Public Assistance Specialist - FEMA Disaster Recovery - Reservist On Call - ALABAMA

ICF's Disaster Management Division seeks Public Assistance Specialists - FEMA Disaster Recovery background to join our team. This position is for ALABAMA current residents ONLY. This ON-CALL position will require travel to client offices, disaster recovery sites, and deployable for multiple week assignments. *Alternate position posted for nationwide applicants.

About On-Call Employment with ICF: Due to the seasonal or project-specific nature of our disaster and emergency management work, ICF hires professionals as “On-Call” employees. On-Call employees are scheduled for work as it becomes available, with the freedom to accept or decline hours. They can work on concurrent projects outside of their ICF assignment, provided there's no conflict of interest.

Definition: FEMA Public Assistance (PA) is a program provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that provides financial and direct assistance to states, tribes, and territories when authorized as part of a presidential declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. PA can fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction or replacement of eligible public or certain nonprofit facilities or infrastructure damaged or destroyed by a disaster. This is not health or social services.

The Public Assistance Specialist will serve as professional support for the Public Assistance Division. Assisting with PA Program delivery, project worksheet development and operational details. At ICF we make BIG things happen. Let’s work together to help Hurricane victims and communities recover and re-build for future resilience. ICF’s growing Disaster Management division is assembling an outstanding team equipped to offer expert advisory services, bringing the strength of past performance and a hands-on integrated multidisciplinary approach. Join the ICF team and help make a difference.

Compensation: While the range below is broader, this position will offer an hourly pay range between $35-$45 per hour, firm, based upon % match to job description, location, etc., as determined by the hiring team. Higher education and experience will not change this salary range.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working with Federal and State Recovery Programs and Initiatives, Public Assistance and its implementing regulations.

• Applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of a wide variety of grants administration issues and problems.

• Develop and execute program-specific administrative and operational guidance.

• Address FEMA Public Assistance policy and guidance technical issues in regard to current law and regulations.

• Coordinate and participate in resolution of project related issues and concerns.

• Ensure the delivery of excellent customer service and support to partner agencies.

• Ensure timely administrative and fiscal processes for project worksheets.

• Promote capacity building through local, state, federal, and non-governmental partners.

• Demonstrate subject matter expertise and leadership with program partners and customers.

• Coordinate and participate in resolution of project related issues and concerns.

• Optimize procedures and maintain communication and focus.

• Maintain and track each case as required in project report management information system.

• Measure performance with key metrics.

• Keep management team informed on issues, problems & resolutions.

• Superior customer service skill set, ability to listen, facilitate and negotiate problems.

• Expertise in area in which you are assigned. Carry out timely and accurate duties as requested.

Must Have Qualifications:

• 2+ years of FEMA, State or Local Public Assistance experience (see definition above) addressing operational issues in disaster recovery operations including issues that have complex programmatic element. May include FEMA PA, FEMA Hazard Mitigation, FEMA Grants.

• 2+ years of experience personally analyzing FEMA project worksheets.

• 3+ years of professional work experience.

• Must be able and willing to travel (flight and vehicle) as required for project work with minimal notice.

• Must have a valid United States driver’s license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Professional Skills: (You bring these with you on Day One)

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, MS Excel and computer use.

• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting “on-time” and professionally, including ability to follow directions.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to effectively plan, prioritize and manage multiple tasks and activities, independently and collaboratively.

• Strong written and oral communication, including interpersonal and presentation skills.

• Excellent critical thinking skills to help resolve project constraints and make decisions, paired with a desire to take initiative.

• Ability to work well under continually changing deadlines and priorities.

• Awareness and appreciation of applicant situations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and community dynamics.

Preferred Skills: (May set candidates apart)

• Bachelor’s degree

• Knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of a wide variety of grants administration issues and problems.

• Experience addressing strategic issues in disaster recovery operations including issues that have complex political and programmatic elements.

• Experience addressing FEMA Public Assistance policy and guidance technical issues in regard to current law and regulations.

• Background in various types of construction.

• FEMA Certifications.