Qualification Requirements

• Those wishing to be a DAE must be at least 21 years old and have one year of specialized experience that relates directly with the duties of this position. Experience must relate in terms of knowledge, skills and abilities required of the DAE position.
  
  Males applying for a DAE position who were born after Dec. 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service. Only qualified U.S. citizens and nationals will be considered for the position.
  
  

Duties

• DAEs provide support to community relations and help provide individual and public assistance when a disaster has been declared. They must work well with others, particularly those in disaster-affected communities, as they will be responsible for providing outreach materials, making referrals and reporting any issues within an area affected.
  
  DAEs may also serve as case manager as they work with members of the public to resolve problems. Other duties may include collecting and disposing of trash and debris and working with other program areas as needed.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed

• DAEs must have the ability to analyze information, set priorities, make important decisions and solve problems in stressful situations. They have to be able to easily adapt to new work assignments, program changes and be flexible. They must possess the ability to be sensitive to cultural issues that differ from region to region and be able work well with people from diverse backgrounds. DAEs ought to work well as part of a team and are able to present complicated information in a way that is easy to understand.
  
  

Conditions of Employment

• Prior to appointment, DAE candidates must pass a background investigation by completing specific forms and cooperating with investigators. Candidates may also be required to pass tests that screen for illegal drug use.
  
  A FEMA employee working as a DAE must be able to work on call 24 hours of the day, work odd hours, be able to immediately travel to an area of need and effectively perform work under physical and mental stress.