Disaster Assistance Lead

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Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage .

Functional

Title:

Disaster Assistance Lead

Job Title: Human Services Spec III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: DR4798 Administrative ONA

Posting Number: 15568

Closing Date: 10/14/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support

Salary Range: $2,953.25-$4,365.66

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-13

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 15%

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility

Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4616 W HOWARD LN BLDG 8

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 42SX,4C0 X1

The Disaster Assistance Specialist Lead role is a demanding yet rewarding temporary position focused on eligibility determination. Work involves assisting disaster victims with expenses or urgent needs by reviewing cases for corrections, additional information, or adjustments for grants under the ONA program, which is part of the Federal Assistance for Individuals and Households Program (IHP).

The job involves training staff and assigning work, as well as determining and processing eligibility for IHP-ONA grants, particularly in complex cases. This role also involves reviewing and processing requests for reconsideration of eligibility decisions, ensuring that the correct eligibility levels are applied. An automatic call distribution (ACD) system is used to handle statewide inquiries and requests for assistance, including interviewing applicants, their representatives, and other sources to gather and verify information to process eligibility.

The role requires researching and analyzing information to resolve issues, problems, and complaints. The Federal Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS) is used to document, update, and review case records. The position may represent the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Disaster Recovery Centers.

This Other Needs Assistance (ONA) temporary position assignment may last up to one year (potentially longer) depending on the disaster response need. It is telework-eligible after a successful 30-day probationary/training period and is eligible for full State of Texas benefits.

Engages in intermediate-level communication, both internally and externally, to provide, exchange, and verify information, respond to inquiries, address concerns, and resolve issues or complaints. (20%)

Responds to statewide inquiries and requests for assistance using an automatic call distribution (ACD) system via the toll-free State Disaster Assistance Help Line. (10%)

Serves as a lead, overseeing staff or projects, ensuring successful execution and adherence to objectives. (5%)

Gathers and verifies necessary client information to determine eligibility, ensuring accuracy and compliance with agency standards. (15%)

Analyzes hotline calls and case records to assess compliance with policies and procedures, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions where necessary. (10%)

Conducts interviews with clients and their authorized representatives to collect information critical for determining eligibility for benefits. (5%)

Conducts reviews to determine or verify eligibility or continued eligibility. (10%)

Documents case records using automated equipment to form a record for client. (5%)

Clearly explains program services and policies to clients and makes appropriate referrals to agency programs, other state agencies, or community resources. (15%)

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge of:

• Overall program, including federal and state guidelines, regulations, programs, policies, and procedures
• Federal, other state government, and private non-profit disaster recovery assistance agencies…