Disaster Assistance Specialist II

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 31,471 - 46,312; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Job summary

A state health agency based in Austin is seeking a Disaster Assistance Specialist II to manage case applications for disaster assistance grants. The role involves both public interaction and operational tasks, requiring a strong grasp of federal guidelines. Candidates should possess at least one year of customer service experience, be high school graduates, and have working knowledge of office software. Full-time and eligible for telework, the position is a great opportunity for those looking to make a real impact.

Qualifications

• One year of customer service experience with public contact.
• Experience interviewing clients and gathering personal information preferred.
• Familiarity with Windows-based software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries about disaster assistance grants.
• Verify case information and issue FEMA disaster assistance grants.
• Conduct interviews with applicants to gather and verify information.

Skills

Data entry and office software skills

Public interaction

Mathematical computations

Education

High School graduate or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Date: Apr 15, 2026
Location: AUSTIN, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

Functional Title: Disaster Assistance Specialist II
Job Title: Human Services Spec II
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: DR4871 Administrative ONA
Posting Number: 6622
Closing Date: 10/14/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support
Salary Range: $2,820.00 - $4,149.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-12
Shift: Day
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 20%
Regular/Temporary: Temporary
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Brief Job Description

The Disaster Assistance Specialist II role is a demanding yet rewarding case management position. Work involves determining eligibility for grants under the ONA program, part of the Federal Assistance for Individuals and Households Program (IHP). The position may represent the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Disaster Recovery Centers. This Other Needs Assistance (ONA) temporary position assignment may last up to one year (potentially longer) depending on the disaster response need. Part‑time telework up to 3 days a week may be available based on performance, compliance with the agency's telework policy, and business requirements after successful completion of 30‑day training period. Telework arrangements are subject to adjustment and change based on policy and operational requirements.

Work Includes

• Responding to inquiries about disaster assistance grants across the state.
• Reviewing and verifying case information.
• Issuing FEMA disaster assistance grants according to Federal and State guidelines.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Responds to statewide inquiries and requests for assistance using an automatic call distribution (ACD) system via the toll‑free State Disaster Assistance Help Line. (35%)
• Handles routine case management tasks, including determining eligibility and processing disaster assistance grants under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP). Researches and analyzes information to ensure compliance with Federal and State guidelines. (30%)
• Conducts interviews with applicants, their authorized representatives, and third parties to gather and verify information. (10%)
• Utilizes the Disaster Assistance Payment Program (DAPP) to check grant payment information and uses the National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS) to document, update, and review case records. (15%)
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (10%)

Skill In (KSAs)

• Operating computers to perform data entry and basic office software use such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Working with the public and public groups.
• Mathematical computations.

Ability To

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Effectively manage time by prioritizing tasks.
• Learn federal and state guidelines relevant to the Individuals and Households Program (IHP).
• Listen, elicit and evaluate information, interpret terms, and resolve conflicting statements.
• Gather and analyze information.
• Read, understand and apply a variety of interrelated instructions, i.e., guidelines, regulations, and policies.
• Navigate and interpret information on the Federal National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS).

Initial Screening Criteria

• High School graduate or equivalent.

Experience

• One (1) year of customer service experience with public contact which can include retail, call center, clerical, hospitality, banking, receptionist, or similar customer service experience.
• Experience in an environment interviewing clients and gathering personal information in‑person or over the phone is preferred.
• Experience with Windows‑based software is preferred.

Additional Information

Upon hire, the selected candidate will be required to sign a Temporary Employment Agreement. This position is eligible for State of Texas employee benefits. Candidates for positions with ONA must pass a FEMA background check. FEMA’s suitability determination is required to issue credentials for access to data, records, and systems which requires U.S. citizenship. The job offer depends on receiving full suitability clearance from FEMA.

This position requires working beyond normal work hours, including holidays and weekends. During periods of high‑volume disaster response, the work schedule will extend to six days a week with 10‑hour shifts between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Additional overtime may be available.