Under the general direction of the Preparedness and Response Regional Planner and the supervision of the Preparedness and Response Manager, performs advanced consultative services and technical assistance work for the public health preparedness program in Region 6/5S. All work completed in accordance with Federal and State guidance, the CDC Public Health Preparedness Capabilities, the National Response Framework and the National Incident Management System. Work involves operational planning, research, tracking, writing, soliciting feedback, updating and evaluating internal DSHS public health and medical preparedness plans to reflect lessons learned during the COVID-19 Pandemic Response. Work also involves participating in the development and review of external preparedness and response plans containing public health and medical roles. As a part of the planning team, participates in the development of planning performance measures for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) cooperative agreements. Participates in the development of internal Standard Operating Guides (SOG), Technical Guidance Documents (TGD) and Task Sheets to ensure that they are aligned with agency-level plans. Assists in planning, assessing, and integrating lessons learned into improved models of public health preparedness. Assists in the development and drafting of After Action Reports (AARs) such as the COVID-19 Response AAR. Regularly interacts with important stakeholders and may represent the program at meetings, committees, or workgroups. Assists with CDC required assessments of the region and individual counties without local health departments. Participates as a member of the preparedness and response team, contributes to the success of the team and required to participate in training and responding, which includes no notice responses to public health emergencies. Performs administrative functions which could include budget analysis, purchasing, policy review, contract management, and documenting grant compliance. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (40%) Work involves evaluating, revising and writing plans. Coordinates the development and evaluation of regional Public Health Response plans, SOGs, TGDs and Task Sheets to be consistent with DSHS, and Federal Standards. Performs assessments of regional and jurisdictional capabilities and risks to drive preparedness plans and operations. Prepares recommendations for appropriate changes within current plans. Coordinates development of different types of plans, within regional and local programs to assure integration with state plans. Works with DSHS central office to develop standardized techniques for evaluating preparedness response plans. Contributes to the preparation of reports for federal and state agencies that describe public health preparedness program activities and readiness assessments. Provides regular feedback to program manager on progress towards goals/strategies. Assists CDC and DSHS central office with surveys, assessments, inspections, reviews and/or exercises to determine compliance with CDC standards, regulations, laws and/or required polices/procedures. Perform administrative functions which could include budget analysis, purchasing, policy review, contract management and drafting agreements. All work completed in accordance with Federal and State guidance, the CDC Public Health Preparedness Capabilities, the National Response Framework and the National Incident Management System. (40%) Regularly interacts with important stakeholders and may represent the program at meetings, committees, or workgroups. Works with and makes presentations to identify the role of public health in emergency response and preparedness plans; to stimulate interest and support for local preparedness and response activities; to assist local government entities in developing and implementing polices/procedures; and to establish effective techniques (exercises, drills, etc) for monitoring progress towards effective development of complex public health programs. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares materials for appropriate stakeholders to ensure the integration of many perspectives in preparedness planning. Coordinates and participates in planning conferences with local government officials, civic groups, councils of government, and other agencies in order to develop unified emergency response and bioterrorism response plans. Works with city, county, state and federal officials on planning and coordination during an event. Serves as a liaison with local agencies in matters concerning the coordination of bioterrorism plans and services. Manages and facilitates multi-disciplinary workgroups to develop regional plans. Works with stakeholders to ensure integration of state, regional and local bioterrorism preparedness and response plans. Coordinates development of standard operating guidelines within regional and local programs to assure integration with state plans. Coordinates stakeholder meetings with local health partners to ensure an integrated plan for the region emerges. Works with DSHS central office to ensure coordination and integration with statewide planning efforts. (20%) Performs other duties as assigned to include but not limited to actively participating to meet the agency's obligations for emergency response and recovery. This includes serving as part incident response team, operating in an Incident Command System structure. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Actively participates to assure success of Preparedness and Response Program, attends additional training as needed to maintain competency and activates in response to public health emergencies and disasters. Completes assignments related to the CDC Public Health Workforce Grant. Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge of public health preparedness capabilities Knowledge of all hazards emergency management Knowledge of laws related to emergency management, including local, state and federal laws and practices. Knowledge of health and medical laws that relate to emergency management. Knowledge of state and local health organizations that offer health services. Knowledge of Federal health services available to local communities during emergencies and disasters. Knowledge of the basic concepts of planning principles and methodologies. Knowledge of epidemiology and disease control concepts and methods, including those particular to bioterrorism. Knowledge of public health infrastructure for local, state, and federal programs. Knowledge of Texas public health laws, especially those that govern the control and reporting of notifiable conditions. Knowledge of the transmission of infectious diseases. Knowledge of public health preparedness and response activities. Knowledge of structure of public health agencies, administrations and management. Skill in developing and implementing complex plans and procedures. Skill in problem identification, analysis and resolution Skill in meeting facilitation, consensus building and conflict resolution. Skill in conducting needs and risk assessments Skill in providing customer service and support Skill in planning, implementing, and evaluating community health preparedness plans Skill in using word processing, database, spreadsheet and graphic software packages including Word, Excel, Epi-Info, SPSS, SAS, and PowerPoint. Skill in conducting training and making technical public presentations. Skill in writing and editing. Skill in mathematical computation and statistical analysis and budgeting. Ability to plan and conduct effective meetings Ability to represent organizational perspectives and policy in a public forum, regardless of personal viewpoints Ability to organize and prioritize workload and meet deadlines. Ability to prepare written reports and develop and implement policies and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, representatives of local medical and public health communities, the media and the general public. Ability to present complex information to a variety of lay audiences. Ability to assemble, summarize and interpret pertinent technical literature. Ability to identify problems and implement appropriate solutions. Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgment. Ability to initiate projects and work on multiple projects at the same time. Ability to work discreetly and maintain confidentiality. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Texas Class C Driver's License Initial Selection Criteria: * A bachelors degree in public health or emergency management or related field. * A graduate degree in public health or emergency management related field (MS, MPH, MSPH, DrPH, MSEM etc) preferred. * Experience in developing complex plans and procedures. * Experience in public health preparedness preferred. * Willing to travel at least 30% and to work occasional hours other than 8-5 M-F Additional Information: Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx. Position required to serve on call duty and to respond when activated even when this requires other than normal business hours and/or locations. Must provide transportation and driving record will be checked. Must maintain current driving license. Required to adhere to all policies including agency immunization policies. MOS Code: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS