Unit Chief, Voluntary Agency Liaison

Job Title

Unit Chief, Voluntary Agency Liaison

Agency

Texas Division of Emergency Management

Department

Voluntary Agency Engagement Section

Proposed Minimum Salary

$9,646.88 monthly

Job Location

Austin, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity, and this status can affect working hours, travel and change in duties as needed.

The Unit Chief, Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) is responsible for supporting the TDEM Incident Support Task Force's (ISTF) statewide volunteer and donations management programs. This position also assists in overseeing the delivery of statewide long-term recovery programs and develops guidance and standard procedures for affected communities to support more efficient recovery. This position engages with internal and external stakeholders, including TDEM staff, governmental agencies, community organizations or the public, to perform advanced consultative services and technical assistance work. Provides guidance, guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations related to ISTF program delivery.

May train, lead, plan, assign, prioritize and monitor the workload of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position is considered at-will status and serves at the discretion of the head of the agency.

*Salary is a fixed rate and is non-negotiable.

*This position is located on-site and not subject to telecommuting.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates operational and tactical actions to achieve objectives related to voluntary agency coordination, volunteer and donations management operations as part of the TDEM ISTF.

• Supports VAL oriented community disaster response and recovery programs.

• Develops trainings with local governments, regional organizations, other state agencies, faith-based community organizations, volunteer groups, and private industry.

• Coordinates the delivery of emergency management and disaster long-term recovery programs within the ISTF.

• Establishes relationships with local governments, emergency response organizations, regional organizations, other state agencies, volunteer groups and private industry.

• Assists in the establishment of state standards for emergency planning, training on voluntary agency coordination, volunteers, and donations management.

• Develops guidance and standard operating procedures for rapid assessments of affected communities to support more efficient recovery.

• Performs as a field training officer and mentor to Regional ISTF VALs assigned to TDEM.

• Supports the establishment of division goals and objectives.

• Develops, monitors, and evaluates policies and procedures.

• Develops goals for assigned activities.

• May participate in or observe local, state and federal emergency exercises representing TDEM, the ISTF and the state.

• May brief divisional officers or appropriate officials with information during an emergency and throughout the recovery phase.

• Coordinates VAL response and long-term recovery activities in coordination with the emergency operations center (EOC), disaster district EOC and the State Operations Center (SOC) for disaster recovery efforts.

• Provides support and liaison between TDEM, local officials, volunteer group representatives, federal agency representatives and other potential disaster responders.

• Develops and implements techniques for expanding TDEM relationships with vendors and external stakeholders.

• Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of direct report(s). Completes performance evaluations and provides coaching and mentoring to direct report(s).

• Reviews agency, local, Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), state and federal guidelines, procedures, rules, and regulations; and monitors compliance.

• May represent the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.

• Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.

• Maintains a regular course of attendance during authorized work schedule and work extended hours when needed.

• Ability to travel up to 25%.

• Performs related work as assigned.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education – Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience – Seven (7) years of related experience. Two (2) or more years of direct supervisory, management or team lead experience, including roles in non-profit or community organizations. Experience may have occurred concurrently.

*Additional work experience of the type described above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. Thirty (30) semester hours is equivalent to one (1) year of experience.  A completed advanced degree in a relevant field may also be substituted in lieu of work experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of disaster recovery principles and strategies.

• Proficient in the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TDEM, state, and federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures.

• Advanced knowledge of disaster recovery laws, rules, and policies.

• Proficient in management and supervisory methods and principles, performance and productivity standards, and fiscal/budget management.

• Ability to develop plans, policies, and procedures for efficient workflow and overall effectiveness.

• Must exhibit integrity; provide clear direction to subordinates; promote teamwork and be able to motivate others to accomplish goals.

• Must exercise excellent interpersonal skills to include poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working/professional relationships with internal and external customers.

• Must be organized, flexible, and have the ability to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; and meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness, or professionalism.

• Ability to effectively communicate and present information and/or training to a wide variety of audiences.

• Ability to produce clear, concise, and professional documents, reports, and presentations.

• Ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.

• Ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.

• Proficiency with utilized software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and systems, and ability to learn new software/systems.

• Proficiency with Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles.

• Ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.

• Availability for after-hour and weekend work is required.

• Ability to work extended or non-traditional hours such as evenings, weekends, special events, etc., including twelve (12) hour shifts during SOC activations, sometimes with limited notice and for extended periods.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE:

Must complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800, IS-247a & b, IS-248, IS-251 FEMA courses within twelve (12) months of employment, and any other assigned training

*Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed at: 

*Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

---