Fairfax County announces new access and functional needs officer for mass-care responses

Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management staff announced a new access and functional needs officer position that will be deployed during mass-care scenarios to coordinate resources and ensure services are accessible.

The role, described by Crystal Goodwin, access and functional needs specialist in community engagement, "will be deployed during mass care scenarios to ensure that any services that we provide as a county are accessible and inclusive for any individual with an access or functional need." Goodwin said the officer will coordinate accommodations, advise mass-care staff on functional-support issues, and help partners support individuals during response and recovery.

County staff framed the position as part of a broader 2026 push to re-engage nonprofits, community organizations and houses of worship to map local capabilities and service areas that can assist in disasters. The department described the officer’s responsibilities as including coordination of resources and accommodations, advising staff on accessibility and functional-support needs, and ensuring ADA and civil-rights compliance during mass response operations.

No hiring timeline, budget amount, or implementation date was provided during the webinar; staff said the position will be implemented "this year" but did not specify a start date. County presenters also noted the topic will be part of ongoing outreach in the department’s webinar series, with a deeper focus on community partnerships planned for the February session.

The department did not present a drafted job description or identify reporting lines during the webinar. For residents and partner organizations wanting more information, staff said they will share survey and outreach materials as the program is formalized.