Home Energy Corps members help communities mitigate and prepare for climate change by promoting household energy efficiency and solar energy. The position will allow flexibility across three primary activities: a) ensuring households are aware of and able to apply for available energy assistance programs, b) providing in-home energy efficiency education along with direct
installation of energy saving materials, c) conducting virtual and on-site solar opportunity assessments as well as solar energy education. Home Energy Corps Members will be provided indepth training and shadowing technicians on all the essential functions of this position.
Service Activities
Support Recruitment, Outreach and Education Activities:
• Build community connections and relationships to foster a network of local champions and outreach partners.
• Give group presentations in settings such as work places, congregations, and community organizations.
• Assist in outreach activities including social media.
• Table at public events.
Provide In-home Residential Energy Services:
• Serve as a support point of contact for the homeowner.
• Review bill history, noting trends and opportunities for savings.
• Consult with homeowners/tenants about energy goals, questions, and concerns.
• Establishing good rapport with households through active listening.
• Teach homeowners about energy use and encouraging low-cost and no-cost energy-saving measures.
• Conduct direct installation of energy saving equipment.
Conduct Solar Opportunity Assessment:
• Conduct virtual solar site assessments as a pre-screening tool.
• Conduct on-site solar site assessment.
• Provide an estimate of solar potential.
• Educate homeowners on how solar works, solar options (including both on-site solar and community solar gardens) and potential benefits
Community Need Addressed
Home Energy Corps members help communities mitigate and prepare for climate change by
promoting household energy efficiency and solar energy. The position will allow flexibility across
three primary activities: a) ensuring households are aware of and able to apply for available
energy assistance programs, b) providing in-home energy efficiency education along with direct
installation of energy saving materials, c) conducting virtual and on-site solar opportunity
assessments as well as solar energy education. Home Energy Corps Members will be provided indepth training and shadowing technicians on all the essential functions of this position
Position Outcomes
Members support Minnesotans who are eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program help these households through education and services that create an immediate impact on their quality of life and cost of living.
The need is great as there are 500,000+ eligible households, but only 9% have been weatherized since 2005!
Eligible households have an average energy burden of three times higher than non-eligible households!
Members can help reduce home energy bills by as much as 40% while improving indoor air quality AND the health of household members
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Beginning in 2022-23, Home Energy members will have the option to earn the BPI Building Analyst certification at no cost. This credential prepares members to launch a career in the green building sector and earn $20+ an hour as entry-level Home Energy Auditors.
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment