In this position, you will serve as a Senior Appeals and Policy Specialist in the Public Assistance Branch supporting Region 5 in Chicago, IL.
What will I do in this position if hired? In this Appeals Analyst position, you will be ensuring the delivery of clear, accurate, and timely first appeal responses, issued in compliance with all applicable statutory, regulatory and policy requirements. Typical assignments include: Researching and analyzing applicable statutes, regulations, and policies related to the Public Assistance program.
Providing policy support and guidance to management and stakeholders on Public Assistance program eligibility requirements. Serving as policy specialist for disaster field operations during regional events. Developing training materials and briefings on Public Assistance policy updates and program requirements. What else do I need to know? At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters, and every employee at FEMA has a role in emergency management.
Every FEMA employee has regular and recurring emergency management responsibilities, though not every position requires routine deployment to disaster sites. All positions are subject to recall around the clock for emergency management operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official position description.
Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically austere and operationally challenging conditions. This announcement is for a position as a CORE (Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employee). CORE employees are full-time employees hired to directly support the response and recovery efforts related to disasters.
Employees are hired under the Robert T. Stafford Act and are excluded from the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing jobs in the competitive service. They can be hired under a streamlined process instead of a competitive process. After three years of continuous service, Stafford Act employees may be granted competitive eligibility to apply for permanent full-time positions at FEMA.
No Educational Substitution: There is no educational substitution for this position, and you must meet the qualifications listed in the "requirements" section of this announcement.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.
DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Full federal benefits details →
karamotu.akinfenwa@fema.dhs.gov · 202-212-1040
This position is with Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
The posted pay range is $118984 – $154682/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-11-17.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-06 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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