Disaster Recovery Specialist III

Position Summary:

IEM is looking to bring on Full-Time Disaster Recovery Specialist III (DRS III) who will support IEM’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.

IEM’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 Disaster Recovery Specialist 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.   

Primary Location:

• Candidates can originate from anywhere in the United States- Mainland or Puerto Rico.
• Once hired you will deploy (travel) across the United States- Mainland or Puerto Rico to client sites as needed.
• You will work remote from home when not deployed
• All remote work environments require the ability to maintain minimum Internet speeds of 25 Mbps upload and 3 Mbps download, as well as a ping rate of 100 ms or less during working hours, regardless of the type and number of devices using your Internet connection. You must also have account privileges and access to your Internet service provider account during working hours for the purposes of maintaining the Internet connection, if needed. 

Travel Requirements:

• This position will require work to be conducted onsite and may require work on weekends or in excess of 40 hours per week. Travel and other expenses are reimbursable in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations.
• All interested candidates must be willing to work on site for the duration of each disaster assignment. Assignments typically may last up to 12 months with potential for extension.
• Situational Awareness: During site assessments, conditions may be austere including prolonged exposure to excessive heat and cold, prolonged sun exposure and no electricity, heat or air conditioning. Other potential risks include air quality issues, standing water, mosquitos, snakes, debris and other potential exposures
• Physical Requirements: Site assessments may require extensive walking and standing for long periods of time; working in small spaces, tunnels and ditches; climbing ladders. 

Essential Functions:

• Provide guidance, oversight, and 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.
• Lead 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.
• Provide subject matter expertise directly related to the administration and management of the FEMA grant programs
• Collaborate with IEM’s Disaster Recovery Grants Management Specialists to identify and elevat