Launch Your Career with FEMA: Program Support Specialist

Are you looking to transition into a role where your administrative expertise directly impacts the safety and resilience of the United States? FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) is currently accepting applications for a Program Support Specialist position in Washington, D.C. This is an incredible opportunity to work within the Grant Programs Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Support Specialist, you will be the engine behind project operations. Your typical duties include:

Fact-Finding Analysis: Investigating and resolving complex program and policy issues.
Data Integrity: Remedying discrepancies in databases and administrative systems.
Reporting: Maintaining the status of program controls, goals, and commitments for leadership reporting.
Collaboration: Working within a team to reach consensus on project phases and administrative approaches.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate the following:

Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level.
Technical Skill: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) or SharePoint.
Reliability: Ability to pass a Public Trust background investigation.
Flexibility: Willingness to deploy to disaster sites on short notice.

Comparison: General vs. Specialized Experience

Feature	General Experience	Specialized Experience
Scope	Broad office support	Strategic program analysis
Focus	Clerical tasks	Policy resolution & data monitoring
Requirement	Not sufficient for this role	Mandatory for GS-09 eligibility

Salary Overview

This position is structured under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with a salary range of $70,623 to $91,815 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

DHS and FEMA offer a total compensation package that goes beyond a salary. Benefits include:

Health & Wellness: Extensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Financial Security: Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) and federal retirement plans.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual/sick leave, paid federal holidays, and potential for telework.
Development: Tuition reimbursement and ongoing leadership training.

Application Tips

The Two-Page Rule: Your resume must be two pages or less. Applications exceeding this limit will be removed immediately.
Use the Builder: Utilize the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure you include every required data point, such as hours worked per week and specific grade levels held.
Tailor Your Content: Do not simply copy the job description into your resume. Use your own experiences to demonstrate how you have solved problems or managed data in the past.

Serving as a Program Support Specialist at FEMA is a unique opportunity to apply your analytical and organizational skills toward a national mission. If you are ready to serve and grow, start your application today.

Why This Program Support Specialist Job Matters

Launch a mission-critical career with FEMA and become the backbone of disaster response and recovery operations in Washington, D.C.

Program Support Specialist Job Overview

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking a dedicated Program Support Specialist to join the Grant Programs Directorate. In this vital role, you will provide critical administrative and analytical support, ensuring program efficiency and operational success. You will work closely with teams to resolve policy discrepancies, manage program milestones, and maintain data integrity, all while contributing to FEMA's core mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters.

Requirements for Program Support Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Ability to pass a thorough background investigation for a Public Trust/Moderate Risk clearance.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the federal service.
Proven experience identifying and resolving program or policy issues.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) or SharePoint.
Ability to monitor and perform completeness reviews of program milestones.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a government credit card.
Must be available for potential deployment to emergency sites with short notice.
Selective Service registration for applicable candidates.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Specialist

A Master’s or equivalent graduate degree in a related field.
At least two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to an advanced degree.
Combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education beyond the first year.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex administrative controls in a fast-paced environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Life and long-term care insurance.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
✓Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement.
✓Access to on-site fitness centers and wellness programs.
✓Transit and transportation subsidies.

💡 How to Apply Program Support Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Support Specialist Job

Review the job announcement in detail, focusing on documentation requirements.
Create or update your resume (maximum length of two pages).
Click the 'Apply Online' button via USAJOBS.
Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documents.
If notified, complete the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments within the specified timeframe.
Monitor your status via the Application Dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages; longer resumes will be disqualified.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all necessary fields (grade level, hours worked, dates) are included.
Clearly highlight your specialized experience using your own words; do not copy/paste duty descriptions.
If using education to qualify, ensure transcripts are attached before the closing date.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessments if prompted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

You will act as a Program Support Specialist, managing data, analyzing program issues, and ensuring operational continuity for FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate.

Will I be required to travel?

Yes. This position requires potential travel for emergency operations, which may include deployments to disaster sites with little advance notice.

Can I use volunteer work to qualify?

Absolutely. FEMA recognizes paid and unpaid volunteer experience, such as Peace Corps or community service, provided it meets the required competencies.

Are there mandatory training requirements?

Yes. If selected, you must attend a three-week, in-person training course in Emmitsburg, Maryland, within your first six months.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

*A: No, this position is open to various hiring authorities. Check the 'Who May Apply' section on USAJOBS for your specific eligibility.*

What is the training commitment?

*A: New hires must attend a three-week in-person training in Emmitsburg, Maryland, within the first six months. FEMA covers these travel costs.*

Job from Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping people before, during, and after disasters. As an employee, you will join a team of dedicated professionals who coordinate with federal, state, and local partners to ensure our nation is prepared for the unexpected. Working for FEMA means more than just a job; it means being part of a team committed to saving lives and protecting property.