Disaster Response & Emergency Behavioral Health Lead

Jobtailor; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks a qualified Disaster Response & Emergency Behavioral Health Lead to serve as the primary community liaison for disaster response in Allegheny County. You will oversee behavioral health response, supervise the coordinator, and coordinate DHS actions across emergencies and mass care operations.

Requirements include advanced degrees in human services, Act 33/34 clearances, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work 24/7 in response situations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in human services or related field with 3+ years of related experience, OR bachelor’s degree with 5+ years.
• Act 33 & 34 clearances.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work 24/7 in emergency response situations.
• Ability to work with various IT systems.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with state and local public and private agencies.
• Effective oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Serve as DHS’s primary community liaison for disaster response.
• Oversee Emergency Behavioral Health response, outreach, education and training.
• Supervise the Coordinator – Disaster Response & Emergency Behavioral Health.
• Coordinate DHS response to significant emergencies or disasters affecting Allegheny County residents.
• Coordinate continuity efforts before, during and after disruption events.
• Plan DHS’s response to community emergencies.
• Participate in planning, conducting and debriefing mock-disaster exercises.
• Staff the Mass Care & Human Services section of the Emergency Operations Center as required.
• Provide behavioral health and emergency management leadership to the DHS Disaster Response Team.
• Coordinate emergency supply distribution with partner organizations.
• Assist with setup of Points of Distribution for medication and medical supplies.
• Coordinate activation of PA-211 and other services during disasters.
• Coordinate mental health staff support with the American Red Cross at Family Assistance Centers.
• Evaluate policies, provisions and programs and recommend changes.
• Work with OMHSAS, emergency behavioral health teams, VOAD, FEMA, task forces, advisory committees and other response organizations.
• Update responder training requirements annually and ensure staff and providers maintain required training and certifications.
• Oversee behavioral health liaison and supportive-service activities during emergencies.
• Provide technical assistance and individual supervision.
• Assign priorities, review work, verify time and attendance, approve leave and travel requests, and complete performance evaluations.
• Serve as backup for Security Specialist and Safety Specialist roles.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Oral and written communication

Multitasking under pressure

Independent work

IT systems proficiency

Situational decision making

Relationship building

Education

Master’s degree in human services or related field

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Tools

Emergency Operations Center

PA-211 Services

Points of Distribution Setup

Job description

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks a qualified Disaster Response & Emergency Behavioral Health Lead to serve as the primary community liaison for disaster response in Allegheny County. You will oversee behavioral health response, supervise the coordinator, and coordinate DHS actions across emergencies and mass care operations.

Requirements include advanced degrees in human services, Act 33/34 clearances, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work 24/7 in response situations.