Public Health Emergency Response Specialist

DuPage County Health Department•Wheaton, IL

About The Position

The Public Health Emergency Response Specialist supports projects for the DuPage County Health Department’s Public Health Emergency Response Program, including planning, exercising, and community preparedness. The position assists with coordinating activities with community partners to meet grant objectives within established timeframes. It is a full-time, grant-funded role, generally scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with availability to work nights or weekends during emergencies and planned events. The hiring range is $37,875–$50,500, depending on experience. The position supports emergency response planning, preparedness, training, partner coordination, volunteer activities, records, and inventory. It may serve in an assigned role in the DCHD Incident Command when called upon, represent the agency to community and professional organizations, and assist or lead response resource teams as needed. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a listed or related field and one year of related emergency preparedness and planning experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A valid Illinois Driver’s License is required, as is completion of specialized FEMA and/or emergency management coursework within one year of hire.

Requirements

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Social Services, Education, or a related field, plus one year of progressively responsible related work experience in emergency preparedness and planning; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
Completion of specialized FEMA and/or emergency management coursework within one year of hire.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local government structures and laws and regulations related to safety and emergency management programs.
Knowledge of community groups and resources.
Knowledge of project management procedures, tools, and practices.
Knowledge of grant requirements and deliverables.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships and cooperation with external organizations to carry out program objectives.
Skill in verbal and written communications.
Skill in analyzing needs, researching recommendations, and evaluating effectiveness.
Working skill in directing capability-based planning, response, and recovery operations.
Working skill in managing project team work.
Working skill in preparing and developing specialized written documentation, procedures, and policies.
Working skill in supervising staff.
Working skill in operating a personal computer, applicable software, and peripheral equipment.

Responsibilities

Provide support to Manager and Coordinator positions for developing and completing public health emergency response projects and objectives.
Develop and maintain effective relationships between the health department and local, state, and federal organizations and public safety agencies.
Ensure plans comply with applicable guidelines and regulations.
Support and participate in planning activities, including training sessions, drills, and tabletop exercises.
Support hazard analysis and mitigation planning.
Review and make recommendations on DCHD Emergency Response Plans.
Support specialized planning programs, including continuity of operations, continuity of government, medical countermeasure distribution, pandemic planning, citizen evacuation and shelter planning, and health department facility evacuation and shelter planning.
Maintain records of staff and volunteer emergency response training.
Assist with volunteer coordination and organization for public health emergencies as needed.
Respond to clients and/or customers in person or over the phone during normal business hours.
Serve in an assigned role within DCHD Incident Command when called upon, potentially during evening or weekend hours.
Assist in maintaining the DCHD emergency response inventory, including supplies such as medical countermeasures and radios.
Maintain confidentiality of privileged information and adhere to patient privacy laws.
Complete required training programs and keep current on DCHD operational policies and procedures.
Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of other ethnic groups and cultures.
Represent the agency to various groups, community organizations, and professional organizations as needed.
Assist or lead resource teams addressing risk communications and public health responses, which may include epidemiological or environmental health responses.