Public Health Preparedness Planner

Position Summary: Under general supervision, the Public Health Preparedness Planner develops and implements assigned components of bioterrorism, emergency, homeland security, or public health preparedness and response plans. Performs related work as required. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This position is responsible for developing a full scope of preparedness plans with a high degree of independence. Provides support for all Divisions within the CNHD and works in coordination with the CNHD Public Health Preparedness Manager under the direction of the Administrator. 

This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Writes and develops required public health emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Participates in project planning, coordination, and promotion while providing logistical support and assistance in planning workshops, meetings, educational events, and preparedness training exercises.
• Assists with planning and logistics of Point of Distribution (POD) events, including being an integral part of the actual event. 
• Implements public health emergency preparedness and response plans and ensures coordination with city and county emergency management and other identified leaders as necessary, ensuring plans are integrated with and supported by the plans of other local agencies.
• Participates in healthcare coalition activities.
• Offers to sit on the LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) of each county in the health district jurisdiction. 
• May participate in the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile efforts. 
• Coordinates the participation of CNHD personnel in response exercises and community disaster training activities.
• Assists in the development of fact sheets about bioterrorism and other public health emergencies and other relevant technical information for public use. 
• Monitors program and financial activities and provides written and oral reports as required.
• Responds to man-made or naturally occurring outbreaks or events, such as biological, chemical, infectious and/or communicable diseases.
• Assists the preparedness program in developing a volunteer response program such as a Medical Reserve Corp (MRC).
• Attends meetings and maintains liaisons to ensure preparedness efforts.
• Ensures all Division work is documented and aligns with the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) as directed by the Administrator and Managers.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with elected officials, clients, visitors, and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Operates standard office equipment, including computers, facsimile equipment, and central telephones; may operate microfilm, radio telephone, and other departmental-specific equipment after training. 
• Represents the county and District with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in science or public health, epidemiology, nursing, or emergency preparedness is preferred; AND two years’ experience in emergency management activities OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• District policies and procedures.
• Applicable regulations, policies, and statutes related to public health preparedness.
• Emergency preparedness including All Hazards Preparedness, National Incident Management System, and Incident Command System.
• Health District operations and activities.
• Various disaster plans.
• Federal guidelines for bioterrorism response.
• Basic statistical methods.
• Ability to learn computer applications related to the work.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Effective communication in English, both orally and in writing, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

 Skill in:

• Planning, developing, managing, implementing, and evaluating emergency response plans.
• Collaborating with outside agencies in the provision of emergency response activities.
• Preparing educational and informational materials.
• Working without close supervision in standard work situations.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with staff, coworkers, and the public.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Nevada Driver’s License.
• Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700 & 800 within 6 months of hire

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength and agility to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate over the telephone and in person; ability to operate a motor vehicle, exposure to traffic conditions and external environment and safely travel to a variety of offsite locations.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
2. New employees are required to submit to a background investigation and if hired for a safety-sensitive position, a drug/alcohol screen.  Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug/alcohol screen (if applicable).
3. Any District employee may be required to stay at or return to work during emergencies to perform duties specific to this classification or to perform other duties as requested in an assigned response position. This may require working a non-traditional work schedule or working outside normal assigned duties during the incident and/or emergency.
4. Employees may be required to complete Incident Command System training as a condition of continuing employment.  
5. Central Nevada Health District, via Churchill County, participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.  All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment.  Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.  Central Nevada Health District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $19,800 - $59,322