Disaster Response and Outreach Supervisor (Closes 9/9)

Allegheny County Department of Human Services•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The DHS Disaster Response and Outreach Supervisor acts as DHS’s primary liaison to the community for disaster response. This position also is responsible for overseeing Emergency Behavioral Health response and behavioral health outreach, education and training, including supervising the staff person(s) that perform those duties. The DHS Disaster Response and Outreach Supervisor works under the supervision of DHS’s Administrative Officer 3 who oversees DHS Safety and internal emergency response. The Supervisor acts as the primary response liaison in the event of a significant emergency or disaster affecting Allegheny County residents—coordinating DHS’s response, which includes mass care, social services and other assistance. To prepare for and respond to county emergencies or disasters, the incumbent works closely with the administrator responsible for DHS Safety in the Office of Administration, as well as other DHS Offices and programs, the Allegheny County Emergency Operations Center, the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services(OMHSAS), Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Center for Victims and other relevant local, State and Federal organizations, as appropriate and necessary. Supervisor directs the work of the Coordinator – Disaster Response & Emergency Behavioral Health. These are professional responsibilities of an administrative nature involving planning, training facilitating, review, analysis and evaluation, as well as the ability to respond in an emergency 24/7.

Requirements

Master’s degree in human services or related field, plus at least 3 years’ related experience.
Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field, plus at least 5 years’ related experience.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Act 33 & 34 clearances.
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of behavioral/mental health conditions and verbal de-escalation techniques preferred

Responsibilities

Assists DHS Safety in coordinating continuity efforts before, during and after a disruption event for DHS.
Responsible for planning for DHS’s response in the event of a community emergency.
Participates in the planning, conducting and debriefing of regular mock-disaster exercises to test adequacy of existing plans and strategies and recommends modifications as identified.
Assists in the effective and timely response to and recovery after a significant emergency or crisis event, as required, including: Staffs the Mass Care & Human Services section of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), as required.
Provides behavioral health and emergency management leadership to the DHS Disaster Response Team.
Coordinates with partner organizations for the distribution of emergency supplies including food, clothing, hygiene products, etc.
Assists Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) with the coordination and setup of PODS (Points of Distribution) for distribution of medication and medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile that may be needed during certain emergencies/disasters.
Coordinates with other County Government and communications offices for activation of the Public Information Line (PA-211) and other services to report and meet the needs of community members during disasters.
Coordinates with the American Red Cross (ARC) to plan, train and respond for mental health staff support at the Family Assistance Center, when created.
Provides knowledge of above to DHS for the purpose of evaluating policies, provisions and programs and makes recommendations for changes/additions to such policies and programs and assists in the development of new policies, procedures and programs.
Works cooperatively with external partners and disaster response entities, including: PA Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and PA Western Region Emergency Behavioral Health Team (EBH): trainings and meetings, along with other DHS staff as needed.
Region 13 meetings including Western Region meetings, Emergency Behavioral Health meetings and Region 13 Health and Medical Meetings (HCSWPA).
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) meetings for Western Region VOAD and Pennsylvania VOAD.
Local Emergency Planning Committee & FEMA Region III meetings and trainings Task Forces, Advisory Committees or State or County sponsored meetings.
Annually updates training requirements for responders.
Ensures DHS and provider staff are current in required trainings and/or certifications for Emergency Behavioral Health and Disaster Responses.
Oversees the Coordinator who: Acts as the behavioral health liaison to the American Red Cross (ARC) and Center for Victims (CVC) during any disaster or emergency situations; and who develop, implement and/or coordinate supportive services for individuals experiencing an emergency/crisis, such as Community Health Afternoons for communities, multiple residents or families.
Support Office of Behavioral Health with EBH related trainings as needed.
Provides technical assistance and individual supervision to staff.
Assigns deliverable job priorities and reviews work produced for quality and efficiency.
Verifies staff time and attendance for accuracy and approves staff time, schedules (vacation, sick, personal and compensatory time) and travel requests.
Prepares, completes and signs staff performance evaluations.
From time to time the employee will be required to perform additional tasks and duties as required by the employer. This includes, but is not limited to, serving as a backup for both the Security Specialist and Safety Specialist roles.