Disaster Management - Individual Assistance Specialist II - Reservist (On Call) - US

Other Jobs To Apply

No other job posts for this day.

About the position Disaster Management Job Opportunity! Join ICF to Make a Difference! ICF’s Disaster Management Division is hiring Individual Assistance Specialists to join our Reservist (On Call) cadre! You will belong to a U.S.-wide Reservist (On Call) position for additional IA assignments as needed, with travel required. May involve full-time hours initially, transitioning to part-time hours as each project concludes. As part of the Individual Assistance (IA) Reservist (On Call) Cadre, you’ll step in when communities need you most—deploying to disaster-affected areas to provide critical support. These temporary assignments are flight and vehicle travel to deliver hands-on assistance for disaster efforts, demanding flexibility, logistical ability and resilience in fast-changing environments. When activated, you’ll be expected to work the hours required to meet urgent operational needs, without a fixed schedule, and often under challenging conditions with limited resources. Work may occur under austere conditions with limited access to power, water, or shelter. Assignments vary in length, from a few days to over 30 days, offering a unique opportunity to serve where it truly matters. In this role, you’ll be on the front lines—providing direct, essential support to disaster survivors. Success in this position requires flexibility, resilience, and a strong commitment to serving communities during their greatest time of need. About Reservist “On-Call Employment” with ICF: Due to the seasonal or project-specific nature of our disaster and emergency management work, ICF hires professionals as Reservist “On-Call” employees. On-Call employees are scheduled for work as it becomes available, with the freedom to accept or decline hours. They can work on concurrent projects outside of their ICF assignment, provided there's no conflict of interest. Compensation: While the range below is broader, this position will offer an hourly pay of $27 to $37 per hour, based upon % match to job description, location, etc., as determined by the hiring team. Higher education and experience will not change this salary range. This is an outstanding opportunity to aid individuals and families affected by recent disasters. This position involves helping survivors navigate financial and direct services available through state and federal initiatives with the delivery of FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) Program. The Individual Assistance Specialist will be instrumental in guiding disaster survivors, ensuring they comprehend and can utilize the resources essential for their recovery. ICF is committed to providing innovative and effective solutions for federally funded programs aimed at rebuilding and enhancing resilience in communities affected by natural disasters. Our team is dedicated to anticipating client needs and strategically deploying resources to drive impactful outcomes. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Responsibilities • Guide disaster survivors through the application process for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and other support services with clear instructions. • Collaborate with applicants to collect and submit essential documentation, including both financial and personal details, to ensure eligibility. • Provide ongoing support to survivors by addressing their questions and clarifying program requirements throughout the application process. • Examine and validate documentation for accuracy and adherence to program guidelines, ensuring all IA criteria are met. • Direct individuals to additional local, state, or federal resources as necessary to aid in their recovery. • Perform field visits when required to evaluate applicant circumstances, confirm damages, and determine eligibility. • Compile comprehensive reports and case notes on applicant interactions and manage all casework using relevant data systems. • Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy in all interactions with disaster survivors, ensuring a supportive approach during difficult times. • Work in conjunction with Federal, State and local government partners, team members, and other agencies to resolve issues or questions related to applicant cases. • Maintaining full professionalism in communications and conduct, coupled with excellent reporting, time management, and adherence to instructions, is essential. Requirements • Associate’s degree in a related field. • 2+ years of experience (post school/university) in disaster assistance, emergency management, social services, case management or a related field. • Willingness and ability to travel (flight and vehicle) for program needs as directed. • Willingness and ability to travel to disaster-affected areas and work extended hours as directed. Expectation is short-term notice readiness. • Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check. • Superior customer service skill set, ability to listen, facilitate and negotiate problems, including ability to take direction. • Excellent critical thinking skills to help resolve project constraints and make decisions, paired with a desire to take initiative. • Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft software applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, etc.). • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously in high-pressure situations. • Excellent, professional communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong documentation and reporting capabilities. • Ability to work well under continually changing tight deadlines and priorities. • Ability to work in emergency and disaster situations, including disaster damage area conditions. Nice-to-haves • 2+ years of experience with FEMA Individual Assistance Program requirements and guidelines, including strong familiarity with FEMA IA eligibility criteria and application process. • Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as disaster management, emergency management. • Experience with a Grants Portal or state grant systems. • Direct experience in major Disaster Recovery and/or Response efforts, emergency management EOC or response operations. • FEMA training courses (ICS, NIMS, NRF) – may be asked for list of those accomplished. Apply tot his job

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...