19-35- National Flood Insurance Program Outreach Specialist (Program Specialist III)

Only candidates that apply through the WorkInTexas.com website will be considered for this position. View this position and apply at https://wit.twc.state.tx.us/WORKINTEXAS/wtx?u=1560868719132&pageid=EM_JP_JOB_DETAILS&id=7391522&keyword=National+Flood+Insurance+Program+Outreach+Specialist&allWords=1&jpsource=WFS&referralPage=BROWSE_POST_BY_TEXT&sort=&pageNo=

Performs complex (journey-level) outreach and technical assistance to support floodplain management and flood protection, mitigation, and outreach programs in Texas. Work specifically focuses on assisting communities participating in or seeking participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or seeking to enhance flood mitigation by participating in the Community Rating System Program. Assists in maintaining information and in coordinating grant program requirements between state, federal, and local communities. Serves as a liaison and gives presentations/conducts trainings concerning floodplain planning, management, and mitigation in Texas. May train others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Flood Mitigation Planning Department.

·        Develops relationships with community leaders and provides technical and administrative support to communities and applicants participating in or seeking assistance with agency flood programs, including the NFIP or FMA grants.

·        Conducts community assistance site visits and community assistance contacts to support the NFIP.

·        Provides training and technical assistance on the NFIP, floodplain management, and grant funding opportunities.

·        Promotes federal and state flood grant programs by explaining grant resources, eligibility, and performance requirements for the programs to elected officials, community representatives, the public, and other interested parties.

·        Assists political subdivisions in making applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for participation in the NFIP or for FMA.

·        Provides specialized assistance to communities undergoing post-disaster recovery.

·        Provides presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.

·        Serves as a liaison for the TWDB at meetings with federal, state, and local entities or the public.

·        Writes and reviews memos, meeting and study reports, work process, and other documents.

·        Manages contracts related to state and federal flood programs. 

·        Maintains confidential and sensitive information.

·        Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.

·        Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.

·        May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.

·        May perform work outdoors, possibly during inclement weather or under hot /cold temperatures.

·        May require work days to occasionally exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends.

·        May travel up to 35% of the time.

·        Performs other duties as assigned.        

·        Five years of experience in a professional work environment.

·        Education and related experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

·        Previous experience in floodplain management or water resources.

·        Certified as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), or willing to obtain within six months of hiring.

·        Previous experience interacting with customers or stakeholders.

·        Previous experience in using Geographical Information System (GIS).

·        Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to flood mitigation and of the principles and practices of public administration.

·        Knowledge of the NFIP and Federal Emergency Management Agency flood grant programs as well as knowledge of floodplain management and floodplain mapping.

·        Knowledge of hydrologic/hydraulic principles and procedures as applied to floodplain management.

·        Knowledge of GIS and/or hydrologic modelling and related software and tools of the profession.

·        Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

·        Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.

·        Skills in giving presentations to elected bodies, public officials, and the general public.

·        Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.

·        Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.

·        Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.

·        Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.

·        Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.

·        Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.

·        Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

·        Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.

·        Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.

·        Ability to manage multiple tasks.

·        Ability to stand/sit/move with no physical limitations or aids to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.

·        Ability and willingness to travel 35% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.

·        Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.

·        Ability to work days that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.

·        Ability to train others.