Disaster Finance Specialist

Job Overview Functional Title: Disaster Finance Specialist Job Title: Program Specialist V Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Agency Disaster Response Posting Number: 16714 Closing Date: 08/01/2026 Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 Shift: Day Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 20% Regular/Temporary: Temporary Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Austin Location: Austin, TX (1100 W 49TH ST (DHT)). This is a temporary position until August 31, 2028. Requires 12–14‑hour shifts during activations and extended hours including weekends, nights, and holidays. Must be able to report on‑site within two hours during emergencies and to work in‑person 7 days a week for 2–4 weeks or longer. Benefits DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page. Job Responsibilities Under the direction of the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CHEPR), Preparedness Management Unit (PMU), Disaster Finance Manager, this position performs highly advanced financial data entry, tracking costs/expenditures, procurement, reimbursement and auditing work related to Public Health and Medical Response. This position also provides technical assistance to local, regional, state, and federal partners. Work involves developing disaster planning and response budgets, producing financial reports, and reviewing disaster contingency contracts, requests for proposals (RFP), and the development of technical and tactical operating guides for use by the Disaster Finance Team, State Medical Operations Center (SMOC), State Operations Center (SOC), and deployed teams. Participate and conduct training and exercise activities that support operational and tactical planning and procedures. This position will serve in a DSHS Incident Management Team role within the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) or State Operations Center (SOC) to support planning, training, exercise efforts and response and recovery operations. Completes all training and exercise requirements. Account and Finance (65%) Serves in the Finance Section in the SMOC during disaster response operations. Assists with oversight and accountability for all disaster response related expenditures. May serve as the SMOC Liaison to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Assists in providing documentation related to and completing FEMA reimbursement applications as well as any other appropriate reimbursement applications. Supports the Finance Manager and Finance Team Leads as the finance subject matter expert for the Preparedness Management Unit. Analyzes and recommends improvements, adaptations, or revisions to the disaster response accounting system. Assists with monitoring response contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contracts and policies. Evaluates expenditure data to ensure appropriate use of funds. Design workplace tools such as file libraries, Excel worksheets, Word documents, and databases which support operational and tactical operating plans and procedures for the SMOC and SOC. Program Support (20%) Assists with the planning, training and exercise materials and participates in the conduct of training on all procedures related to the SMOC Finance Section. Participates in the development of the structure and staffing plan for the SMOC and SOC. Reviews and/or conducts needs assessments to determine requirements for the purchase of disaster response related goods or services. Identifies potential contracts and services necessary to improve disaster response. Assists with the management of state and federal response reimbursements. May prepare and evaluate program budget requests. Develops workflow processes for the finance team, SMOC and SOC operations. Evaluates and modifies plans, procedures, or guidelines as needed. Provides technical assistance and ensures effective communication and coordination with local, regional, state, and federal agencies prior to, during, and after a disaster. Process Improvement (10%) Contributes to all After Action Review (AAR) evaluations, manages the integration of best practices/lessons learned into revised policies, plans and procedures to improve future response activities. Other Duties Assigned (5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge Knowledge of accounting, finance, auditing, or budgeting. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to FEMA programs. Knowledge of the National Incidental Management Systems (NIMS) and the National Response Framework. Knowledge of basic concepts of planning, training, and exercising. Knowledge of software and communication tools such as WebEOC, Grants Portal, and Grants Management System. Skill Skill in using computer software including but not limited to Excel, CAPPS Financial, Word, or QuickBase. Skill in managing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines. Skill in implementing plans and procedures. Ability Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations. Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing. Ability to prepare concise reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, coworkers, other agency staff, and the public. Ability to review invoices for accuracy and determine services have been satisfactorily rendered. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and to devise solutions to problems. Ability to work effectively in a stressful environment during a disaster. Ability to work a flexible schedule including extended hours, nights, and weekends. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) preferred. Initial Screening Criteria Financial budgeting and tracking experience. Experience processing reimbursements. Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders. Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I‑9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I‑9 form. ADA Accommodations In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Department of State Health Services