About the position

Disaster Assistance Federal Liaison (FEMA Liaison) Serves as liaison between the Health and Human Services (HHS) Emergency Services Programs (ESP), which administers the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provision of the Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program (IHP), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Analyzes difficult and complex problems and issues and works with FEMA on resolution. Assists with ONA management functions including assigning work, supervising staff, and serving as acting supervisor in the absence of the Policy Specialist. Assists with administrative hearings. Represents HHSC at the State Operations Center, Disaster Field Offices, and Disaster Recovery Centers.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency 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.
• Represents assigned area at planning sessions, committees, workgroups, meetings, conferences, or hearings to address significant issues.
• Evaluates program, procedures, or processes for effectiveness through review (for example, reviews statistics, reports, operations, findings, case readings, surveys, quality assurance activities, performance measures, best practices) and reports results or makes recommendations to resolve issues or improve performance.
• Interprets policies, procedures, rules, regulations, or standards to others (for example, staff, applicants, clients, providers, vendors, the public, and public officials).
• Conducts reviews to determine or verify eligibility or continued eligibility and benefit level. Documents case records using automated equipment to form a record for each client.
• Assists in interpreting policy, training new workers, completing unit reports, responding to client complaints, and acting in the supervisor's absence.
• Responds to complaints from clients, their families, or others regarding case actions or related issues.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Federal and state guidelines relevant to the Individuals and Households Program (IHP)
• Knowledge of Federal, other state government, and private non-profit disaster recovery assistance agencies and programs
• Skill in Operating computers to perform data entry and basic office software use such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Skill in Applying guidelines, regulations, and policies to a variety of cases
• Skill in Mathematical computations
• Skill in Communication of policies and procedures to staff.
• Skill in Working with the public and public groups
• Ability to Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to Effectively manage time by prioritizing tasks.
• Ability to Gather and analyze information
• Ability to Prepare clear and concise reports
• Ability to Listen, elicit and evaluate information, interpret terms, and resolve conflicting statements
• Ability to Communicate with community members, other agencies and the media to promote support of the program and coordinate resources and programs.
• Ability to Read, understand and apply a variety of interrelated instructions, i.e., guidelines, regulations and policies
• Ability to Observe employee performance and record observations
• Ability to Monitor unit operations
• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Experience in windows-based software.
• Previous experience with the Disaster Program in processing Individual and Household Programs/Other Needs Assistance grants.
• Supervisory experience

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• a defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement