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 San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Must be willing and able to commute daily to an office in San Juan or the surrounding area.
• This is a fully in office role, we cannot accommodate working from home.

Travel Requirements:

• Currently None

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 elevate financial or administrative issues for resolution, including responding to Federal Awarding Agency or Recipient Request for Information.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Five (5) years of experience with FEMA Public Assistance or other FEMA Grant Program
• 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.
• Bilingual English / Spanish
• Advance to expert level of experience in FEMA Public Assistance grant program or another FEMA grant program
• Experience working in FEMA New PA Delivery Model
• Advance to expert 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.
• Advance to expert 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 develop and deliver training to support the recovery process.
• Advance to expert level experience using FEMA and State and Local grants management workflow software and documentation management systems at: the Federal (preferred FEMA), State, or Local Recipient/Subrecipient level.
• Intermediate level ability to use provided IT tools and document management tools to create, organize and maintain project documents.
• Advance 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.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Preferred Qualifications: