IN-DHS-Hazard Mitigation Plan Reviewer

IN-DHS-Hazard Mitigation Plan Reviewer

Purpose of Position/Summary: Working under the guidance of the State Hazard Mitigation Officer, to carry out the hazard mitigation planning duties and responsibilities as addressed in the Indiana Code, Stafford Act, and Code of Federal Regulations Title 44 - Emergency Management and Assistance, pertaining to all grant programs administered by the IDHS Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program. In order to remain compliant with FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and to receive mitigation assistance, the State of Indiana and every county must have an up-to-date, FEMA approved, and adopted multi-hazard mitigation plan. These plans are only valid for five years. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security Mitigation section is responsible for assisting counties with updating their county plan, reviewing financial documentation, and ensuring general programmatic guidance is being followed. The position will have a minimum of a 6-month contract with the potential of it being extended.

Location: This position is located in Downtown Indianapolis at the Indiana Government Center South building. There is free parking for most positions. Has potential for flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees after a 30-day period of employment.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Review submitted county mitigation plan updates utilizing the FEMA Local Plan Review Guide and Checklist.
• Following the review of the county plan, send notes for revisions back to the county and the plan reviewer will provide assistance to them, and their potential hired contractor regarding the revisions.
• After revisions are made by the county, send the plan to FEMA for their final review and approval. The plan reviewer will coordinate between FEMA, the State Hazard Mitigation Officer and the county regarding any revisions required by FEMA.
• After the plan is approved by FEMA, the Plan Reviewer will coordinate with the counties on the adoption of their county plan update. This includes the county adoption, as well as all jurisdictions and school districts participating in the plan update. The adoption paperwork is submitted by IDHS Mitigation to FEMA for their final approval.
• Assist with the planning grant application process for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program. This involves working with Emergency Management Directors on the development of project applications to be submitted to FEMA for review and selection. It includes writing of the grant application, budget and schedule development, obtaining county local match commitment and local jurisdiction participation documentation.
• After receiving notification of a planning grant award, the plan reviewer will work with the local Emergency Management Agency Directors on project startup activities. These activities include participating in a project kickoff meeting, creation of the State and Local Agreement, ensuring the Director understands all of the relevant FEMA guidelines to their project, and explanation of the payment/project closeout process including required documentation.
• The Plan Reviewer will be responsible for reviewing and processing grant reimbursement payments submitted by the counties. This includes reviewing submitted documentation to ensure all activities are part of the FEMA approved project scope of work, all submitted costs are FEMA allowable costs for the specific project, the required local match documentation was included, and all costs were incurred within the FEMA approved project period of performance. After review of the request, the information will be submitted to the State Hazard Mitigation for final section review.
• The Plan Reviewer will be responsible for keeping counties aware of project and quarterly reporting deadlines, and work with the State Hazard Mitigation Officer on extension requests when needed. This includes sending communication with information regarding the deadlines.
• The Plan Reviewer will be responsible for coordinating with counties on collecting the necessary documentation for project closeout. This includes verifying project financials, verifying all adoption resolutions were submitted, and requesting the county’s grant closeout letter. After verification and receiving this documentation, IDHS Mitigation will submit it to FEMA for their review and approval. The Plan Reviewer will coordinate between FEMA and the counties if more information is required.
• Work with other state agencies and IDHS divisions to fulfill the requirements necessary for Indiana to become a FEMA Mitigation Plan Enhanced State.
• Review the State Mitigation Administrative Plan once a year and update as needed. This plan will be submitted to FEMA each year for approval, and after a FEMA disaster declaration.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience: A basic knowledge of local, state and federal government programs and procedures. General knowledge of the administrative requirements of state and federal governments as well as a general knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of all state and federal emergency response agencies/departments. Experience working with state and federal grants and grant program management. Must have proficient knowledge of Microsoft Suite programs. A bachelor's degree is preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: None.

Difficulty of Work: The position requires, at certain times, long hours and the ability to work under adverse and stressful conditions for extended periods. The position requires you to be available for duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Personal Work Relationships: In order to function efficiently, the position requires the ability to work with a number of personnel with various backgrounds and abilities. The position requires you work with other Federal/State/Local Personnel from various departments and divisions. A professional attitude as well as a courteous relationship is needed to foster a spirit of unity of purpose toward all mitigation goals.

Working Conditions: The position would normally be stationed in an office environment. However, there will be times in which the duties of the position require travel to communities throughout the state. These duties include meetings, seminars, site inspections, and trainings. Agency requirements could include working under emergency/disaster field conditions, in field office locations throughout the state for extended periods of time. This may include a requirement to depart upon short notice from home to the site of an incident or disaster.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws. The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants.