Individual Assistance Specialists - Multiple Levels

Introduction

We are a leading, national consulting firm that provides compassionate, full-spectrum emergency management services including planning and preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation services to the public and private sectors before, during and after a natural disaster or catastrophic event.

Our mission is to provide compassionate consulting services to local, state, federal, and industry clients, active in disaster response, recovery, and preparedness. We will be on time, on target, and on budget with the services aligned to the evolving threats and hazards facing our nation.

Position Summary:

Job Title: Individual Assistance Program Specialist- Multiple Levels (junior, mid, senior)

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time (as needed)

Temporary/Seasonal/Regular: Temporary

Compensation: $30-$45/hour depending on experience and level

Benefits Summary: Not benefits eligible

Locations: State of Florida

Travel: Travel and on-site work required. Up to 50% travel.

Mission of Role

Be part of a team of knowledgeable, compassionate, and helpful allies for our clients. The Individual Assistance Specialist for Disaster Recovery Services will play an integral part of helping citizens and communities recover from natural disasters. In addition, this role will be providing general recover assistance for emergency operations. Applicants should be passionate about making a difference in the world, and interested in supporting local, state, and federal jurisdictions prepare for and recover from disasters.

Tasks, Duties, And Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions and physical demands.

• Ensure timely and effective delivery of FEMA IA programs, including Housing Assistance, Other Needs Assistance (ONA), and Crisis Counseling
• Act as the primary state liaison with FEMA, local agencies, and voluntary organizations to streamline assistance efforts
• Oversee the opening, staffing, and operation of Disaster Recovery Centers, where survivors can apply for aid and access resources
• Ensure the effective implementation of FEMA's Disaster Case Management Program, working with case management agencies to support long-term recovery for disaster survivors
• Identify gaps in services and coordinating additional resources to meet survivors' unmet needs
• Ensure that all IA programs are executed in compliance with federal and state regulations
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry and case documentation in FEMA systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold all FEMA policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
• Support logistical and operational tasks as assigned during disaster response operations.
• Provide expert guidance to clients on the design and delivery of individual assistance programs, including FEMA IA, housing assistance, crisis recovery, or case management
• Collaborate with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private sector clients to assess needs and develop tailored solutions
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to individual assistance outcomes and program effectiveness
• Support or lead (depending on level) stakeholder engagement, workshops, and training sessions
• Prepare detailed reports, project documentation, and client-facing presentations
• Monitor project timelines and deliverables, ensuring compliance with funding guidelines and regulatory frameworks
• Stay up to date with evolving policies, best practices, and trends in emergency management and individual support services
• May be required to deploy to disaster locations and work extended hours, including weekends and holidays
• Works through all phases of the grant lifecycle
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and active listening skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge in FEMA PA categories A, B, and E
• Customer service oriented Technical Skills
• Excellent and proven computer skills, particularly with database software and Microsoft Office Suite project eligibility, scope of work and estimating costs to repair or replace a facility or structure to restore it to its pre-disaster design
• The ability to be flexible in a dynamic environment and outstanding written and verbal communication skills
  
  
  

Requirements

Required Experience and Education

• Experience with Grants Portal, EMMIE, or any state specific grant systems
• Experience in at least two major Disaster Recovery efforts
• Experience working and supporting in an Emergency Operations Center
• Individual Assistance in FEMA Program experience
• Below are experience requirements for a FEMA Individual Assistance Specialist at three levels: junior, mid, and senior. These can be used for career progression, job descriptions, or hiring criteria:
  
  
  

Junior Level Individual Assistance Specialist Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience in disaster recovery, case management, social services, or customer service roles.
• Prior involvement in FEMA programs (e.g., Individual Assistance, DRC operations, or call centers) is a plus.
• Familiarity with FEMA IA eligibility criteria and application process.
• Capable of explaining basic program requirements to survivors.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, emotionally charged environment
  
  
  

Mid-level Individual Assistance Specialist Experience:

• 4-6 years of progressively responsible experience in FEMA Individual Assistance or equivalent roles in disaster recovery.
• Direct experience supporting multiple disaster operations or deployments.
• Strong knowledge of FEMA IA policies, systems (e.g., NEMIS or Recovery platforms), and appeal processes.
• Able to manage complex cases and assist with documentation or appeals.
• Skilled in coordinating with community partners and supporting program implementation in the field.
  
  
  

Senior Level Individual Assistance Specialist Experience:

• 7 years of experience in FEMA IA, emergency management, or related recovery programs, with demonstrated leadership in disaster operations.
• Experience managing teams in DRCs, MRICs, or field deployments.
• Expert-level understanding of FEMA IA programs, policies, and coordination frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead IA functions during declared disasters, including staff supervision, community engagement, and interagency coordination.
• Adept at resolving escalated issues and overseeing complex case management processes.
• Leads teams of IA specialists, provides performance feedback, and contributes to operational planning and continuous improvement.
  
  
  

Preferred Experience And Education

• Bachelor's degree in emergency management or a related field preferred
• Education requirement can be substituted on a year for year basis with direct marketing experience on top of the required years of experience
• FEMA Public Assistance Program experience
  
  
  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Not a typical office environment, work environment may be outdoors in various weather conditions, on-site with clients, or with an Emergency Operations Center
• Ability to lift to 25 pounds if needed and be mobile around office or client sites
• Ability to work remotely as needed
• Willingness to travel to meetings, events and client sites as needed, sometimes after hours and on weekends
• May require long hours at a computer
  
  
  

Benefits

Not benefits eligible.

EEO Statement

AC Disaster Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. AC Disaster Consulting will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any protected characteristic.

Please redact or remove information that identifies applicant's age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at (or graduation from) an educational institution from the resume or other application documents prior to submitting the application.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting AC Disaster Consulting Human Resources team at hr@acdisaster.com.

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