Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator

City of Stamford•Stamford, CT

12h

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Director of Health or designee, the Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator plans and coordinates the Department of Health and Human Services’ response to public health emergencies, including biological, chemical, infectious, and communicable disease events associated with terrorism or naturally occurring outbreaks. The position also performs related duties as required. The Coordinator develops and updates emergency response plans, supports municipal and regional preparedness efforts, leads ongoing mass-vaccination planning, recruits and coordinates volunteers, and maintains volunteer records and secure communications systems. The role supports training, public health alerts, mutual-aid agreements, emergency-response drills, preparedness communications, and public-facing resources. The position also assists with responses to local and regional public health emergencies as needed and requires availability to respond under a 7 x 24 contact requirement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public health, biology, chemistry, nursing, environmental studies, or a related field.
Three years of professional experience in a public health agency or comparable setting; a master’s degree in a public health field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
At appointment, possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
Meet a 7 x 24 contact requirement and be available to respond to emergencies.
Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge of principles and practices of public health emergency response.
Working knowledge of public health systems and the interaction between health systems and emergency-response sectors.
Strong oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
Computer proficiency in word processing, PowerPoint, spreadsheets, document formatting, electronic communications networks, and maintaining a 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 plans.
Ability to collaborate 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.

Responsibilities

Develop and update public health emergency response plans and related annexes for the Stamford Department of Health and Human Services.
Participate in municipal emergency planning committees and support their planning process.
Lead ongoing mass-vaccination planning for the City of Stamford.
Recruit lay and medical volunteers for local and regional public health emergency responses, particularly mass-vaccination clinics or mass drug dispensation.
Coordinate and assign tasks to emergency-response volunteers during public health and emergency-response events.
Create and maintain a volunteer database containing contact information, credentials, availability, assigned roles, and other pertinent data.
Establish and maintain a rapid, secure communications system to summon volunteers and paid staff during public health emergencies.
Assist with or provide training for volunteers and paid staff.
Set up and maintain a local health alert network for timely communication with health care providers, veterinarians, and other key groups.
Assist in developing mutual-aid agreements among towns and agencies in the Stamford region.
Plan, organize, or assist with drills of local and regional public health emergency plans and mass-vaccination exercises.
Communicate with Department of Health and Human Services staff and other key participants about emergency planning, bioterrorism, and related subjects.
Attend state and federal preparedness and emergency-response planning meetings and trainings as directed.
Assist in developing written communications and resources for the public, media, and policymakers on public health emergency response.
Assist with actual local and regional public health emergency responses as needed.
Perform related duties as required.