Recovery Specialist

Recovery Specialist

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity and this status can affect working hours, travel and change in duties as needed. Performs advanced (senior-level) grant development and coordination, technical assistance, and administration work to plan, organize and deliver federally and state-funded grants within Texas. Work involves coordinating, reviewing, evaluating, and reporting of grants at various stages to determine appropriateness of grant or compliance with requirements and standards;

and serving as a liaison between funding sources and the state or federal government. Conducts applicant briefings and other outreach activities; ensures grant applications are processed properly and monitors the execution of awarded projects, both programmatically and financially. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The Recovery Specialist performs internal staff training in addition to routinely assigned program work. The Recovery Specialist will work closely with the Recovery and Mitigation Training Coordinator to facilitate the implementation of the Recovery and Mitigation Division staff training plan. The Recovery Specialist will be required to provide staff training in the areas of recovery, mitigation, quality assurance, recovery operations, and any other assigned program areas under the Recovery and Mitigation Divisions.

Each Recovery Specialist may be assigned a focus area where they are expected to become the expert and will assist in developing course materials, tools, and delivering "train-the-trainer" courses. Examples include debris management, fire management assistance grants, etc.

When not assigned to specific training work, the Recovery Specialist shall serve as a training officer to other Recovery/Mitigation Coordinators including routine reviews of practices such as conducting preliminary damage assessments, quarterly report reviews, single-audits, working in the SOC, etc.

* Salary is a fixed rate.

* This position is located on-site and not subject to telecommuting.

Essential

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform an array of technical, training, research, planning, compliance, program assessment and administrative activities related to TDEM federal and state grants administration.
• Represent the state during post-disaster operations and help coordinate provision of post-disaster assistance.
• Ensure sub-recipients' and grantees' compliance with conditions of grants by monitoring agreements, contracts, expenses, activities, and federal and state regulations.
• Serve as a liaison between the sub-recipients, the state, and grant funding sources by attending meetings, responding to information requests, and resolving issues between parties involved.
• Review submitted grant applications and determine the applicant's eligibility for award based on established criteria.
• Review actions plans developed by local jurisdictions for compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency procedures and guidelines.
• Assist in preparing and processing applications for disaster projects in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development and provision of information, technical assistance implementation guidance and training to local governments and state agencies concerning grant programs, financial record retention and state and federal disaster assistance programs.
• Coordinate and approve work plans and timelines to ensure submission of state or federal grant applications and program reports in a timely manner.
• Prepare and review grant closeout materials.
• Monitor activities and compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures for assigned program.
• Perform project site inspections to verify progress or completion of grant.
• Coordinate the maintenance of files and records and prepares reports related to grant activities for grants issued and received.
• Conduct entrance and exit conferences and other meetings with elected officials, governmental and non-profit organization leaders to explain the monitoring process and results.
• Provide first aid or emergency medical services (EMS) at any time (except during periods of external employment), within the scope of the employee's certification (if any) by the Texas Department of State Health Services, following the TDEM EMS Protocols and after approval to operate under the EMS Medical Director.
• Perform related work as assigned.
• Ability to travel (25%).
• Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.
• Maintains a regular course of attendance during assigned work schedule and work extended hours when needed.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education – Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited…