FEMA Public Assistance Specialist

As a public utility, OPPD can access federal disaster funding under the authority of the U.S. Stafford Act by way of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This position will work within the Emergency Management team while collaborating with the OPPD accounting team and state and federal partners to recover funding through the FEMA public assistance program. This position will also coordinate support on other FEMA grants including but not limited to the Building Resilient Infrastructure in Communities (BRIC) program and the Hazard Mitigation Program. 

Responsibilities:

Oversight of all coordination of claims, including the maximization of cost recovery claims for disasters with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

Coordinate FEMA Public Assistance (PA) program including the development of plans, standards and training to ensure tracking of costs are maintained by internal supporting teams. 

• Develop and/or enhance OPPD specific FEMA Public Assistance program materials, guidance, standards of conduct, policies, etc. to ensure program sustainably and continuity. 
• Educate, through training and exercises, the specialized teams and the cost recovery working group on the fundamentals of the FEMA PA program. 
• Provide program management to ensure proper documentation that is consistent with federal and state auditing standards. 
• Assist with the input and tracking of the information in grants.gov portal including data entry, document reference and reporting.
• Assist with grant closeout including site visits and documentation support.
• Coordinate, with the assistance of the Manager, the cost recovery working group. 

Oversee the FEMA public assistance program during and post disaster events. 

• Collect and catalog public assistance documentation to validate costs associated with assigned disaster. 
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to capture data and information pertaining to the FEMA public assistance program. 
• Analyze information for management using corporate information systems and present information as required. 

Hazard Mitigation Program involvement: 

• Assist with the development and management of the hazard mitigation program including applying for mitigation grants and/or other opportunities that relate to mitigation efforts. 
• Assist with programs, training or meetings related to the Building Resilient Infrastructure in Communities (BRIC) program. 
• Assist with update and/or development of the hazard mitigation plan.

Assist the Manager with internal and external communication, technical assistance and outreach activities concerning FEMA public assistance, hazard mitigation or other programs as the situation deems necessary. 

Support OPPD¿s Emergency Management program:  Support OPPD¿s Emergency Management program:  Support OPPD¿s Emergency Management program:  Support OPPD's Emergency Management program:

• Act as a lead position in the emergency operations center (EOC) supporting the Finance Section Chief as needed. 
• Participate in preparedness events including but not limited to trainings, exercises and community engagement activities.