IN-DHS-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN REVIEWER

The Hazard Mitigation Plan Reviewer/Grant Specialist at BCforward will ensure compliance with FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, assisting Indiana counties in updating their multi-hazard mitigation plans. Responsibilities include reviewing plan updates, coordinating with FEMA and counties, processing grant reimbursements, and maintaining stakeholder relationships. The position is a six-month contract with flexible scheduling and potential hybrid remote work after 30 days, requiring travel for meetings and inspections.
About the position

The Hazard Mitigation Plan Reviewer / Grant Specialist position at BCforward involves working under the guidance of the State Hazard Mitigation Officer to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the Indiana Code Stafford Act and the Code of Federal Regulations Title 44, which pertains to all grant programs administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program. The primary goal of this role is to ensure compliance with FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which requires that the State of Indiana and its counties maintain an up-to-date FEMA-approved multi-hazard mitigation plan. These plans are valid for five years, and the IDHS Mitigation section is tasked with assisting counties in updating their plans, reviewing financial documentation, and ensuring adherence to programmatic guidelines. The position is structured as a six-month contract, with the possibility of extension, and is based in Downtown Indianapolis at the Indiana Government Center South building. The role offers flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work after an initial 30-day period of employment. The responsibilities include reviewing submitted county mitigation plan updates, coordinating revisions with counties and FEMA, assisting with grant applications, and ensuring compliance with FEMA guidelines throughout the project lifecycle. The Plan Reviewer will also be responsible for processing grant reimbursement payments, maintaining communication with counties regarding deadlines, and coordinating project closeout documentation. This role requires a proactive approach to managing relationships with various stakeholders, including federal, state, and local personnel, and necessitates a professional demeanor to foster collaboration towards achieving mitigation goals. The position may also involve travel to communities across the state for meetings, site inspections, and training, and may require working under emergency conditions during disasters.

Responsibilities
• Review submitted county mitigation plan updates utilizing the FEMA Local Plan Review Guide and Checklist.
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• Send notes for revisions back to the county and provide assistance regarding the revisions.
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• Coordinate with FEMA, the State Hazard Mitigation Officer, and the county regarding any revisions required by FEMA after the plan is submitted for final review and approval.
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• Assist with the planning grant application process for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program, including writing grant applications and developing project budgets.
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• Work with local Emergency Management Agency Directors on project startup activities after receiving notification of a planning grant award.
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• Review and process grant reimbursement payments submitted by the counties, ensuring compliance with FEMA guidelines.
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• Keep counties informed of project and quarterly reporting deadlines and assist with extension requests when needed.
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• Coordinate with counties on collecting necessary documentation for project closeout and verify project financials.
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• Review the State Mitigation Administrative Plan annually and update as needed.

Requirements
• Experience with FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program requirements (2 years required).
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• Experience working with state & federal grants and grant program management (2 years required).
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• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Suite (required).
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• General knowledge of duties & responsibilities of state & federal emergency response agencies/departments (highly desired).
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• Basic knowledge of local, state and federal government programs & procedures (highly desired).
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• Bachelor's Degree (highly desired).

Nice-to-haves
• Basic knowledge of local, state and federal government programs and procedures.
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• General knowledge of the administrative requirements of state and federal governments.
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• Experience working with state and federal grants and grant program management.

Benefits
• Major medical insurance
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• Health Savings Account (HSA)
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• Dental insurance
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• Vision insurance
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• Employer-provided group life insurance
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• Voluntary life insurance
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• Short-term disability
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• Long-term disability
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• 401k plan