Disaster Assistance Specialist II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. The Disaster Assistance Specialist II role is a demanding yet rewarding case management position. Work involves determining eligibility for grants under the ONA program, part of the Federal Assistance for Individuals and Households Program (IHP). The position may represent the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Disaster Recovery Centers. This Other Needs Assistance (ONA) temporary position assignment may last up to one year (potentially longer) depending on the disaster response need. Part-time telework up to 3 days a week may be available based on performance, compliance with the agency's telework policy, and business requirements after successful completion of 30-day training period. Telework arrangements are subject to adjustment and change based on policy and operational requirements. Work includes: Responding to inquiries about disaster assistance grants across the state. Reviewing and verifying case information. Issuing FEMA disaster assistance grants according to Federal and State guidelines

Requirements

High School graduate or equivalent.
Skill in operating computers to perform data entry and basic office software use such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
Skill in working with the public and public groups.
Skill in mathematical computations
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to effectively manage time by prioritizing tasks.
Ability to learn federal and state guidelines relevant to the Individuals and Households Program (IHP)
Ability to listen, elicit and evaluate information, interpret terms, and resolve conflicting statements
Ability to gather and analyze information
Ability to read, understand and apply a variety of interrelated instructions, i.e., guidelines, regulations and policies
Ability to navigate and interpret information on the Federal National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS).
One (1) year of customer service experience with public contact which can include retail, call center, clerical, hospitality, banking, receptionist, or similar customer service experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience with windows-based software preferred.
Experience in an environment interviewing clients and gathering personal information in-person or over the phone is preferred.

Responsibilities

Responds to statewide inquiries and requests for assistance using an automatic call distribution (ACD) system via the toll-free State Disaster Assistance Help Line.
Handles routine case management tasks, including determining eligibility and processing disaster assistance grants under FEMA’s Individual and Households Program (IHP). Researches and analyzes information to ensure compliance with Federal and State guidelines.
Conducts interviews with applicants, their authorized representatives, and third parties to gather and verify information.
Utilizes the Disaster Assistance Payment Program (DAPP) to check grant payment information and uses the National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS) to document, update, and review case records.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.