Job Description:
Disaster Assistance Specialist Lead
This position is telework-eligible following a successful 30-day probationary period and ongoing adherence to performance standards.
Serves as lead to review eligibility determinations for grants in the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provision of the Federal Assistance for Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to assist victims in meeting disaster related expenses or serious needs. Returns cases requiring correction, additional information or adjustments. Work includes training staff and assigning work. Determines, adjusts, and processes IHP-ONA grant eligibility assistance levels, and eligibility status changes for more complex cases. Uses an automatic call distribution (ACD) system (toll-free State Disaster Assistance Help Line) to respond to statewide inquiries and requests for assistance: interview applicants, their authorized representatives, and other outside sources; and obtain and verify information to determine, adjust, and process eligibility. Reviews requests for reconsideration of eligibility decisions and determines and processes correct eligibility levels. Researches and analyzes information. Resolves issues. problems. and complaints. Uses Federal Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS) to document, update and inquire into case records. May represent the Health and Human Services a the state Emergency Operations Center, Disaster Recovery Centers, and disaster related town Hall meetings and may review press releases.
Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Communicates on an intermediate level with others (internally or externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints. (20%)
Serves as lead over staff or projects. (20%),
Represents assigned area at planning sessions, committees, workgroups, meetings, conferences, or hearings to address significant issues. (5%)
Obtains, verifies required client information to determine eligibility
Reads case records to determine compliance with policies and procedures to identify trends and for corrective action. (5%)
Interviews clients and authorized representatives to gather information to determine eligibility for benefits. (10%)
Conducts reviews to determine or verify eligibility or continued eligibility and benefit level. (10%)
Processes changes to client status, overpayments, and adjusts or restores benefits. (10%)
Documents case records using automated equipment to form a record for client. (5%)
Explains program services and policies and makes referrals to agency programs, other state agencies, or community resources. (15%)
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:
Knowledge of overall program, including federal and state guidelines, regulations, programs, policies and procedures
Knowledge of federal, other state government, and private non-profit disaster recovery assistance agencies and programs
Skill in interviewing techniques to obtain personal information, make inquiries, and resolve conflicting statements
Ability to listen and evaluate information
Ability to identify and resolve conflicting information
Ability to read, understand and apply a variety of interrelated instructions, i.e., guidelines, regulations and policies
Skill in applying guidelines, regulations, and policies to a variety of cases
Ability to complete work within required timeframes
Ability to screen applications, status reports and case records to extract needed information and resolve unclear or incomplete statements
Ability to navigate and interpret information on the Federal National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS)
Ability to provide clear and concise information and written comments in the NEMIS regarding case information
Skill in working with the public
Ability to establish priorities according to relative importance and deadlines, set goals, and manage time efficiently
Ability to communicate orally and in writing
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
N/A
Initial Selection Criteria:
High School graduate or equivalent.
Experience with windows-based software.
Previous experience with the Individuals and Households Program.
Previous management level experience in customer service related field preferred.
Additional Information:
Positions advertised with this position description are temporary and will only be filled after a disaster declaration. Management is recruiting to identify qualified candidates that may be hired on short notice to fulfill the operations requirements when there is a federal disaster. Job requires working beyond normal work hours including holidays and weekends when necessary, especially in the first months after a disaster declaration.
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: HM, 4C0X1. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
MOS Code:
HM, 4C0X1
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $2,703.25 - $4,115.66 per month
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Evenings as needed
- Extended hours
- Holidays
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Writing skills: 1 year (Preferred)
- Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)
- Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
Ability to Relocate:
- Austin, TX: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Austin, TX