Job Description
Community Outreach Specialist
Government of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC 20005
Job details
Salary
$61,521 - $79,314 a year
The Office of the People's Counsel is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, and by law, is the advocate for consumers of utility services in the District. The Office is a statutory party in all utility-related proceedings before the Public Service Commission. The Office represents the interests of District ratepayers before federal regulatory agencies and is authorized to investigate the operation and valuation of utility companies independent of any pending proceeding.
The mission of the Office of the People's Counsel ("OPC" or "Office") is to advocate for the provision of safe and reliable quality utility service and equitable treatment at rates that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory; assist individual consumers in disputes with utility providers; provide technical assistance, education and outreach to consumers and ratepayers, community groups, associations and the Consumer Utility Board; and provide legislative analysis and information to the Council of the District of Columbia on matters relating to utilities. In defining its positions, the Office is further required to consider “the public safety, the economy of the District of Columbia, the conservation of natural resources, and the preservation of environmental quality, including effects on global climate change and the District’s public climate commitments.”
The incumbent serves as a Consumer Services Specialist in the Office of the People’s Counsel. The incumbent coordinates and provides outreach and educational programs to the District of Columbia utility consumers. The primary purpose of this position is to investigate and resolve consumer complaints regarding utility issues and concerns. The incumbent reports to the Director, Consumer Services Division.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Works collaboratively with the Office of the People’s Counsel’s staff to provide support for outreach activities by developing, planning, organizing, and conducting outreach events in conjunction with DC government partners, and /or community based organizations. The incumbent determines the requirements needed for outreach events and coordinates with the Public Information Officer to develop correspondence and educational materials.
Plans, implements, and supports the outreach programs and events including providing advice, project direction, and assistance with promoting the Office to community-based stakeholders.
The incumbent develops, builds, and maintains relationships with key community leaders including Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, Civic and Citizen Associations and their members.
Provides consumer education, outreach, and technical assistance to District consumers so that they can understand their rights as ratepayers and make informed decisions about their utility services. Provides information to support evaluations of organizational outreach with the goal of increasing awareness of the People’s Counsel’s mission and services. Provides updates, metrics, and information to support awareness of executives of outreach activities.
Coordinates and or participates in a number of community outreach activities, to include, but not limited to, community meetings, workshops, activities, etc. Coordinates the outreach schedules to establish relationships with other DC agencies and community-based organizations.
Provides cost estimates for budget preparation for outreach programs as well as estimates budgetary expenditures and other resources required for outreach events.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Education
Applicant must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to CS-9 grade level of the District of Columbia government service or its non-District equivalent that demonstrates knowledge, ability and a proven track record with progressively responsible experience in a professional environment. Specialized experience related to consumer outreach, community planning or any other associated fields.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION
None
WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT
The majority of the work is performed in an office which is an adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated. The work outside the office is typically in conference rooms, meeting halls, and auditoriums.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS
This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
Pay Plan, Series, Grade: CS-0301-11
Tour of Duty: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
The incumbents of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations, Suitability. THIS POSITION REQUIRES A PRE-EMPOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.