Disaster Assistance Spec Lead

4 weeks ago

Austin, United States Texas Department of Aging & Disability Services Full time
Job Description:
Human Services Spec III
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.

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, adjusting, and processing eligibility for IHP-ONA grants, particularly in complex cases. 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 also involves reviewing and processing requests for reconsideration of eligibility decisions, ensuring that the correct eligibility levels are applied.

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. In some cases, the role may involve representing Health and Human Services at the State Emergency Operations Center, Disaster Recovery Centers, and town hall meetings related to disasters, as well as reviewing press releases.
Essential Job Functions:
Communication & Information Exchange: 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%)

Project Leadership: Serves as a lead, overseeing staff or projects, ensuring successful execution and adherence to objectives. (20%)

Representation & Advocacy: Represents the assigned area in planning sessions, committees, workgroups, meetings, conferences, or hearings, addressing significant issues. (5%)

Client Information Verification: Gathers and verifies necessary client information to determine eligibility, ensuring accuracy and compliance with agency standards. (10%)

Case Record Review: Analyzes case records to assess compliance with policies and procedures, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions where necessary. (10%)

Client Interviews: Conducts interviews with clients and their authorized representatives to collect information critical for determining eligibility for benefits. (10%)

Eligibility Reviews: Conducts reviews to determine or verify eligibility or continued eligibility and benefit level. (10%)

Client Status Management: Processes changes to client status, including handling overpayments and making necessary adjustments or restorations of benefits. (5%)

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

Program Explanation & Referrals: 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.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
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 and programs.

Skill in:
Interviewing techniques to obtain personal information, make inquiries, and resolve conflicting statements.

Applying guidelines, regulations, and policies to a variety of cases.

Working with the public.

Communicating orally and in writing.

Abilities in:
Listening and evaluating information and identifying and resolving conflicting information.

Reading, understanding, and applying a variety of interrelated instructions, such as guidelines, regulations, and policies.

Completing work within required timeframes

Screening applications, status reports, and case records to extract needed information and resolving unclear or incomplete statements.

Navigating and interpreting information on the Federal National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS) and providing clear and concise information and written comments in NEMIS regarding case information.

Establishing priorities according to relative importance and deadlines, setting goals, and managing time efficiently.

Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers.

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