Vulnerable Populations Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Houston, TX

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Preparedness and Response Manager, the Vulnerable Populations Specialist (VPS) performs highly advanced social service public health emergency preparedness work. Using the whole community approach, the VPS is responsible for planning for the access and functional needs of vulnerable populations in the event of a public health emergency, as well as developing strong vulnerable population participation in disaster planning and response activities. The VPS performs this work using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Public Health Preparedness Capabilities: National Standards for State and Local Planning framework. The VPS will define, locate, and reach vulnerable populations. Conducts analyses, assesses needs, identifies gaps, and formulates strategies. In coordination with regional planners, provides input into existing plans and provides insight to develop new plans to serve vulnerable populations. Develops and facilities opportunities for inclusive planning with vulnerable populations. In coordination with regional training and exercise specialists, provides input on the inclusion of vulnerable populations in exercises and drills. Builds relationships with self-advocates and vulnerable population partners who can act as subject matter experts and provide feedback on regional plans, as well as participate in exercises. Provides presentations and trainings to external partners and DSHS staff. Actively participates in regional collaborative workgroups, such as Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition (PHEP-C), Mass Care Coalition, Houston UASI Disaster Access and Functional Needs Committee, and Texas Gulf Coast Regional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TGCRVOAD). Actively leads workgroups, such as the DSHS-TEPHI Vulnerable Populations Working Group. Documents all community work in agency software, such as Qualtrics. Completes required preparedness documentation to support federal and state grant deliverables. Coordinates with preparedness staff and external partners, such as county emergency management coordinators, local health department preparedness programs, and organizations serving vulnerable populations. Works in partnership with the Specialized Health and Social Services (SHSS) VPS on projects to mitigate the increased threats and risks which vulnerable populations face during disasters, with an emphasis on public health and emergency management policy, planning and inclusiveness. When staff are activated to respond to public health emergencies, the VPS is required to be available to deploy in a range of Incident Command System roles and provides subject matter expertise on public health, mass care, and sheltering topics. Primary focus on seven counties in which DSHS provides dirrect public health services (Austin, Colorado, Liberty, Waller, Walker, Wharton, Matagorda).

Requirements

• Knowledge of the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities
• Knowledge of community and government service delivery systems and case management delivery systems
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to social services
• Knowledge of Medicaid policies and benefits for women and children in Texas
• Knowledge of Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) as defined by Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and FEMA
• Knowledge of public health emergency preparedness at all levels of government
• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System, Incident Command Structure, Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques
• Knowledge of a vulnerable populations’ needs during an emergency response
• Knowledge of maternal, infant and children’s health, to include mental health
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Knowledge of medical countermeasures
• Knowledge of community resources
• Knowledge of community building and development
• Knowledge of whole community approach
• Knowledge of community involvement and macro social work practice models
• Knowledge of collective stress situations
• Knowledge of best practices in community engagement
• Skill in interviewing, conducting community assessments, and conducting gap analyses.
• Skill in developing and facilitating community coalitions and focus groups
• Skill in developing and presenting information and training to diverse audiences
• Skill in using Microsoft Office Software and specialized software programs
• Skill in implementing best practices in community social work practice
• Skill in data collection, assessment and analysis
• Skill in cultural competency
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally
• Ability to deploy during emergencies
• Ability to provide technical assistance in social services and public health
• Ability to establish effective partnerships in communities
• Ability to build and sustain resilient community capacity related to preparedness
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively among all stakeholders
• Ability to locate and reach at risk populations
• Texas C Class Drivers License or ability to aquire one within the first month of employment
• Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university.
• Major coursework in behavioral sciences, social sciences, humanities, or a related field preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Public health and/or emergency management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs highly advanced social service public health emergency preparedness work.
• Plans for the access and functional needs of vulnerable populations in the event of a public health emergency
• Develops strong vulnerable population participation in disaster planning and response activities.
• Defines, locate and reach vulnerable populations.
• Conducts analyses, assesses needs, identifies gaps, and formulates strategies.
• Provides input to existing plans and provides insight to develop new plans to serve vulnerable populations.
• Provides input on the inclusion of vulnerable populations in exercises and drills.
• Builds relationships with self-advocates and vulnerable population partners who can act as subject matter experts and provide feedback on regional plans, as well as participate in exercises.
• Develops and facilities opportunities for inclusive planning with vulnerable populations.
• Actively participates and/or leads regional workgroups focusing on emergency preparedness issues concerning vulnerable populations
• Provides presentations and training to external partners and DSHS staff.
• Documents all community work in agency software, such as Qualtrics.
• Completes required preparedness documentation to support federal and state grant deliverables.
• Deploys in a range of Incident Command System roles and provide subject matter expertise on public health, mass care and sheltering topics when staff are activated to respond to public health emergencies.
• Serves as the subject matter expert on Functional Needs Support Services.
• Participates in DSHS initiatives, to include regional work groups and projects.
• Actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Benefits

• DSHS offers 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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees