Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • San Antonio, TX

1d • $4,263 - $6,779 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the daily direction of the Preparedness Operations Supervisor and the supervision of the Preparedness Program Manager, performs complex (journey-level) public health emergency preparedness/emergency management program coordination for ESF-8 public health emergency preparedness and response activities. Primary work duties involve evaluating the planning, development, review and revision of of local/county ESF-8 public health and medical plans, including pandemic response. Work includes writing, research, meeting facilitation, presenting, training, evaluating, and maintaining close collaboration with local, state, and federal emergency management and public health officials. Provides technical assistance to public health staff, emergency management staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the public on ESF-8 functions. Serves as a member of the Region 8 Incident Management structure during emergency response and recovery operations. Assists with supporting ESF-8 needs at local emergency operations centers (EOCs), Disaster District Emergency Operations Center (DDEOCs) or Regional Health and Medical Operations Center (RHMOC) during planned and unplanned events. This participation may require a change in shift, location and/or supervisor. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Must be able to independently travel within the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions as needed.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency management, hazard mitigation, disaster recovery, disaster preparedness or emergency response as it relates to Public Health Emergency Preparedness.
• Knowledge of the basic concepts of planning, training and exercising principles and methods.
• Knowledge of the use of communication tools such as WebEOC, EMSystems, satellite phones, radios, and general computer equipment.
• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command Structure, and the National Response Framework.
• Skill in effective communication, verbally and in writing.
• Skill in problem identification, analysis and resolution.
• Skill in developing and implementing complex plans and procedures.
• Skill in managing and tracking multiple projects at different stages of development.
• Skill in operating a variety of office and specialized equipment including a laptop computer with a variety of software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite, e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), plotter, projectors, camera, GPS device, communications devices such as two-way radio, satellite radio/phone, and other specialized audio-visual equipment.
• Ability to organize and prioritize one's workload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to prepare complex written reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with external and internal partners.
• Ability to convey technical information in lay terms that can be understood by people with a variety of educational and working backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work other than normal working hours during emergencies.
• Ability to travel for extended time-frame as needed.
• Valid driver’s license (Texas Class C or equivalent)
• Texas Class A Exempt or Commercial driver’s license required within 12 months of hire
• FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-300, IS-400, IS-700, and IS-800 required within 12 months of hire
• Two or more years of experience in public health, healthcare, emergency management or related field OR at least a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in public health, healthcare, emergency management, or directly related field of study.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates responses to requests for ESF-8 public health and medical emergency assistance and resources.
• Coordinates with colleagues and external partners including city and county emergency management and/or public health organizations, DSHS, other state agencies, volunteer groups and private industry to develop and evaluate regional/local Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response plans and program operations.
• Coordinate activities including facilitating meetings or work-groups, measuring performance metrics, and soliciting feedback from emergency management/public health partners to identify gaps in ESF-8 resources and recommend improvements to regional/local plans.
• Work within the emergency management system to build and strengthen their abilities to effectively respond to a range of public health threats, including infectious diseases, natural disasters, and biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological events.
• Develops and delivers trainings and presentations to local and regional entities and other emergency management stakeholders to improve understanding and support for Public Health Emergency Preparedness planning.
• Serves as a regional liaison with federal, state, and local agencies as appropriate.
• Represents Region 8 on key ESF-8 public health emergency preparedness work-groups to identify gaps in resources and recommend improvements for deployment of the Strategic National Stockpile during a public health emergency.
• Advise local elected officials and emergency management partners on Region 8’s public health preparedness responsibilities and capabilities and recommend appropriate action plans.
• Assists in the facilitation of ESF-8 preparedness exercises including facilitated discussions, tabletop exercises, functional exercises, and/or full-scale exercises following Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program guidance.
• Develops performance reports such as After Action Reviews, and implements changes to various plans and or develops procedure manuals form identified areas for improvement.
• Serves as a liaison to local and regional agencies to coordinate joint inter-jurisdictional public health planning, response and recovery activities.
• In close coordination with the Regional Planner, develops and evaluates regional ESF-8 Public Health Response plans, SOGs, and Task Sheets to be consistent with DSHS, and Federal Standards.
• Performs assessments of regional and jurisdictional capabilities and risks to drive preparedness plans and operations.
• Research incident trends and findings related to public health emergencies and implement appropriate changes within current plans.
• Develops preparedness procedure manuals within regional and local programs to assure integration with state plans.
• Works with DSHS central office to develop standardized techniques for evaluating preparedness response plans.
• Participates in the on-call rotation providing 24/7/365 phone coverage for the reporting of infectious diseases and public health emergencies.
• Responds to Public Health emergencies, including natural disasters, bio-terrorism, disease outbreaks, and other disasters.
• Assumes an active role in the regional incident command structure during public health responses and/or exercises.
• Serves as a DSHS Region 8 liaison to the Disaster District Emergency Operations Center (DDEOC) during disaster response activations.
• May deploy to an affected jurisdiction in the region to assist with emergency response and recovery efforts.
• Performs other duties as assigned to include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery and/or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
• Complies with the DSHS Immunization Policy.

Benefits

• insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level