Public Assistance Technical Specialist

PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE MAY REQUIRE A 24-HOUR NOTICE FOR DEPLOYMENT AND COULD INVOLVE WORKING ACROSS DIFFERENT LOCATIONS.

Position Summary

Tidal Basin has an opportunity for an experienced FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Technical Specialist. The selected candidate will deploy and work onsite at the client's location providing assistance on FEMA's PA program. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of the FEMA PA grant program and will be capable of managing multiple tasks with demanding deadlines. Candidates must demonstrate a successful track record of working collaborateively with stakeholders ensuring compliance with the PA program guidelines. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Ability to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) with State, Local, and Federal counterparts and assist with documenting eligible damages to be claimed
• Participate in the Exploratory Call and then attend and participate in the Recovery Scoping Meeting.
• Schedule, attend, and participate in all Recovery Transition Meetings with applicants.
• Provide programmatic and technical assistance, perform program reviews, and project analysis as required.
• Development of federal grant applications (FEMA Project Worksheets) for all Categories of Work, providing review and quality assurance as to damage descriptions, scope of work, cost estimates, and general content.
• Collect, analyze, organize, and summarize financial data.
• Formulate large and small projects and perform validations.
• Assist with the preparation of change of scope requests, alternate project requests or improved project requests.
• Guide applicants through the entire grant process, with experience using Grants Portal and/or Grants Manager.
• Provide project reviews for partial and final payment requests.
• Participate in scheduling and conducting site inspections.
• Prior experience performing financial closeout duties related to the FEMA PA Program.
• Follow all safety guidelines in performance of work activities. 
• Complete all required training.
• Must work onsite at the client’s designated location.

• High proficiency with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite applications, and ability to quickly learn new computer software, programs, and utilize various video conferencing tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Possess an in-depth understanding of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide.
• Must be self-motivated, responsible, and confident with a commitment to integrity.
• Must be detail oriented, very organized, and able to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Must have a proficient understanding of concepts from applicant intake through project and subrecipient closeout.
• Experience working with Federal, State and Local Governments on the PA program.

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred. 
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience working in the FEMA Public Assistance grant program.
• Project management or personnel/team management experience preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Enhanced background screening may be required by the client.

• Must be able to perform work for extended periods/durations of time in outdoor weather conditions.
• Must be able to walk/stand extended periods and negotiate terrain impacted by natural disasters.
• May require bending and stretching.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing work activities.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (e.g., laptops, files, mobile office equipment)
• Ability to travel to and between designated work sites.
• Must be able to travel using various modes of transportation.
• Modified lodging and accommodations may be required given limited availability of traditional lodging.