Disaster Recovery Specialist II

Witt O'Brien's•Houston, TX

4d•Remote

About The Position

The Disaster Recovery Specialist II (DRS II) will support Witt O’Brien's State and Local Disaster Response and Recovery Team with its FEMA disaster recovery efforts, working hand-in-hand with the state /local government and private non-profit representatives to guide them through the Public Assistance process. WOB's FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Disaster Recovery Specialist prepares FEMA Project Worksheets which involves identifying eligible damage caused by a disaster, documenting the extent and type of damage, determining the scope of work to repair the damage, and developing a cost estimate for the repair. The DRS II must possess knowledge on the technical aspects of FEMA PA grant programs and will be expected to exercise independent judgement in coordination and advice to FEMA PA recipients/subrecipients within the limits of applicable Federal and State statutes, regulations, policies and procedures. The Disaster Specialist works closely with Federal, State, and local representatives and must be able to clearly communicate aspects of the FEMA PA program.

Requirements

At least three years' experience
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, public administration, emergency management, insurance, business administration, or related field. An equivalent combination of training and experience may substitute for a degree
Intermediate level of experience in FEMA Public Assistance grant program or other FEMA grant program
Experience working in FEMA New PA Delivery Model
Intermediate understanding of Public Assistance, 428, 404 and 406 Mitigation
Demonstrated ability to interpret grant policy and procedures, to read and interpret grant guidelines and contracts, and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
The ability to assist with preparing written reports and conducting analysis
Intermediate level of knowledge of disaster recovery, emergency management and associated state/federal legislation with the ability to research and organize data.
Novice level ability to use provided IT tools and document management tools to create, organize and maintain project documents
The ability to write reports, conduct analysis, and prepare/conduct briefings
The ability to assist with the development of and provision of training to support the recovery process
Intermediate level experience using FEMA and State and Local grants management workflow software and documentation management systems at either the Federal (preferred FEMA), State, Local Recipient/Subrecipient level
Intermediate level ability to use provided IT tools and document management tools to create, organize and maintain project documents
Intermediate level knowledge of standard office procedures and intermediate computer operations to include a working and functional use (preferred intermediate to advanced) of all Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, and Excel as well as smartphone /text usage
Ability to effectively communicate (written and orally) with team members and local, state, and federal stakeholders
Solid written, verbal, and organizational skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as within a team framework to accomplish objectives under a tight deadline
Able to remain flexible and adapt quickly to changes during each assignment
Must be willing and able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance through an extensive government background check with fingerprints

Nice To Haves

Experience within the commercial and/or public industries including, but not limited to, government entities/facilities (including military), medical facilities, schools, transportation (roads and bridges), coastal entities, water/waste treatment and utilities/power
Professional Registration or Certification including Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect, Project Management

Responsibilities

Provide general programmatic assistance to applicants and maintain currency of and compliance with applicable state and federal grant management policies and procedures relating to the Public Assistance Grant Program
Identify potential impacts / implications of policy changes to Federal/State/local programs and provide briefings as required
Conduct meetings and briefings with applicants
Perform damage assessments to establish potential eligibility for FEMA funding and extent of applicable damages
Conduct detailed cost estimates of damages
Perform project validation reviews and address any inconsistencies, special considerations, and compliance issues with management
Make hazard mitigation determinations and recommendations to reduce or eliminate the chance of damages occurring in the future
Provide technical guidance and recommendations to management
Review supporting documentation for the assigned subawards to ensure that each subrecipient receives appropriate reimbursements
Develop, maintain, and implement plans and procedures associated with the effective and efficient delivery and monitoring of grant performance of the Public Assistance Grant Program
Perform quality control review procedures over work performed by other Disaster Recovery Specialists and Grants Management Specialists
Collaborate with IEM's Disaster Recovery Grants Management Specialists to identify and elevate financial or administrative issues for resolution, including responding to Federal Awarding Agency or Recipient Request for Information