Summary
The Disaster Housing Assessor plays a critical role documenting post-disaster residential property damages in order to accelerate the survivor recovery process. Assessors may be required to deploy short notice throughout the United States and U.S. territories. In this role, you will be part of a team of experts providing critical disaster survivor focused assistance during their greatest time of need. Your work enables FEMA to make swift grant determinations and assist survivors in their recovery efforts.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Satisfactorily complete all required trainings (as a new hire and ongoing) to obtain and maintain your eligibility to complete damage assessments. These trainings may take place in-person and/or virtually.
- Maintain deployment availability in the MCS Assessor portal.
- Properly maintain all required safety gear, communication tools, and assessment equipment.
- Effectively communicate with survivors to gather necessary data, while demonstrating a compassionate, service-minded demeanor at all times.
- Adhere to MCS policies and procedures including, but not limited to, the Code of Conduct, Safety Policy, and procedures for training, availability tracking, time keeping, and travel reimbursement.
- Arrive at the designated incident check in location within 24 hours of deployment notification for equipment issuance and local area in-brief.
- When applicable, be able to schedule your own damage assessments with survivors.
- Conduct FEMA-compliant housing assessments with disaster survivors according to FEMA and MCS specific standards and guidance.
- Meet or exceed daily assessment goals, including number of assessments and quality control evaluations.
- Be respectful of survivors’ time, ensuring that all data is gathered in an efficient manner while demonstrating empathy for survivors in very difficult situations.
- Work in challenging environments, including physically and mentally demanding situations requiring significant physical exertion and endurance, including, but not limited to prolonged standing, walking, bending and reaching.
- Verify ID, insurance status, ownership, residency, and household composition.
- Evaluate and document the level of damage to the property. This includes assessing roof damage and crawlspace damage from ground level, as well as damages to personal property and furnishings.
- Measure the total square footage of the property and complete all required assessment data fields using FEMA and MCS approved software and equipment.
- Act as an MCS recovery partner by providing exceptional customer service and directing survivors to additional resources as needed, and answer their questions to the best of your ability.
- Submit completed assessments to MCS within specified timelines for the incident.
- Perform additional technical duties as assigned.
- Perform to standards implemented by MCS, which in turn will be evaluated by our assessment reviewers, and our quality control assessment staff, implementing corrective actions if/when directed.
Competencies
- Fluent in speaking, reading, writing and comprehending English.
- Ability to speak Spanish or another language is a plus.
- Able to navigate modern mobile devices (including laptop, tablet, and smart phone) and basic network systems.
- Maintain a professional appearance, ensuring compliance with dress code and badging requirements.
- Maintain positive demeanor during challenging and stressful incident response operations, delivering exceptional service with a servant’s heart.
- Proficient in business writing and documentation.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Exhibit MCS SHINE values (service, hustle, integrity, nurture, and excellence) in all interactions with others, including survivors, colleagues, and clients.
Special Considerations
- This is a seasonal, on-call position that is dependent on disaster activity and client needs.
- When deployed, Assessors may often work 10+ hours per day, for 7 days per week.
- Harsh conditions should be expected and prepared for including, but not limited to, limited lodging and/or travel and a variety of extreme weather and terrain conditions.
- Attire and personal hygiene must be maintained to MCS and client standards at all times.
- Travel to and from the disaster region and to and from individual properties is required.
- Deployment for this role may be extended for unknown periods of time.
Education and Experience
Education:
- Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience:
- Must be a US Citizen, physically residing in the US or US territory for 3 of the last 5 years.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Must be able to pass MCS and FEMA background checks, including (but not limited to) criminal and motor vehicle checks
- Previous experience completing FEMA inspections is preferred.
Physical Requirements and Work Content
Americans with Disability Specifications: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Applicants must be physically capable of performing the duties of the position effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation. This role requires significant physical exertion and endurance, including prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching and ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Employee will frequently traverse stairs and uneven terrain. Physical stamina and strength are essential to maintain focus under demanding conditions. Regular tasks include operating or handling objects, tools or controls, and the ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written.
Work Environment
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Assessors perform work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and wind. The position involves regularly traversing stairs and uneven terrain, as well as walking and standing for extended periods of time. Assessors must have the ability to work in severe environments with limited access to amenities, lodging, and other resources. This position requires the ability to travel to disaster locations for extended periods of time.
Compensation: $31.02 per hour
Additional Comments
These declarations are not to be an “all-inclusive” list of the duties and responsibilities nor of the skills and abilities required to do the job. They are intended only to describe the general nature of the job and a reasonable representation of its activities. Additional essential functions and/or tasks may be identified by the company and listed as such in the incumbent’s performance appraisal. Various tasks may be assigned under each task or function. The incumbent performs other job-related duties as assigned and required.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” employment relationship.
EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran
Application Process
- Apply for this position online at mcs360.com
- U.S. Citizenship is a requirement for this position.
- Candidates must submit responses to pre-screening questions
- Upon accepting a job offer, candidate must successfully complete a background check for a public trust position, which requires a credit check, criminal background investigation, motor vehicle report, and fingerprinting. This may include review of federal loans status, federal and state tax filings, and status of child support payments.
- All candidates must have resided in the U.S. or a U.S. territory for at least 3 of the last 5 years when they submit the FEMA background investigation forms.
- High school degree or GED equivalent required.
- Must be able to travel in all US states and territories, potentially for months at a time.
- Must have a mobile device with WiFi capability.
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $31.02 per hour
Schedule:
Work Location: On the road
