Planner I - Homeland Security & Criminal Justice

Lower Rio Grande Valley D•Weslaco, TX

20h

About The Position

Performs entry-level planning and research work to develop local and regional emergency management and criminal justice strategic plans and programs, assist with implementation, and develop related policies and procedures. The role also disseminates information, maintains filing systems, and provides internal administrative support. Work is performed under close supervision, with minimal latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The Planner I supports annual and five-year Homeland Security and Criminal Justice plans for the region, including budgeting, demographic and socioeconomic analysis, and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. The position assists with technical studies, reports, program budgets, grants and contracts, program goals, statistical and census data, meetings, training, and technical assistance to member committees and local governments. It also supports work plans, workflow monitoring, program evaluations, coordination with other departments and agencies, and planning and administrative requirements established by the Office of the Governor’s Interlocal Cooperation Agreements and associated planning grants. The role coordinates public outreach, emergency preparedness and crime prevention education, and local, state, and regional training. It also coordinates continuity planning, critical infrastructure protection, and homeland security and criminal justice initiatives intended to strengthen regional preparedness and resilience. Other related duties may be assigned. Fieldwork may involve outdoor conditions and travel, and the position may require lifting 25 to 30 pounds.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in regional planning, economics, business, or a related field, plus at least one year of experience in emergency management planning; experience and education may be substituted for one another.
Alternatively, a high school diploma or equivalent plus at least two years of progressively responsible experience in office procedures and practices or equivalent is generally preferred; experience and education may be substituted for one another.
Knowledge of office practices and administrative procedures.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to public safety, emergency management, and criminal justice.
Knowledge of governmental planning, programming, implementation, monitoring, and research.
Skill in using office equipment, computers, and associated software applications.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, contractors, committee members, public officials, and the general public.
Ability to implement administrative procedures and interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to communicate and effectively gather, conduct research, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts, and devise solutions to problems.
Valid and current Texas driver’s license.
May require registration, certification, or licensure in a specialty area.

Nice To Haves

Experience in planning and research work within Emergency Planning and/or Criminal Justice.
Ability to communicate in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Assist with annual and five-year regional Homeland Security and Criminal Justice plans, including component budgets and demographic and socioeconomic analysis.
Maintain current knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing Homeland Security and Criminal Justice programs and recommend changes or updates to regional activities.
Assist in preparing technical studies, reports, and analyses related to Homeland Security and Criminal Justice programs.
Prepare program budgets; monitor expenditures; and prepare, negotiate, and administer grants and contracts for program and fiscal compliance.
Develop program goals and objectives for assigned Homeland Security and Criminal Justice services.
Collect, compile, and organize statistical and census data.
Assist in coordinating and attend meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and seminars as necessary.
Provide technical assistance in the office or field to member committees and local governments as appropriate.
Participate in developing program work plans and monitor workflow and evaluation products, methods, and procedures for compliance.
Assist in coordinating program activities with other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
Perform annual planning and administrative requirements under the Office of the Governor’s Interlocal Cooperation Agreements for the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice divisions and associated planning grants.
Coordinate and conduct public outreach, emergency preparedness education, crime prevention education, and training aligned with program objectives.
Coordinate continuity planning, critical infrastructure protection, and homeland security and criminal justice initiatives to enhance regional preparedness and resilience.
Disseminate information, maintain filing systems, and perform internal administrative support work.
Perform other related duties as assigned.