PUBLIC HEALTH PLANNER

Salary: $48,087 per year

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Public Health Preparedness Program Director or designee. Will be responsible for coordinating the planning, development, implementation, evaluation and testing of public health preparedness and response plans for Cameron County.

SECTION II-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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  Employee will accurately document all time worked.
• Must complete Incident Command Structure training: ICS-700, ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-800 within six months of employment.
• Assists in developing and maintaining emergency preparedness and response plans, policies, and procedures in alignment with CDC PHEP requirements.
• Collects, organizes, and maintains preparedness data, documentation, and performance measures to support program evaluation and reporting.
• Supports development and maintenance of work plans, reports, after-action reports, and improvement plans to ensure compliance with DSHS requirements.
• Assists with coordination and documentation of MOUs, agreements, contracts, and Commissioners Court agenda items related to preparedness activities.
• Maintains effective working relationships with internal departments and external partners to support preparedness and response coordination.
• Organizes and tracks preparedness projects, timelines, deliverables, and documentation.
• Demonstrates strong written, verbal, organizational, and coordination skills.
• Maintain a knowledge of Texas Emergency Management Plan, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).
• Implement the Standardized Emergency Management System Plan.
• Coordinate mutual aid responses and requests.
• Assist in the overall management of medical related emergency operations.
• Assist in providing advice and technical assistance to city, county and other area agencies on the special conditions and operating requirements.
• Initiate and maintain positive collaborative working relationships with co-workers, city, county and area agencies, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Provide and coordinate training with respect to emergency / disaster preparedness, i.e. ICS training.
• Coordinate meaningful regional preparedness drills and exercises utilizing HSEEP standards to ensure public health plans are practicable.
• Provides regular feedback to Preparedness Director on program goals/strategies.
• Other duties as assigned.

SECTION III-JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (State the minimum requirements for formal education and job related experience.)

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major course work in public health, public affairs, public administration, emergency management, or related field plus one year experience in public health, public affairs, public administration, emergency management, or healthcare related field -OR- five years experience in public health, public affairs, public administration, emergency management, or healthcare related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (As utilized in the performance of the Essential Functions of the job.)

Thorough knowledge of principles and methods of emergency management as it relates to healthcare and public health. Ability to communicate effectively (oral, written and Spanish speaking ability). Ability to analyze and evaluate healthcare preparedness needs. Ability to train and supervise others. Knowledge of computer programs software and database (MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint, internet). Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work with public. Ability to work with confidential client information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Special licenses and other requirements necessary to obtain or retain the position.): Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas Driving Laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Must have reliable transportation. Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency. Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Good health and physical condition sufficient to permit full performance of the duties of the position. If additional assistance is required, employee must request assistance prior to performing the assignment.

SECTION IV-JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS: (Nature of contacts, external relationships, and internal relationships.).

EXTERNAL CONTACTS: Occasional contact with other health, social, and educational care agencies, outside organizations. Frequent contact with clinic clientele and the general public. Communication is via telephone, written communication and face to face.

INTERNAL CONTACTS: Utilizes tact when dealing with County employees, health, social and educational care providers, and clientele regarding operations issues. Constant contact with County Personnel. Communicating is primarily face-to-face, via telephone and through written communication.

RESPONSIBILITY: (Supervision given, accountability, Safety, budgeting, spending authority and confidentiality.)

Comply with Cameron County and Department of State Health Services rules/regulations and display a positive public image. As a Cameron County employee, the identity of every client shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of an investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.

DIFFICULTY: (Judgment, initiative, and decision-making.) Judgement is required to ensure completion of job activities as assigned by the Health Administrator. Uses discretion to achieve work goals. Initiative is constantly required to achieve work goals.

GUIDANCE: (Supervision received and level of independence.)

As assigned by the Health Administrator. It is the responsibility of the employee to know and maintain contact with the Health Administrator.

WORKING CONDITION: (Describe working environment and other conditions of employment.)

Working conditions are primarily in an office

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

BENEFITS:

Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER