technology platforms (Salesforce) and websites for confirming client information.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with clients with a variety of first languages other than English.
• Adaptable and able to work independently and in a team.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (i.e. Outlook, Teams).
• Ability to perform tasks involving repetitive arm and hand movements, such as extensive usage of a keyboard is essential.
• Ability to represent Byrd Barr Place in a friendly and professional manner when communicating with participants, business partners, and staff.
• Ability to navigate conversations with clients who may be experiencing extremely stressful life situations with compassion, patience, and hospitality.
• Proven ability to prioritize workload and accommodate interruptions.
• Proven track record in reliability.
• Must pass a background check.

Preferences:

• Previous experience working in the non-profit sector.
• Experience using Salesforce.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Can speak multiple languages.

Benefits include:

• Full employee coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance;
• Employer contributed FSA;
• Short and long-term disability, life, and accident insurance;
• Sick and vacation time accrual;
• 14.5 paid holidays + mental health days.

Proficiency in any of the languages listed below are highly valued, as Byrd Barr works with a high volume of clients from different language backgrounds:

• Spanish
• Amharic
• Vietnamese
• Mandarin and/or Cantonese