Public Assistance Specialist

Salary Range: $3,614-$4,818/month based on experience and level placed in position. Click on .

Summary of Work

The primary purpose of this position is to provide program support to the Public Assistance (PA) Section of the ND Department of Emergency Services (NDDES).

This position will provide direct support to the NDDES PA Officer (PAO) on all PA Program matters, to include assisting with the overall management and operation of the NDDES PA Program and staff, the creation and processing of payments for approved PA projects, monitoring the completion of approved projects, and coordinating the PA Program with other arms of the State or Federal disaster recovery effort. This position will also work with Federal counterparts to ensure that the PA Program is effective in meeting the needs of applicants and ensuring that the PA Program is operating in compliance with all laws, regulations, and policies.

This is an entry level, full time permanent position that is required to implement a disaster recovery program on behalf of the State of North Dakota. Work experience with program management or administration is preferred but not required. The ability to work in a team environment and possessing strong communication skills (both in the form of public speaking and written communications) will be required due to the job duties of this position.

This position reports to the NDDES PAO on a day-to-day basis but may report to other supervisors on a temporary basis during emergencies/disasters as well as for special projects. The successful candidate will have an office at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck ND and the ability to telecommute at the discretion of the NDDES PAO.

Detailed below are the primary responsibilities of this position:

Assisting with the management and supervision of PA Program Operations.

Assist with organizing and coordinating PA Disaster Recovery Operations in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for all Presidentially Declared Disasters approved for the State of North Dakota.

Conduct briefings to local, state, and tribal organizations to promote and educate applicants on both current and proposed rules and regulations of the PA Program.

Serve as a Point of Contact (POC) between local, state and tribal applicants/officials and FEMA Region VIII for any PA Program requests, requirements or education.

Help manage PA personnel and coordinate work assignments to staff before, during, and after Disaster Recovery Operations.

Schedule and conduct trainings for PA staff members prior to Disaster Recovery Operations.

Determine standards of performance for PA personnel and ensure standards are being met.

Oversee the completion and submittal of PA Project Closeouts.

Assist the NDDES PAO with the closeout of PA Disaster Grants.

Ensure the accurate completion of quarterly progress reports, as well as the submittal of time extensions for both PA projects and grants.

Create and process payments associated with FEMA approved PA Projects.

Help with the administration of the NDDES and FEMA grants management websites.

Advise and Support the NDDES PAO in the everyday operations of the PA Programs.

Other activities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate must possess the below baseline skill sets, qualifications, and/or meet these basic requirements:

Ability to use Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Basic knowledge of financial management practices.

Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to grant subrecipients and stakeholders.

Ability to use judgement to analyze problems and work independently with minimum supervision.

Preference may be given to candidates with an accounting degree, knowledge of grant administration, and experience working with government entities.

Must be a US citizen and pass a criminal background check.

Must possess a ND Class D drivers license or equivalent from another state, valid auto insurance, and an acceptable driving record.

Travel in and out of state may be required.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive package that support you, your health and your family.

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