Deputy State Public Assistance Officer at State of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska

Job Description:

The work we do matters!




Hiring Agency:

Military - Agency 31



Location:

Lincoln, NE



Hiring Rate:




Job Posting:

JR2025-00012402 Deputy State Public Assistance Officer (Open Date: 01/06/2025)



Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
01-16-2025



Job Description:

Location: Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, 2443 NW 24th Street, Lincoln NE


Nebraska is not for everyone, but it can definitely be for YOU! Our team is looking for a highly motivated individual ready to serve the people and communities of the great State of Nebraska.


Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) works to reduce the vulnerabilities of the people and communities of Nebraska to damage, injury and loss of life and property resulting from natural, technological, or man-made disasters and emergencies. We believe an emergency management system is a dynamic, mutually beneficial, and inclusive network of partners, stakeholders, and organizations, encompassing all Nebraskans, throughout all phases of disasters.


We envision a resilient Nebraska built upon inclusive collaboration and communication.


Our mission is to provide and foster leadership through guidance and support to Nebraskans before, during, and after disasters.


Does this sound like an environment where you would thrive? Then NEMA might be your perfect fit!


The Recovery Section assists all levels of governments through the recovery process following disasters. The section administers Public Assistance (PA), Hazard Mitigation (HM), and Individual Assistance (IA). In the last few years, the Public Assistance Unit has administered over 100 million dollars to local communities.


Within the Public Assistance Unit, the Emergency Management Program Specialist II (Recovery) is responsible for supporting the State Public Assistance Officer and implementing internal processes to successfully administer FEMA;'s Public Assistance Grant Program (PA). The PA grant provides federal funds, through a reimbursement process, to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, and certain eligible private non-profits to help communities recover from federally declared disasters or emergencies. This position will conduct quality assurance checks within the Public Assistance Unit to ensure the PA process is conducted in an uniform manner. This position may serve as the Deputy State Public Assistance Officer.


Job Duties:


*Reviews large project closeout packets for accuracy/completeness.
*Reviews letters created by Public Assistance Unit teammates for accuracy/completeness.
*Reviews all sub-grantee closeout requests for accuracy/completeness before a sub-recipient is officially closed out of a disaster grant.
*Work with PA Unit teammates and sub-recipients to review FEMA Request for Information inquiries, collect documentation and prepare a response.
*Provides assistance to Public Assistance Unit teammates to support their efforts in guiding disaster grant sub-recipients through the PA Grant lifecycle.
*Facilitate and attend meetings with local, state, tribal and federal stakeholders.
*Attend training, conferences, or other workshops to maintain current knowledge of the grant program and relevant federal and state regulations and policies.
*Conduct community outreach activities and trainings that inform state, tribal, territorial and local governments and certain eligible private non-profits of the Public Assistance Grant.
*Supports teammates who are working with complex and/or technical applicants and/or projects through various means, including, but not limited to, project monitoring, quarterly reporting, meetings, site visits and inspections.
*Other duties as assigned.



Starting hourly pay rate is $24.873.




Requirements / Qualifications:




Minimum Qualifications: Post-high school coursework/training in one or more of the following areas: regional/urban/community planning, disaster planning, public safety program planning, transportation planning, public administration or business administration and experience in one or more of the following areas: regional/urban/community planning, disaster planning, public safety program planning, transportation planning, public administration, business administration or the social sciences and successful completion of NIMS and FEMA Independent Study Courses identified within the Emergency Management Program Specialist I position description, AND FEMA IS 244, 301, 302, 362, 548, 706 and 860a.



Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge or experience with FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program (PA); PA program authorities and governing documents (Stafford Act, State Statutes 81-829, 36, 50, 75, Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, Code of Federal Regulation sections 2 and 44, the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018); grant and project management; fiscal aspects of grant management; research methodology and data collection and analysis; computer software applications (Smartsheet, Grants Portal, Microsoft Office).


Incumbents must specifically complete NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 and other FEMA Independent Courses and additional agency training requirements assigned by the end of the original probationary period.



Other: Background check will be required. Will be required to achieve/maintain an appropriate level security clearance. Failure to do so may result in termination of employment. Must have a valid driver's license.


After a successful probationary period, incumbents are assigned as an Agency Watch Officer on a rotational basis. When serving as a Watch Officer, incumbent must be available in the event of an emergency on a 24-hour basis for a seven day period. Additionally incumbents must be able to report to the NEMA office within a timely manner and be available to travel away from home for up to two weeks at a time. Normal overnight travel up to 10-15% of work schedule. Incumbent physical requirements include the ability to move/lift/push/pull 50 lbs on occasion and the ability to work in outdoor temperature extremes.


Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, policies, rules and regulations governing Homeland Security and Emergency Management programs; the functional relationships between federal, state and local organizations.


Skill in writing in a precise, comprehensive manner; making judgmental decisions based on sometimes vague criteria and/or insufficient guidelines.


Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at the federal, state and local government levels; to think critically and review grant projects for accuracy and compliance with grant conditions; oversee and management complex projects; communicate effectively and accurately verbally and in writing; effectively manage time and assigned tasks and work within a team.


o Stable employment and hours with regular salary increases
o Thirteen paid holidays per year
o Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement, agency free parking and flexible work schedules, military leave
o 79% employer-paid health insurance with four plans and coverage levels to choose from
o Dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee assistance program, employee discount program, and more
o Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year starting at 12 days each.
o 156% state-matched retirement for state plans
o Stipend for eligible military retirees on TRICARE
o A safe and secure environment with great teammates






Benefits



We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.


Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits



Equal Opportunity Statement



The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.



Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.