Public Health Emergency Preparedness Manager

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Harlingen, TX

2d • $5,798 - $8,213 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction and supervision of the Deputy Regional Director (DRD), this position performs highly complex senior-level managerial work overseeing the operations and activities of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (PHEPR) and Epidemiology (EPI) program in DSHS Public Health Region (PHR) 11. The role involves moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The manager will supervise team members, manage day-to-day program activities, and establish strategic goals, objectives, and priorities for the regional PHEPR program in collaboration with the Regional Medical Director (RMD) and DRD. Responsibilities include developing and monitoring program budgets, overseeing and directing planning and response activities for planning/response functions, and collaborating with the region’s Chief Epidemiologist to respond to infectious disease-related emergencies, all-hazard emergencies, bioterrorism events, and other public health emergencies. The position works with the DSHS Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CHEPR) in Austin to ensure coordination and integration of statewide planning efforts and serves as a member of the region’s Incident Command Structure during public health emergencies. This role may require working outside normal business hours and locations to respond to public health emergencies. Independent travel throughout the State of Texas is required. This position is strictly in-person, based at the Harlingen, Texas office, with standard working hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, though the schedule may vary due to public health emergencies or disaster response. The manager must permanently reside in the Rio Grande Valley within 60 miles of the Harlingen office to ensure operational readiness.

Requirements

• Documented in application direct program management experience including but not limited to planning, implementation, budgeting, and evaluation.
• Documented in application at least seven (3) years’ direct of personnel management and team supervisory experience including but not limited to Human Resources (HR) actions such as hiring and dismissal as well as planning, directing, and evaluating the work of others.
• Documented in application at least five (5) years’ experience in public health preparedness, emergency management, public health disaster response experience, or public health.
• Candidates must permanently reside within the Rio Grande Valley within 60 miles of the Harlingen office to ensure operational readiness.
• Texas Driver's license or driver's license from another state with the intent to obtain a Texas driver's license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Must provide transportation.
• If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas Driver License for the appropriate type of vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a public health-related field, emergency or disaster management/preparedness field.
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a public health-related field, emergency or disaster management/preparedness field.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with RMD and DRD to develop strategic goals and plans.
• Performs advanced managerial work overseeing and directing the operations and activities of the PHR 11 PHEPR/EPI program team responsible for Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8 public health and medical emergency planning.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships and networks of communication with local, regional, state, and federal partners.
• Attends program meetings within the region and statewide, which may require overnight travel.
• Provides technical review and approval of standard operating guidelines for response plans.
• Coordinates with DSHS CHEPR and other DSHS Public Health Regions to develop strategies, goals, and standards for public health preparedness and response activities.
• Plans and coordinates the development and implementation of the Regional Health and Medical Operations Center (RHMOC).
• Serves as the RHMOC Director during public health emergencies, Operation Border Health, and other major exercises.
• Provides oversight and coordination of training opportunities for internal and external partners.
• Provides day-to-day activity coordination, coaching, mentoring, guidance, and performance management of PHEPR/EPI program team members.
• Performs all personnel management activities in accordance with agency policy, including job posting, hiring, performance management, employee recognition, time and leave management, and travel review and approval.
• Plans and manages the budget for PHR 11 PHEPR/EPI program, ensuring effective and appropriate use of funds, maintaining a balanced budget, and requesting additional funds as needed.
• Coordinates with program staff, the regional budget analyst, DRD, RMD, and other programs to plan the fiscal year’s budget and address budgetary issues.
• Participates in regional special projects and assignments.
• Is on call, as needed, to respond to public health emergencies.
• May be required to work other than normal business hours, an alternate shift pattern assignment, and/or location to respond to public health emergencies.
• Completes Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 courses.
• Supports statewide efforts in case of an emergency response.
• Maintains compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver's License.

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: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree