Public Health Preparedness Planner (7.21.21)

Position Description

Under the supervision of the Chief Office of Public Health Preparedness & Response (OPHPR), the OPHPR Planner will be responsible for maintenance of all preparedness plans and will work in close collaboration with HCPH staff, external stakeholders, NGO’s, private sector as well as other Harris County departments. The Planner will conduct data gathering and analysis as well as creating quarterly and annual reports required by the grants. The Planner will also participate and lead preparedness exercises, drills, and trainings. In an emergency this position will be required to fill a leadership role in planning.

Planning and Response: 

• Leads the development and maintenance of HCPH response and recovery plans.

• Conducts training, drills, and exercises for public health response and recovery.

• Utilizes trainings and exercises conducted to evaluate existing plans and identify new plans, SOGs, or procedures needed.

• Builds and strengthen partnerships with programs or groups that have roles and responsibilities within HCPH plans.

• Works with other subject matter expert planners to ensure coordination of planning across the department.

• Serves as representative on county-wide preparedness planning meetings.

• Creates just in time (JITT) training materials for all response activities and plans.

• Conducts After Action Reports (AARs) as needed and corresponding Corrective Action Plans.

• Ensures review and revisions of all plans annually and post-exercises or real events.

• Serves as Planning Section Chief or Deputy during an HCPH activation for an emergency.

Data and Reporting: 

• Monitors, track and evaluate public health emergency preparedness initiatives and activities throughout HCPH.

• Leads required reporting to state and regional public health offices including quarterly reports and end of year reports and assessments.

• Oversees data evaluation metrics and analysis for preparedness activities and responses.

• Creates monthly update reports for the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response

• Updates and maintain documentation and filing required for grants.

Policy and Evaluation: 

• Assists OPHPR efforts in policy creation, updating, and evaluation on a biannual basis.

• Serves as representative on strategic planning initiatives for Harris County Public Health and County.

• Assists with communication of current priorities and activities internal and externally

Other Responsibilities: 

• Other duties as assigned including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event.

• This position will play a critical role in department emergency responses with extended and altered work schedule.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

 If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in public health, emergency management, or science related field
• Minimum of Two (2) years of planning or grant writing experience
• Minimum of One (1) year of communication and public speaking experience
• Must be proficient in use of computer software for email communication, budget management, and database retrieval.
• Proficiency with mobile/smartphone technology and health information technology
• Basic knowledge of Windows, Excel, and Outlook
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of emergency response planning, training, and exercising
• Must have a current valid driver’s license and insurance. (TX upon hire)

NOTE: To qualify for this position, required experience, education, knowledge, and skills must be clearly stated on your application's employment history. Resumes are welcome, but we do not use any information provided on your resume to qualify and refer you to the Hiring Department for consideration.

Preferences

• Master’s degree in public health or a closely allied health-related field. (e.g., MPH,.)
• Licenses/Certifications:
• ICS 100, 200, 700 & 800 experience
• Public health preparedness experience

General Information

Hours: 

• 40 hours per week 

Location: 

• Houston, TX 77027

Salary:

• Will be discussed During Departmental Interview
• Based on 26 Pay Periods

Additional Information - Core Competencies

 Organizational Leadership

• Understands the organizational mission
• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others

Collaboration

• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs

Innovation

• Ability to adapt to change

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics

• Uses sound judgment
• Self-motivated
• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity

Communication

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Written and verbal English competency
• Able to read and follow directions

 Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date.