Senior Public Assistance Specialist – Reservist (On-Call)

U.S.-Based | Deployable Position | 

About The Reinsmen Group |

The Reinsmen Group is a grants management and disaster recovery consulting firm. We serve as advocates for local governments, municipalities, and eligible private nonprofit organizations — helping our clients navigate, document, and maximize their recovery funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program and HUD’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program following a federally declared disaster.

Unlike firms that work on behalf of FEMA, our role is to represent the interests of the applicant — the local government or nonprofit — throughout the recovery process, from initial damage assessment through final closeout and appeals.

About This On-Call Position

This is an On-Call / Reservist position. There is no immediate opening. We are building a roster of qualified disaster recovery professionals who can be engaged on short notice when our clients activate following a disaster declaration. On-call team members are offered assignments as work becomes available and are free to accept or decline based on availability. Assignments typically involve multi-week deployments and require travel to client offices and disaster-affected sites.

What FEMA Public Assistance Is

FEMA Public Assistance (PA) is a federal grant program, authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that provides funding to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments — as well as certain private nonprofits — to repair, restore, rebuild, or replace public infrastructure and facilities damaged by a declared disaster.

Role Summary

The Senior Public Assistance Specialist acts as the client’s lead representative throughout the PA process. This role is responsible for developing and defending Project Worksheets (PWs), identifying every eligible funding opportunity, resolving issues with FEMA and the state grantee, and ensuring the client receives the maximum funding they are entitled to under the law.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the client’s primary advocate and point of contact with FEMA and the state grantee throughout the PA lifecycle.
• Lead the development, review, and refinement of Project Worksheets (PWs) to ensure complete and accurate scope, cost, and damage documentation.
• Apply expert-level knowledge of the Stafford Act, 44 CFR Part 206, and the current Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) to identify all eligible funding opportunities.
• Identify, prepare, and pursue appeals, Requests for Information (RFIs), and disputed determinations on behalf of the client.
• Advise clients on documentation standards, procurement compliance, and audit readiness to protect against deobligation.
• Deliver training and technical assistance to client staff on PA program requirements and best practices.
• Track obligation deadlines, time extension requests, appeal windows, and other critical milestones; proactively flag and manage risk.
• Provide mentorship and quality-assurance review for mid-level and junior specialists supporting the same client.
• Maintain organized case files and status reporting within Gouras & Associates’ project tracking systems.
• Travel to client offices and disaster-affected sites as required, often with limited advance notice.

Must-Have Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience working in FEMA Public Assistance, with experience representing applicants (local government, tribal, territorial, or nonprofit) strongly preferred. State or FEMA-side PA experience will also be considered.
• 4+ years of experience personally developing, reviewing, or analyzing FEMA Project Worksheets.
• Working knowledge of the Stafford Act, 44 CFR Part 206, and the current PAPPG.
• Must be willing and able to travel (air and vehicle) for multi-week assignments with minimal notice.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Professional Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, for cost documentation and tracking.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in technical documentation under tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the confidence to represent client interests directly to FEMA and state officials.
• Sound judgment and persuasive, evidence-based advocacy skills.
• Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-changing post-disaster environments.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to the needs of the communities our clients serve.

Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, emergency management, construction, engineering, finance, or a related field.
• Experience with HUD CDBG-DR or CDBG-MIT programs.
• Experience with FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (404/406).
• Direct experience preparing or litigating PA appeals.
• Background in construction cost estimation or capital projects.
• FEMA Public Assistance certifications (e.g., Program Delivery Manager, Site Inspector, EHP).

Compensation

Hourly rate:  Final rate is based on experience, certifications, and client assignment.