Disaster Assistance Federal Liaison Job Listing at Texas Health and Human Services in Austin, TX (Job ID 15815-en_US)

Description

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Disaster Assistance Federal Liaison 
Job Title: Human Services Spec IV 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: DR4798 Administrative ONA 
Posting Number: 15815 
Closing Date: 10/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Range: $3,095.33 - $4,594.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-14 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Temporary 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4616 W HOWARD LN BLDG 8 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 42SX,4C0X1 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Disaster Assistance Federal Liaison (FEMA Liaison)

Serves as liaison between the Health and Human Services (HHS) Emergency Services Programs (ESP), which administers the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provision of the Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program (IHP), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Analyzes difficult and complex problems and issues and works with FEMA on resolution. Assists with ONA management functions including assigning work, supervising staff, and serving as acting supervisor in the absence of the Policy Specialist. Assists with administrative hearings. Represents HHSC at the State Operations Center, Disaster Field Offices, and Disaster Recovery Centers.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency performs other duties as assigned. (10%)

Communicates on an intermediate level with others (internally or externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints. (20%)

Represents assigned area at planning sessions, committees, workgroups, meetings, conferences, or hearings to address significant issues. (5%)

Evaluates program, procedures, or processes for effectiveness through review (for example, reviews statistics, reports, operations, findings, case readings, surveys, quality assurance activities, performance measures, best practices) and reports results or makes recommendations to resolve issues or improve performance. (5%)

Interprets policies, procedures, rules, regulations, or standards to others (for example, staff, applicants, clients, providers, vendors, the public, and public officials). (15%)

Conducts reviews to determine or verify eligibility or continued eligibility and benefit level. Documents case records using automated equipment to form a record for each client. (15%)

Assists in interpreting policy, training new workers, completing unit reports, responding to client complaints, and acting in the supervisor's absence. (15%)

Responds to complaints from clients, their families, or others regarding case actions or related issues. (15%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state guidelines relevant to the Individuals and Households Program (IHP)
• Federal, other state government, and private non-profit disaster recovery assistance agencies and programs

Skill in:

• Operating computers to perform data entry and basic office software use such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.

• Applying guidelines, regulations, and policies to a variety of cases
• Mathematical computations
• Communication of policies and procedures to staff.
• Working with the public and public groups

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Effectively manage time by prioritizing tasks.

• Gather and analyze information
• Prepare clear and concise reports
• Listen, elicit and evaluate information, interpret terms, and resolve conflicting statements
• Communicate with community members, other agencies and the media to promote support of the program and coordinate resources and programs.
• Read, understand and apply a variety of interrelated instructions, i.e., guidelines, regulations and policies
• Observe employee performance and record observations
• Monitor unit operations

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:

High School graduate or equivalent.

Experience in windows-based software.

Previous experience with the Disaster Program in processing Individual and Household Programs/Other Needs Assistance grants.

Supervisory experience

Additional Information:

Upon hire, the selected candidate will be required to sign a Temporary Employment Agreement. This position is eligible for State of Texas employee benefits.

Candidates for positions with ONA must pass a FEMA background check. FEMA's suitability determination is required to issue credentials for access to data, records, and systems which requires U.S. citizenship. The job offer depends on receiving full suitability clearance from FEMA.

This position requires working beyond normal work hours, including holidays and weekends. During periods of high-volume disaster response, the work schedule will extend to six days a week with 10-hour shifts between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Additional overtime may be available.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.