Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator

City of Stamford•Stamford, CT

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Director of Health or designee, plans and coordinates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) response to public health emergencies, including but not limited to biological, chemical, infectious and communicable diseases associated with terrorism or naturally occurring disease outbreak or events; performs related duties as required.

Requirements

Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of responses to public health emergencies.
Working knowledge of public health systems and interaction of health systems and emergency response sectors.
Strong oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
Computer proficiency in word processing programs, Power Point, spreadsheet and other document formatting techniques, ability to create and maintain rapid electronic communications networks and maintain web page.
Knowledge of emergency communications practices, procedures, operations, equipment, and staffing requirements.
Ability to organize and facilitate groups.
Knowledge of public health emergency response planning models and ability to create and maintain such plans.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse organizations and interests.
Ability to develop and conduct training programs.
Willingness and ability to take direction.
Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written material.
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Bachelor’s degree in public health, biology, chemistry, nursing, environmental studies or related field and three (3) years of professional experience in a public health agency or comparable setting.
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
7 x 24 contact requirement and availability to respond to emergencies.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in a public health field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Responsibilities

Develops and updates public health emergency response plans and related annexes for the Stamford Department of Health and Human Services
Participates in established municipal emergency planning committees and lends support to the process.
Assumes lead staff role for ongoing mass vaccination planning for the City of Stamford.
Recruits lay and medical volunteers to assist with local and regional response to public health emergencies, and particularly the implementation of mass vaccination clinics or mass dispensation of drugs.
Coordinates and assigns tasks to emergency response volunteers during public health and emergency response events.
Creates and maintains a database of all volunteers with contact information, credentials, days and hours of availability, assigned job roles and other pertinent data.
Establishes and maintains a rapid and secure communications system to summon volunteers and paid staff to respond to public health emergencies.
Assists with and/or provides training for volunteers and paid staff.
Sets up and maintains a local health alert network to be used by the Stamford Department of Health & Human Services to communicate with key groups such as health care providers, veterinarians and others on timely issues involving the protection of public health.
Assists with the development of mutual aid agreements between towns and agencies in the Stamford region that will assure a coordinated and adequate response to public health emergencies.
Plans, orchestrates and/or assists with drills of local and regional public health emergency response plans and mass vaccination exercises.
Assists with ongoing communication to Stamford Department of Health and Human Services staff and all key players on emergency planning issues, bioterrorism and related subjects.
Attends state and federal preparedness and emergency response planning meetings and trainings as directed.
Assists in the development of written communications and resources for the public, the media, and policymakers on issues of public health emergency response.
Assists with actual response to local and regional public health emergencies as needed.