FEMA Public Assistance Specialist

About Company:

Kundlas Consulting Group LLC is a professional consulting firm specializing in construction inspection and compliance services for public infrastructure projects. Our core services include on-site inspection of roadway, bridge, and utility construction to ensure adherence to engineering specifications, safety standards, and contract requirements. We support clients with daily reporting, materials testing coordination, schedule tracking, and quality assurance oversight. Additional services include project management, grants management for federally funded infrastructure and disaster recovery programs. 

About the Role:

The FEMA Public Assistance Specialist plays a critical role in supporting disaster recovery efforts by managing and facilitating the Public Assistance grant program. This position involves working closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to ensure the effective delivery of federal disaster aid for infrastructure repair and emergency protective measures. The specialist is responsible for guiding applicants through the application, eligibility, and reimbursement processes, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and policies. By providing expert technical assistance and conducting thorough reviews, the specialist helps maximize the timely and accurate distribution of funds to eligible entities. Ultimately, this role contributes to the resilience and recovery of communities affected by disasters across the United States.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, Engineering, public administration, finance, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in disaster recovery, emergency management, or grant administration.
• Strong knowledge of federal disaster assistance programs, particularly FEMA Public Assistance.
• Proficiency in interpreting and applying federal regulations and policies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working directly with FEMA or other federal emergency management agencies.
• Certification in emergency management or grant management (e.g., Certified Emergency Manager, Grant Professional Certified).
• Familiarity with financial management software and data analysis tools.
• Ability to travel frequently to disaster sites across the United States.
• Advanced training in project management or related disciplines.

Responsibilities:

• Review and process Public Assistance grant applications to determine eligibility and compliance with FEMA guidelines.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to applicants regarding program requirements, documentation, and reimbursement procedures.
• Conduct site inspections and damage assessments in coordination with other FEMA staff and local officials.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues related to project scopes, costs, and timelines.
• Maintain detailed records and prepare reports to support audit readiness and program accountability.
• Participate in training sessions and workshops to stay current on policy updates and best practices.
• Support the development and implementation of strategies to improve program delivery and customer service.

Skills:

The required skills enable the specialist to accurately assess and process grant applications, ensuring compliance with complex federal guidelines. Strong communication skills are essential for providing clear guidance and building effective relationships with applicants and partners. Analytical abilities support the review of documentation and financial data to verify eligibility and prevent fraud. Preferred skills such as project management and familiarity with financial software enhance the specialist’s efficiency in managing multiple cases and reporting requirements. Together, these skills ensure the specialist can contribute to the timely and effective delivery of disaster recovery assistance.