Public Assistance Program Specialist

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is a dynamic state agency dedicated to preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating emergencies and disasters across the State of Oklahoma. OEM plays a key role in statewide public safety by coordinating emergency planning, community preparedness, response operations, disaster recovery, and long-term hazard mitigation with local, tribal, state, and federal partners. The agency also maintains the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), providing centralized coordination during critical events and serving more than 300 local emergency managers across the state.

We seek motivated, adaptable professionals who:

• Are committed to public service and community preparedness
• Can work effectively in team environments and high-pressure situations
• Are resourceful in problem-solving and coordinating across diverse partners

We are seeking a Public Assistance Program Specialist providing support to our Recovery area.  This position is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

This position is a regular, full-time position governed by the Oklahoma Civil Service system and subject to the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act. Employment in this role is covered by applicable Civil Service Rules, policies, and procedures.

This position is subject to a required 12-month trial period, during which performance, conduct, and overall suitability for continued employment will be evaluated in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

Under the direction of the Recovery Director, this position performs professional-level emergency management work supporting State Disaster assistance, FEMA Public Assistance (PA), and statewide disaster recovery operations. The Public Assistance Program Specialist provides technical assistance, project coordination, damage documentation review, and applicant support for federally declared disasters and recovery operations. 

This position serves as a liaison between applicants, state personnel, and federal partners to support compliance with FEMA Public Assistance policies, regulations, and grant requirements. Responsibilities include project development, eligibility review, reimbursement coordination, and operational support activities related to disaster recovery and resilience efforts.       

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:

Agency Contact

Coordinate and support administration of FEMA Public Assistance recovery programs in accordance with state and federal requirements. 

• Assist in the implementation and administration of FEMA Public Assistance program activities for federally declared disasters  
• Support applicant coordination efforts throughout disaster recovery operations  
• Interpret and apply FEMA Public Assistance policies, guidance, and eligibility requirements  
• Maintain program documentation and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and procedures  
• Support recovery operations by coordinating with internal divisions, applicants, contractors, and FEMA personnel  
• Support processing and administration of State Disaster assistance activities, including required documentation, applicant coordination, tracking, reporting, and other assigned program requirements 
• Coordinate with applicants and agency personnel to support timely processing of State Disaster assistance from initial request through completion 

Support development, review, and management of FEMA Public Assistance projects and documentation. 

• Review damage documentation, project information, and supporting records for completeness and eligibility  
• Assist applicants with development and submission of project documentation and reimbursement requests  
• Support project formulation activities, including scope of work review, cost documentation, and damage validation  
• Coordinate with FEMA personnel regarding project development questions, requests for information, and eligibility determinations  
• Monitor project progress and support timely completion of recovery milestones  

Provide technical assistance and guidance to disaster applicants throughout the recovery process. 

• Serve as a point of contact for applicants regarding Public Assistance program requirements and procedures  
• Provide guidance related to documentation standards, procurement compliance, cost eligibility, and project administration  
• Conduct meetings, briefings, and applicant coordination activities  
• Assist applicants in resolving programmatic issues or documentation concerns  
• Maintain professional working relationships with local, tribal, state, and federal stakeholders  

Support disaster recovery field operations and emergency management activities. 

• Participate in recovery operations associated with federally declared disasters and emergency events  
• Conduct field visits, applicant site inspections, and damage validation activities as required  
• Support deployment activities associated with Joint Field Offices (JFOs), recovery centers, or field operations  
• Assist with coordination of recovery data, operational reporting, and situational awareness activities  
• Support continuity of recovery operations during high-volume disaster periods  
• Support State Emergency Operations Center operations during activations and perform assigned SEOC functions in accordance with incident priorities 
• Maintain situational awareness of Public Assistance and recovery-related activities and provide operational information, coordination, and reporting through established SEOC processes 

Support compliance monitoring and grant management activities associated with FEMA Public Assistance funding. 

• Maintain organized records and documentation in accordance with state and federal retention requirements  
• Assist with compliance reviews, audits, and monitoring activities  
• Support tracking of project obligations, expenditures, deadlines, and closeout activities  
• Identify and escalate potential compliance concerns or documentation deficiencies  
• Assist with implementation of corrective actions and process improvements  

Support continuous improvement of recovery operations, processes, and applicant services. 

• Identify opportunities to improve recovery workflows and operational efficiency  
• Assist with development of training materials, guidance documents, and process improvements  
• Support data collection, reporting, and program analysis activities  
• Maintain awareness of changes to FEMA guidance, policy updates, and emerging recovery best practices  
• Contribute to agency recovery readiness and resilience initiatives