Public Assistance Program Specialist

Public Assistance Program Specialist Join the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Make a difference every day in Oklahoma's safety and resilience. At OEM, you'll be part of a mission-driven team that strengthens communities before, during, and after disasters. Whether it's coordinating response efforts during severe weather, assisting communities with hazard mitigation planning, or providing critical support during emergencies, OEM employees serve with purpose and impact. We seek motivated, adaptable professionals who: Are committed to public service and community preparedness Can work effectively in team environments and high-pressure situations Are resourceful in problem-solving and coordinating across diverse partners We are seeking a Public Assistance Program Specialist providing support to our Recovery area. This position is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This position is a regular, full-time position governed by the Oklahoma Civil Service system and subject to the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act. Employment in this role is covered by applicable Civil Service Rules, policies, and procedures. This position is subject to a required 12-month trial period, during which performance, conduct, and overall suitability for continued employment will be evaluated in accordance with Civil Service Rules. Under the direction of the Recovery Director, this position performs professional-level emergency management work supporting State Disaster assistance, FEMA Public Assistance (PA), and statewide disaster recovery operations. The Public Assistance Program Specialist provides technical assistance, project coordination, damage documentation review, and applicant support for federally declared disasters and recovery operations. This position serves as a liaison between applicants, state personnel, and federal partners to support compliance with FEMA Public Assistance policies, regulations, and grant requirements. Responsibilities include project development, eligibility review, reimbursement coordination, and operational support activities related to disaster recovery and resilience efforts. Other duties as assigned. Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree in business, public administration or urban planning plus one year of qualifying experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of experience in a technical capacity in emergency preparedness planning or emergency management operations, or in public assistance or disaster recovery operations at the local, state or federal level for each year of the required education plus one additional year of qualifying experience. Knowledge of: Emergency management, disaster recovery, and emergency response principles and practicesFEMA Public Assistance policies, procedures, grant administration requirements, and disaster recovery assistance programs Principles and practices of program planning, project implementation, and operational coordination State and federal laws, rules, regulations, and guidance pertaining to disaster recovery, reimbursement, procurement, and emergency assistance programs Disaster preparedness, recovery operations, and coordination of state, federal, tribal, local, military, and civilian emergency response resources Public administration principles and practices Documentation management, operational reporting, charting, and records retention practices Training techniques and applicant technical assistance methods Local and county concerns associated with emergency planning, disaster recovery, and infrastructure restoration Microsoft 365 and standard office productivity applications Skills in: Reviewing and organizing technical, operational, financial, and project documentation Coordinating multiple recovery projects, deadlines, and operational priorities simultaneously Providing applicant technical assistance and disaster recovery program support Conducting operational tracking, reporting, compliance monitoring, and reimbursement coordination activities Researching and resolving documentation discrepancies, eligibility concerns, and compliance issues Preparing reports, correspondence, guidance materials, and operational documentation Presenting information and conducting meetings or trainings with applicants, stakeholders, and partner agencies Abilities to: Evaluate emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action within disaster recovery and emergency management environments Interpret and apply FEMA guidance, regulations, policies, and emergency management procedures Analyze and communicate disaster recovery and emergency response information to applicants, officials, stakeholders, and partner agencies Encourage applicant compliance with state and federal emergency management and disaster recovery requirements Gather, analyze, and organize information from printed, electronic, financial, operational, and recorded sources Establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, FEMA personnel, partner agencies, and staff Present ideas, operational information, and technical guidance clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats Plan, coordinate, and support disaster recovery operations, applicant coordination efforts, and emergency management activities Anticipate, identify, and resolve operational, compliance, documentation, and coordination issues Prepare and review complex reports, reimbursement documentation, and recovery-related records Operate effectively under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing priorities and operational conditions during disaster recovery activities Provide operational support during State Emergency Operations Center activations, emergency incidents, State Disaster operations, federally declared disasters, and disaster recovery operations: Support agency recovery operations during emergency activations and disaster recovery missions Participate in field deployments, Joint Field Office operations, applicant coordination activities, and recovery support assignments as needed Assist with operational reporting, disaster coordination, and recovery-related information management activities Support continuity of recovery operations during high-tempo and high-volume disaster events Operate effectively in high-stress environments involving rapidly changing priorities and operational demands Staff assigned SEOC positions during activations and perform operational coordination, information management, reporting, and other incident-specific responsibilities as assigned Support State Disaster activities, including coordination, documentation, tracking, and processing responsibilities associated with assigned recovery functions Recovery & Grant Management Systems: FEMA Grants PortalOKEMGrantsGrant reimbursement and recovery reporting systems Documentation & Reporting Tools: Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Microsoft TeamsSharePointDocument management and records retention systems Operational Coordination Tools: Virtual meeting and applicant coordination platforms Disaster recovery reporting and situational awareness systems