Emergency Preparedness Program Coordinator

Responsible for overseeing emergency preparedness efforts for the Health & Community Services department. Duties include conducting research, communicating with media to address department news, planning and coordinating the department’s internal and external emergency preparedness and response programs. Represents the County at community groups, governmental agencies, educational institutions, task forces, and advisory committees on program areas, as directed. Position is created in tandem with Communications Program Coordinator, so serves as support to communications program as needed. The position requires strict adherence to client and employee confidentiality, a high degree of accuracy, independent judgment, discretion, and the ability to meet firm deadlines. Work is performed under general supervision, with only unusual or sensitive problems being referred to the departmental leadership for concurrence or resolution.

• Oversees ongoing contracts and agreements with service providers within area of assignment. Prepares scope of work and remuneration schedule for contracts and grant proposals, amendments, and agreements. Processes invoices, tracks project expenditures, monitors utilization, and prepares reports.
• Assists the department management team in developing written policies, procedures, and protocols to meet State and Federal grant requirements.
• Leads the Department’s efforts to support the County’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, with a focus on Emergency Support Functions 6 (Mass Care, Housing, and Human Services)and 8 (Public Health and Medical Services),
• Plans, schedules, and conducts meetings with co-workers, providers, stakeholders, and the general public. Facilitates community meetings and focus groups to gather public input regarding specific health and wellness issues related to the Department’s mission.
• Prepares and updates department all-hazard response and recovery plans, including medical countermeasure, and hazard-specific/functional plan annexes. Includes coordinating with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) as appropriate.
• Works with Department of Emergency Management to plan and conduct regular department-wide emergency response and recovery training and exercises for both department staff and stakeholders, including Incident Command System (ICS) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations and disaster response training.
• Represents San Juan County and the HCS Department at local, regional, state, and national forums; professional and community meetings; and advisory boards as appropriate.
• Participates in larger-scale emergency response and recovery operations on behalf of the department within broad San Juan County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) structure, potentially working outside of normal business hours for prolonged periods (rare).
• Works collaboratively with others and respects and maintains confidentiality.
• Develops and administers timely and accurate communication of information related to department business, either at the initiative of the department or in response to media requests. May serve as the Public Information Officer for the department, when needed.
• Provides a coordinated approach to communication on behalf of the department. Works with the county’s Communications Coordinator to ensure consistency in content of program information within the organization and to the media/public.
• Acting within the scope of their responsibilities, work as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, emergency response or related field, and three to five years of progressively responsible experience in a similar field, OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Requires valid Washington State driver’s license. May be required to complete and pass background check per Department criteria. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Public health experienced preferred. Familiarity with the Incident Command System or equivalent preferred. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Strong knowledge of communication practices and techniques.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to multitask and work well under pressure.
• Ability to prepare reports using spreadsheets and narrative formats.
• Must be able to facilitate public meetings and effectively engage the public in discussions.
• Ability to work independently, with good judgment and a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate work assignments and/or projects, meeting required deadlines.
• Ability to troubleshoot and formulate solutions to problems in a timely manner.

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