Emergency Preparedness Specialist

Georgia Department of Public Health (GA); Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Department of Public Health seeks an Emergency Preparedness Specialist to support and implement emergency plans and procedures for public health events. The role involves supervising staff and coordinating with area hospitals and first responders to ensure readiness.

The incumbent serves on-call 24/7, helps develop public health plans, inventories equipment, and analyzes data for reports. Associates degree and 2 years of experience are required, with ICS training preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and two years of experience required at the lower level.
• Experience in emergency planning or strategic planning preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise assigned staff and manage workloads.
• Develop and implement a 24/7 on-call program.
• Coordinate with hospitals and first responders for emergency preparedness.
• Gathers, compiles, and analyzes data and submits reports.
• Maintain inventory and equipment needs for readiness.

Skills

Supervision

Customer service

Emergency planning

Emergency management

Volunteer recruitment

Data analysis

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Job description

Incumbent in this class perform duties related to supporting emergency preparedness initiatives and assisting in formulating and maintaining emergency plans, procedures, and checklists needed in response to Public Health related or other emergency events. Responsibilities include supervising assigned staff and supporting the overall integration of area hospitals, community health centers, and other responders in preparing for and responding to emergency events.

This is the first level within a two-level emergency preparedness classification series. Emergency Preparedness Specialist is distinguished from Emergency Preparedness Director in that the former provides technical assistance and support to Emergency Preparedness Director (EPD) working with hospitals and other first responders, whereas the latter oversees the comprehensive emergency response operations within an assigned geographical area in the event of a terroristic attack or catastrophic event. Incumbent in this class serves on an on-call basis 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per week as required.

• Supervises assigned staff, in the absence of the EPD, including establishing workloads, prioritizing work assignments, evaluating employee performance, interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures, resolving staff issues, making hiring or disciplinary recommendations, and administering disciplinary action as required.
• Supports emergency preparedness initiatives by working with hospitals and other first responders to assess and determine appropriate responses and needs in the event of a catastrophic incident.
• Participates in the development of public health plans, policies, and procedures for Strategic National Stockpile and hospital coordination.
• Identifies and maintains inventory, supply, and equipment need and replenishes stock based on usage or as needed for emergency and hospital preparation with designated equipment
• Monitors the operational readiness of hospitals, community health centers, and other responders by observing and participating in periodic training exercises and drills.
• Supports planning and preparedness activities of hospitals and other response partners to develop integrated responses to emergencies.
• Assists with the coordination and response to emergency hazards.
• Gathers, compiles, and analyzes data and submits reports to the appropriate authorities.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Reports activities on SharePoint.
• Primary District Lead in developing and implementing a 24-hour, seven (7) days per week on-call program, including maintaining volunteer recruitment through medical Reserve Corp. and contact lists to ensure adequate workforce strength during emergency events.
• Positions in this class typically require sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, climbing, balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling, grasping, fingering, using foot controls, driving, talking, hearing, and seeing. Work in this class also involves working outside, exposure to adverse weather conditions, and safety and security risks.
• Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

KNOWLEDGE: (position requirements at entry):

• Principles and practices of supervision
• Principles and practices of customer service
• Principles and practices of emergency planning and training
• Theories, principles, and practices of emergency management
• Emergency management programs, resources, and agencies
• Laws, rules, and regulations, governing emergency response and preparedness
• Occupational hazards and safety regulations related to emergency response
• Volunteer programs
• Methods and techniques used in recruiting volunteer workers

• Personal computers and related software

Associate degree and two (2) years of experience required at the lower level Strategic Planning Spec 2 (GSP101) or position equivalent.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Public Health Experience. One year or more lead/supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.
• Incident Command System (ICS) Training
• Inventory/logistics management skills
• Training and exercise experience