Debra Bearam

Disaster Assistance Program Specialist

Talent

SavannahMember since May 10, 2026

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NEMIS

Experience

Reservist - Individual Assistance CADRE (Qualified) CREW LEADER CANDIDATE - Texas DR4781 at US Department of Homeland Security: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2024-05-18 – 2024-07-27)

Served as Acting Crew Lead when needed.

Overseeing programs and preparing reports as an assistant to the Crew Lead
Participated in daily briefings with leadership
Communicated technical guidance to assigned staff as well as governmental partners
Interacted with stakeholders in the community and coordinate assistance with Survivors
Maintained accountability for staff, updated information to the Deployment Tracking System (DTS)
Oversaw the processes for staff and insuring documents are processed correctly and in accordance with policy with uploading to the National Processing Center
Ensured support services are delivered to the individuals in the community
Provided briefing to the team Pre-Shift daily updates and community partners

Reservist - Individual Assistance CADRE - Applicant Services Program Specialist - Qualified at US Department of Homeland Security: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2025-05-26 – Present)

50 hours per week

Reservist - Individual Assistance CADRE - Applicant Services Program Specialist - Qualified at US Department of Homeland Security: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2025-01-27 – 2025-03-01)

50 hours per week

60 hours per week

84 hours per week

77 hours per week

84 hours per week

77 hours per week

54 hours per week

Reservist - Individual Assistance CADRE - Qualified Crew Lead - Qualified at US Department of Homeland Security: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2025-05 – Present)

Manage appeals, audits, congressional requests, and applicant inquiries
Guide staff through complex cases, ensuring appropriate actions and applicant support
Lead meetings to review policies, celebrate successes, and identify improvements
Conduct research and recommend resolutions for applicant cases
Demonstrate exceptional communication with applicants, staff, and agencies

Reservist - Individual Assistance CADRE, Applicant Services Program Specialist - Trainee at US Department of Homeland Security: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2022-09-29 – 2022-10-11)

Worked 60 hours per week.

Communicating directly with disaster survivors, to discuss case status and provide clarification with the assistance process, disaster assistance programs, and the status of cases
Entering and retrieving information from the National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS) software program in response to inquiries from applicants concerning the status of disaster applications
Requesting and reviewing additional information and/or documentation from the applicant and verifying information is complete and appropriate
Compiling, reconciling, and correlating voluminous workload data from a variety of sources with different reporting requirements and formats
Crosschecking, analyzing, and interpreting data to obtain and provide accurate and relevant information
Providing technical advice and assistance to survivors
Managing and coordinating information processing in compliance with program directives or guidelines
Worked with approx. 30 community service providers in getting services to Survivors
Worked closely with Disaster Survivor Assistance and Mitigation Cadre's
Assisted in setting up the DRC which includes the mandatory equipment, signage, and procedures
Adhering to the Privacy Act and other Federal Laws and Regulations guiding federal assistance
Data Input and navigation of Program Procedure Manual (PPM) & Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide (IAPPG) to deliver survivors accurate and empathetic service

Reservist - Individual Assistance CADRE, Applicant Services Program Specialist at US Department of Homeland Security: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2022-01-13 – 2022-03-15)

Provided logistics support to the humanitarian effort at the US Border. Collected and distributed supplies. Assisted immigrants and border personnel

Reservist - Individual Assistance CADRE, Applicant Services Program Specialist at US Department of Homeland Security: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2021-12-19 – 2022-01-12)

Assisted Department of State Attorney's Office by collecting, processing, and reviewing passports and other documents and presenting a report to the Lawyers to determine refugee status eligibility