Training Coordinator

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

28d • $4,523 - $5,500 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory Emergency Preparedness Branch Manager, performs advanced consultative work in the planning, development and implementation of the agency's public health preparedness and response initiatives. Creates systems, mechanisms, procedures, feedback loops and other tools to ensure the coordination and integration of state, regional and local public health laboratory [Texas Laboratory Response Network (TxLRN)] preparedness and response planning between Texas. Coordinates the training efforts of the Biothreat (BT) and the Chemical Threat (CT) Teams to strengthen relationships between TxLRN and statewide CDC LRN sentinel and Level III laboratories, respectively. Prepares reports and presentations. Interacts with various levels of law enforcement to determine laboratory preparedness needs and provides these entities with necessary information and resources to correctly submit BT/CT samples to Texas LRN laboratories. Develop, implement, and critique Texas LRN member training for LRN sentinel and Level III facilities. Serves as the state Training Coordinator and represents DSHS training initiatives by collaborating with NLTN and APHL. Markets training program to community and professional groups to encourage and/or improve interest in the program. Duties are performed under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative, professional knowledge and independent judgment on assignments. Performs other duties as assigned. Supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
• Ability to work hours other than normal schedule in the event of an emergency.
• Experience in developing laboratory related policies, procedures, and reports.
• Safe operation of either a state owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.
• Knowledge of microbiology. Especially useful, is knowledge of bacteriology and virology as related to disease transmission.
• Knowledge of laboratory training techniques.
• Knowledge of the State of Texas Emergency Response Plan.
• Knowledge of the State of Texas Emergency Center’s operations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of program planning and evaluation.
• Experience with Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP).
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations related to terrorism preparedness and response.
• Knowledge of CQI/TQM principles and practices.
• Knowledge of grant writing principles and practices.
• Skill in using computer software such as word processing, database, spreadsheet and graphic presentation software.
• Skill in effective customer service practices.
• Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes.
• Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Skill in research and analysis techniques.
• Skills in systems development and evaluation.
• Skill in providing technical assistance to a variety of stakeholders.
• Skill in organizing large interdisciplinary meetings.
• Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop policies, procedures and concise reports.
• Ability to organize and prioritize heavy workloads and meet deadlines.
• Ability to organize program activities.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with managers, co-workers, the public, stakeholders and partners.
• Ability to gather, assembles, correlate, and analyze data, to devise solutions to problems.
• To prepare concise reports, to develop and evaluate policies and procedures, and to plan for following action needed

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience in emergency response activities.
• Preferred experience in laboratory training techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Biothreat and Chemical Threat Teams through coordination, planning, and integration of statewide public health laboratory preparedness effort to develop contacts between the Texas Laboratory Response Network (TxLRN) and the CDC Laboratory Response Network (LRN) sentinel laboratories and Level III laboratories statewide.
• Creates and administers tools for tracking and reporting bioterrorism training events performed throughout the state by public health laboratories and other laboratory-oriented instruction.
• Interacts with other Focus groups to ensure that the requirements of the PHEP grant are met.
• Serve as the laboratory’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) coordinator.
• Manage, maintain, review, and revise the DSHS Laboratory Business Continuity Plan of the operational procedures used to restore and sustain mission critical operations during an emergency response event.
• Coordinates the completion and annual revision of Appendix 6 (Bioterrorism) to Annex H (Health and Medical Services) of the State of Texas Emergency Response Plan.
• Collects, compiles, and prepares reports, presentations, and briefings on the state public health laboratory's COOP activities using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and graphic presentation software.
• Serve as the state training coordinator and attend 90% of scheduled teleconference meetings.
• Develop training opportunities for the Austin DSHS laboratory and work with staff to develop and host one training event annually.
• Provides technical assistance and consultative services to regions and local health departments allowing incorporation of best practices into local plans.
• Identifies opportunities to engage other state, federal, regional and local public health and safety authorities in coordinating laboratory response activities.
• Establishes and maintains an ongoing relationship with local emergency responders and law enforcement agencies.
• Provides these entities with necessary information and resources to correctly submit Biothreat samples to TxLRN laboratories.
• Coordinates the development of an integrated response plan that includes public health, hospital-based, food, veterinary, and environmental laboratories.
• Interact with other states and regions to establish an integrated response plan between states, and regions.
• Assist with development of Memorandum of Agreements and/or Memorandums of Understanding between Texas LRNs, other states, or other regions.
• Represents the laboratory on external committees tasked with the development and advertisement of training opportunities.
• Develops and implements effective assessment and evaluation tools for the laboratory-oriented training.

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