Emergency Response Coordinator #1844 - Homeland Security - Health & Social Services Division

The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently when public health emergencies occur. All Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should a public health emergency arise. The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division maintains a call down system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency. During a public health emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. During a public health emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community.

Under general supervision, undertakes and is responsible for a variety of assignments and support services associated with the development and maintenance of public health emergency response plans.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.)

Responsible for health department emergency preparedness planning by analyzing and evaluating local health hazards; and assists in planning for public health threats; researches, develops, revises, and maintains public health emergency plans for the Health Department. Collaborates with partner agencies as it pertains to public health emergency response planning; Develops standard operating guidelines and checklists; creates engaging, interactive training for public health staff, both in-person and web-based; Reviews and determines the impact of Federal, State, and other local emergency plans and modifies the Health Department plans to ensure coordination and compliance. Coordinates and implements awareness programs as directed, and maintains a stockpile of response supplies such as personal protective equipment and other response materials. Develops and coordinates public health emergency preparedness exercises, such as radiological and points of dispensing; prepares various narrative and statistical reports as needed; and provides technical expertise related to environmental hazards. Manages and monitors departmental budget. Supervises other staff; acts with considerable independence. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of all local government’s Hazard Emergency Response plans.

Knowledge of public health hazards and their potential effects on the community.

Knowledge of the techniques of emergency response.

Knowledge of basic principles of program planning and administration; methods of communication; publicity technology and media utilization.

Ability to identify, analyze and prepare a plan for potential public health disasters.

Ability to develop reports and operational plans for Health Department response activities.

Ability to read and interpret relevant local State and Federal legislation.

Ability to lead response-planning activities among multiple agencies and work groups.

Ability to understand and utilize various forms of communications; communicate effectively in both oral and written formats to technical and lay personnel.

Ability to understand and apply Federal, State, and local emergency services regulations and procedures.

Ability to represent the Health Department with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.

Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form.

Ability to build partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies and organizations.

A Master’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Health Planning, Emergency Response and Command or a closely related field with at least three (3) years of direct work experience in emergency management, public health planning, emergency response and command, public health disaster response or a closely related field, two (2) years of which must be in a lead or supervisory role related to planning, administration, or operations in emergency management. A valid driver’s license is required. 

OR

A Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Health Planning, Emergency Response and Command or a closely related field with five (5) years of direct work experience in emergency management, public health planning, emergency response and command, public health disaster response or a closely related field, two (2) of which must be in a lead or supervisory role related to planning, administration, or operations in emergency management. A valid driver’s license is required.

OR

An Associate’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Health Planning, Emergency Response and Command or a closely related field with seven (7) years of direct work experience in emergency management, public health planning, emergency response and command, public health disaster response or a closely related field, two (2) of which must be in a lead or supervisory role related to planning, administration, or operations in emergency management. A valid driver’s license is required.

OR

The equivalent of a high school diploma and nine (9) years of direct work experience in emergency management, public health planning, emergency response and command, public health disaster response or a closely related field, two (2) of which must be in a lead or supervisory role related to planning, administration, or operations in emergency management. A valid driver’s license is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level. 

This position is deemed essential during inclement weather situations and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work requires the risk of physical harm due to potential exposure to infectious diseases, chemical spills, toxic fumes, radiological leaks, and other hazards. Work requires lifting to 50 lbs. during preparation for exercises, moving inventory items and other equipment. Periodic climbing of ladders when accessing inventory and supplies.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change.

All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.

All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page. 

https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Department_EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice.aspx