Public Health Preparedness Specialist bei City of Evanston

NATURE OF WORK:
Under the direct supervision of the Public Health Manager and the general direction of the Director of Health and Human Services Department, this person assists with training all health department staff, first responders, the public, volunteers and other allied health care professionals regarding public health readiness.  This position is responsible for working with appropriate stakeholders to plan for, test and evaluate potential threats and hazards in the community, such as communicable diseases, natural disasters, large-scale incidents, bioterrorist attacks, and others, in order to mitigate damage and loss of life. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participates in special surveys, research projects and City readiness initiatives related to planning, surveillance and strategic analysis in order to ensure public health preparedness. Plans operation/discussion based exercises and drills to test response plans and recommend improvements outlined in After Action Reports.  
• Assists in managing public health emergency preparedness grants, budget and all relevant deliverables specific to the program.
• Acts as the department’s liaison to various public health emergency preparedness and response task forces within the community and Illinois region; including public, private and non-governmental partners.  
• Organizes webinars, conference calls and video calls on a regular basis to convey relevant and pertinent preparedness efforts and best practices. 
• Leads a response during and after emergencies, often in coordination with public safety officials, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies
• Analyzes data from various surveillance system and/or special studies; presents information and works closely with stakeholders from other areas of public health, state, federal agencies and health care providers. 
• Provides role-specific training related to bio-terrorism for the workforce, especially regarding distribution of medical countermeasures and National Pharmaceutical Stockpile.
• Manages the Evanston’s Medical Reserve Corp volunteers by overseeing recruitment, providing timely training, engaging in preparedness opportunities and activating the group as needed.
• Maintain professional knowledge of public health preparedness procedures and developments in the area of public health emergencies and response. 
• Performs required procedures in application of the local, state and federal laws, policies and regulations pertaining to emergency preparedness and response. 
• Maintains physical inventory and complete orders for supplies or equipment, within budget, that may be needed during an emergency response.
• Updates and maintains the Department’s various emergency response plans and all associated documents.
• Promotes public health preparedness through internal and external communication resources.
• Coordinates by communicating with colleagues, supervisors, members of the public, and more through presentations, verbal and written formats. 
• Performs various duties in support of health department operations.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Must possess a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Emergency Management, Health Administration, Nursing, or a substantially similar area.  Possession of a Master’s Degree in Public Health, Emergency Management or Nursing is preferred. 
• Must possess two (2) or more years of work experience with Public Health management or administration.  Work experience in a government setting is preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
• Excellent facilitation/training, written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent planning/organizational skills and experience in coordinating large scale training programs (preferably in a public health care environment). 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff as well as the City of Evanston as a whole, at all levels including external partner organizations and vendors, leaders of professional associations and health care membership organizations, schools of public health, state and local health departments.
• Ability to multi-task assignments and handle multiple projects, working under time sensitive deadlines. 
• Ability to understand the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and the impact on underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Possess substantial knowledge regarding equity, inclusion and cultural awareness.
• Demonstrated commitment and understanding to supporting communities that have experienced systematic oppression and bias (e.g. people of color, immigrants at risk individuals, LGBTQ people, etc.)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:    
Will exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently. Physical demands will also include the ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, handle, finger, and feel objects.  Environmental Conditions: The worker is subject to internal and external environmental conditions – travel to and from other governmental facilities, public trainings, and will be involved in emergency response.

SUPERVISION:
Under the direct supervision of the Public Health Manager and the general direction of the Director of Health and Human Services Department, work will be performed with the guidance of these managerial staff. Assignments may vary from season to season and day to day. Assignments can be either verbal or written, with the employee determining proper procedure and work methods and is responsible for completing the work according to the City work rules and safety regulations. The employee is responsible for prioritizing work tasks, and for identifying and utilizing the appropriate resources to resolve a problem or situation. Work performance is reviewed through observation, written and verbal communication, and completion of projects, reports, conferences and meetings. Guidance is provided through the State Code, City Code, departmental policies, City operating practices and procedures, personnel rules, Federal and State Standards, and other resources as applicable to specific projects as assigned. Work is evaluated at least annually, with respect to customer service and performance in accordance with this position.

PUBLIC CONTACT:
The individual will have regular contact with diverse groups of people including the general public, City employees, Public Health Officials at the State, Local and Federal Levels.

SELECTION METHOD        
Structured Oral Interview        

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To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position.  Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity.  The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.  Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).