Disaster Assistance Programs Specialist II

This is a re-advertisement. Candidates who previously applied do not need to re-apply. Your application package is on file.

About the role

The Disaster Assistance Programs Specialist II (DAPS II) position is primarily based out of the Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center in Orange County, with frequent travel around Southern California. Under the direction of the Program Manager I (PM I), the DAPS II works with significant independence to assist eligible applicants with moderate-to-highly complex projects in applying for federal and state disaster assistance funding.

The DAPS II in the Public Assistance (PA) Division serves as the Area Coordinator, coordinating PA program activities for all open state and federal disasters and emergency declarations for a specific geographic area. The DAPS II also serves as a lead person over DAPS I staff in a designated unit of the Recovery Branch and as the consistent and primary contact with program applicants in a designated geographic area of the state.

Responsibilities

• Assist eligible applicants with moderate-to-highly complex projects in applying for federal and state disaster assistance funding.
• Coordinate Public Assistance (PA) program activities for all open state and federal disasters and emergency declarations for a specific geographic area.
• Serve as a lead person over DAPS I staff in a designated unit of the Recovery Branch.
• Act as the consistent and primary contact with program applicants in a designated geographic area of the state.
• Analyze and interpret various legislative documents, government codes, and regulations.
• Work in a multi-disciplined team environment, both independently and cooperatively.
• Provide exceptional customer service and maintain strong organizational and time management skills.
• Work in remote areas and makeshift office environments as required.

Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License (DL) and participation in the DMV Pull Program.
• Completion of Form 700 within 30 days of appointment due to Conflict of Interest (COI) designation.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays during emergencies.
• Willingness to travel extensively (weeks to months) with little advance notice and potentially relocate to emergency sites.
• Eligibility for a hybrid work schedule, with additional in-office days required based on business needs.

Desirable Qualifications

• Adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent communication and interactive skills.
• Ability to be accountable and use creativity and innovation to resolve issues.
• Proficiency in various computer applications (word processing, spreadsheet, database) and willingness to learn new technological tools.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and confidently.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting legislative documents, government codes, and regulations.
• Ability to follow directions, protocols, and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-disciplined team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet quick deadlines.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work in remote areas and makeshift office environments.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

About the Department

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency. Cal OES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. The Recovery Directorate, part of Cal OES, manages disaster recovery and provides assistance to local governments, special districts, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses, and agricultural communities impacted by disasters.