Job Specification Details

Directs all disaster case management for the State of Vermont, which includes response and recovery for housing and human services elements of State Support Function (SSF) 6 of the State Emergency Management Plan (SEMP) in coordination with the Agency of Human Services (AHS) Director of Emergency Management. Closely supports and collaborates with Vermont's Individual Assistance Program Officer during a major disaster declaration and acts as the primary Agency of Administration (AOA) representative to local, state and national organizations for matters pertaining to individual disaster recovery. Responsible for establishing and maintaining real-time monitoring of progress on individual disaster recovery over the course of multiple years. Develops resource requests and policy recommendations for the Chief Recovery Officer and the Individual Assistance Program Officer.

Develop AOA programs, policies & procedures that align with AHS programs, policies & procedures related to individual disaster recovery. Coordinate with the AHS Director of Emergency Management when filling resource support & health & medical service needs. Develop & maintain cooperative relations with agencies & organizations to improve support for individuals following a major disaster. Responsible for statewide disaster case management activities, serving as the lead AOA representative to long-term recovery groups, philanthropic organizations, and federal partners. Identify, train & assign additional AOA, temporarily reassigned state personnel, or volunteers to provide added disaster case management support. Direct the activities of state personnel temporarily reassigned to provide disaster case management. Coordinate state case management efforts, regardless of the state agency or department providing the services, whether provided through temporarily reassigned personnel, contracted staff, or grants with services provided by local organizations to ensure case management services are available to all Vermonters recovering from a disaster. Identifies & addresses vulnerable population needs (in addition to children & those institutionalized) defined as: individuals who, due to a physical or mental impairment, cannot shelter "in-place" or self-evacuate in advance of, or during, an emergency; or who cannot care for themselves once removed from harm's way. Participate as a member of the Individual and Family Needs Recovery Task Force. Communicates committee decisions to the Chief Recovery Officer. Support essential social services restoration and collaborates with state & local agencies & organizations to ensure continuity of essential social services post disaster & reconnect displaced populations with essential social services. Primary AOA representative to local, state & national organizations on matters pertaining to individual recovery, maintain relationships with Regional Planning Commissions, Regional Voluntary Agencies Active in Disasters, Local Emergency Planning Committees, etc. Provide disaster case management training as needed for temporarily reassigned state personnel, including developing local case management teams. 

Duties are performed in both an office setting and with significant amounts of travel and meeting with disaster survivors at local organizations, damaged, or destroyed sites. The position is activated after a major disaster declaration and will be required to operate in high stress situations during long-term recovery operations.

Knowledge of and experience with the principles and practices of disaster case management, including preparedness, response and recovery activities.

Ability to work effectively with disaster survivors experiencing extreme levels of stress and loss over a long period of time (up to several years).

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff from across the State, the Governor's Office, Congressional Office liaisons, community partner agencies, and Federal agencies such as FEMA in order to lead the AOA disaster case management responsibilities.

Excellent project management skills with the ability to multi-task in high stress situations in the event of an actual emergency.

Ability to compile and analyze data and create reports.

Ability to use MSOffice Suite.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in human services, emergency management, policy, public administration, or related field AND three (3) or more years of experience in case management, disaster or emergency response, policy development, or related field AND one (1) or more years of supervisory, management, or team lead experience.

OR

Five (5) or more years of experience in case management, disaster or emergency response, policy development, or related field AND one (1) or more years of supervisory, management, or team lead experience. 

Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant field.

Knowledge of the State Emergency Management Plan (SEMP).

Experience working with disaster survivors, FEMA, and/or other partner agencies.

Must obtain FEMA certification through a nationally recognized Disaster

Recovery Expert within six months of hire.

Position is required to monitor their state cell phone on nights and weekends (24/7) to respond to situations where disaster survivors may be in dangerous or harmful conditions. 

Must have a valid driver’s license and private means of transportation with the ability to travel statewide.