Individual Assistance Specialists

About the position

We are a leading, national consulting firm that provides compassionate, full-spectrum emergency management services including planning and preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation services to the public and private sectors before, during and after a natural disaster or catastrophic event. Our mission is to provide compassionate consulting services to local, state, federal, and industry clients, active in disaster response, recovery, and preparedness. We will be on time, on target, and on budget with the services aligned to the evolving threats and hazards facing our nation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and effective delivery of FEMA IA programs, including Housing Assistance, Other Needs Assistance (ONA), and Crisis Counseling.
• Act as the primary state liaison with FEMA, local agencies, and voluntary organizations to streamline assistance efforts.
• Oversee the opening, staffing, and operation of Disaster Recovery Centers, where survivors can apply for aid and access resources.
• Ensure the effective implementation of FEMA’s Disaster Case Management Program, working with case management agencies to support long-term recovery for disaster survivors.
• Identify gaps in services and coordinating additional resources to meet survivors’ unmet needs.
• Ensure that all IA programs are executed in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry and case documentation in FEMA systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold all FEMA policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
• Support logistical and operational tasks as assigned during disaster response operations.
• Provide expert guidance to clients on the design and delivery of individual assistance programs, including FEMA IA, housing assistance, crisis recovery, or case management.
• Collaborate with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private sector clients to assess needs and develop tailored solutions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to individual assistance outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Support or lead (depending on level) stakeholder engagement, workshops, and training sessions.
• Prepare detailed reports, project documentation, and client-facing presentations.
• Monitor project timelines and deliverables, ensuring compliance with funding guidelines and regulatory frameworks.
• Stay up to date with evolving policies, best practices, and trends in emergency management and individual support services.
• May be required to deploy to disaster locations and work extended hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Works through all phases of the grant lifecycle.

Requirements

• Experience with Grants Portal, EMMIE, or any state specific grant systems.
• Experience in at least two major Disaster Recovery efforts.
• Experience working and supporting in an Emergency Operations Center.
• Individual Assistance in FEMA Program experience.
• 1–3 years of experience in disaster recovery, case management, social services, or customer service roles.
• Prior involvement in FEMA programs (e.g., Individual Assistance, DRC operations, or call centers) is a plus.
• Familiarity with FEMA IA eligibility criteria and application process.
• Capable of explaining basic program requirements to survivors.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, emotionally charged environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor’s degree in emergency management or a related field preferred.
• Education requirement can be substituted on a year for year basis with direct marketing experience on top of the required years of experience.
• FEMA Public Assistance Program experience.

Benefits

• Temporary positions are not benefits eligible except where required by law.