Preparedness and Response Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Amarillo, TX

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Public Health Region 1 Supervisor III, Preparedness and Response Planner, the Program Specialist III functions as a member of the regional Preparedness and Response team. Work includes public health preparedness activities that create/enhance/support the local capacity to address the CDC's 15 Public Health and Emergency Response Capabilities. This position plans and manages efforts to achieve compliance with regional public health preparedness response plans in assigned counties, assists counties with disaster readiness assessments, plans, disaster drills, and achieving community wellness and public health improvements. Serves as a liaison between the regional Preparedness and Response Program and local government officials, their representatives and other community stakeholders. Establishes partnerships with local health departments to collaborate on effective and cost efficient public health planning, implementation, and evaluation. Speaks before community groups, service clubs, and other community groups to address preparedness and response-related initiatives/issues. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework related to emergency management or public health or other related field. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-to-year basis.
• Experience in using computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail (Microsoft Office).
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state and able to obtain a Class C Texas driver's license within 60 days.

Nice To Haves

• One year’s experience in an emergency management-related field and/or one year’s experience in a public health-related field.
• Experience in working within a National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant Incident Command Structure (ICS).
• Experience in working with county and local government officials.
• Experience in managing, maintaining, and tracking assets.
• Experience in planning and conducting effective meetings.
• Experience in developing training materials (including presentations) and conducting training.

Responsibilities

• Work with assigned counties serving as a liaison between the Department of State Health Services in general and the Preparedness and Response (PAR) Program specifically.
• Work with local city and county elected officials and other key contacts in assigned counties to develop and implement local disaster response plans, with a particular focus on issues related to public health and medical issues.
• Work with assigned counties and communities to prepare residents to respond in a natural or manmade disaster.
• Provide technical assistance to local partners during the planning and response of exercises and real events in matters related to public health.
• Provide assistance to all counties in the region, as needed and requested.
• Provide assistance to other PAR staff in their assigned counties as requested and/or needed.
• Upon request, deploy to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Disaster District Emergency Operations Centers (DDEOCs), monitoring for Emergency Support Function 8, Public Health and Medical (ESF-8) needs/issues, providing situational awareness to DSHS PHR 1 and the DSHS State Medical Operations Center (SMOC).
• Develop and present trainings and appropriate related materials to community groups, schools, partner agencies, and other audiences as opportunities and needs are identified.
• Assists other programs and partner agencies through assistance with training and response.
• Working with the Administrative Assistant II for PAR, provide assistance by working to identify and maintain program assets/equipment by tracking location, condition and testing schedule for the program.
• Develop and follow testing/exercise schedule for assets/equipment.
• Report as scheduled/requested to the Administrative Assistant II on status and testing/exercise results.
• Arrange for repairs as needed.
• Provide guidance to local health departments and other agencies.
• Actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

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