Public Assistance Specialists

AECOM • Louisville, KY

21d • $35 - $45 • Onsite

About The Position

AECOM is seeking Disaster Recovery Public Assistance Specialists to join our dedicated team. This is a contingent position, with deployment scheduled as work becomes available. In this role, you will assist local, state, tribal, and territorial clients in delivering FEMA Public Assistance following a presidentially declared federal disaster. You will work directly with clients to identify and develop projects eligible for reimbursement, providing essential technical support and expertise in the preparation, submission, and coordination of project documentation for FEMA review and approval. This position will be offered on a contingent basis, pending client request.
As a Disaster Recovery Public Assistance Specialist, you will:
Provide Expert Guidance: Assist clients in navigating FEMA Public Assistance (PA) and related recovery programs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Interpret Regulations: Analyze and apply 44 CFR, the Stafford Act, and the FEMA Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) to evaluate project documentation and develop project worksheets (PWs) that support eligibility, scope accuracy, and cost reasonableness.
Utilize FEMA Grants Portal: Track project progress, identify risks, and ensure data integrity within the FEMA Grants Portal.
Collaborate with Professionals: Work closely with architects, engineers, and construction managers to verify quantities, develop cost estimates, and reconcile discrepancies identified during site inspections and documentation reviews.
Draft Operational Guidance: Create and deliver program-specific operational guidance to sub-recipients, assisting them in developing scopes of work and cost estimates for large projects.
Deliver Exceptional Customer Service: Engage with FEMA, state emergency management officers, and sub-recipients through professional and responsive day-to-day interactions.
Ensure Quality and Timeliness: Maintain high-quality deliverables that meet AECOM’s standards while adhering to project timelines.
Manage Documentation: Perform data entry into an electronic document management system and assist in preparing and maintaining project filing systems.
Resolve Issues: Address routine questions and problems, escalating more complex issues to senior team members as necessary.

Requirements

• BA/BS + 2+ years of demonstrated past performance with FEMA Public Assistance or other relevant programs at the state and/or federal level or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Must pass a state and federal criminal history/security background check.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Valid US Driver’s License for travel to various regional and satellite locations to support project task(s) assignments and scope of work. For positions with driving responsibilities, Motor Vehicle Records are reviewed as part of AECOM’s background check process to ensure compliance with the Company’s driving standards.
• Ability to operate computer applications (Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel); proficient in virtual collaboration (Microsoft Teams, etc.).

Nice To Haves

• Experience delivering PA Assistance on at two or more previous disasters.
• Experience and practical knowledge of FEMA Categories and project worksheet development.
• Possess flexibility to respond to and manage different tasks, often with competing priorities;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to work in a team environment;
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in navigating FEMA Public Assistance (PA) and related recovery programs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
• Analyze and apply 44 CFR, the Stafford Act, and the FEMA Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) to evaluate project documentation and develop project worksheets (PWs) that support eligibility, scope accuracy, and cost reasonableness.
• Track project progress, identify risks, and ensure data integrity within the FEMA Grants Portal.
• Work closely with architects, engineers, and construction managers to verify quantities, develop cost estimates, and reconcile discrepancies identified during site inspections and documentation reviews.
• Create and deliver program-specific operational guidance to sub-recipients, assisting them in developing scopes of work and cost estimates for large projects.
• Engage with FEMA, state emergency management officers, and sub-recipients through professional and responsive day-to-day interactions.
• Maintain high-quality deliverables that meet AECOM’s standards while adhering to project timelines.
• Perform data entry into an electronic document management system and assist in preparing and maintaining project filing systems.
• Address routine questions and problems, escalating more complex issues to senior team members as necessary.

Benefits

• AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees