Health Emergency Planning Specialist

Job Title - Health Emergency Planning Specialist (Emergency And Contingency Planning Specialist) - Status - Permanent Full-Time - Temporary - Approximate length of assignment, in months - Type of Position - a Replacement - Start Date - Immediate - Salary - Annually - Salary Grade - $93,161.00 - $105,564.00 - Department - York Region -> Community & Health Services -> Public Health -> Healthy Living - Location - PH 17150 Yonge Street - 17150 Yonge Street - Newmarket, ON L3Y 8V3 CA (Primary)- Job Description (E) **POSITION PURPOSE** Reporting to a Manager, Healthy Living, is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of a comprehensive Emergency Management Program for the Public Health Branch, under the Regions corporate Emergency Plan, to ensure that the Branch is in a state of operational readiness in the event of a natural or human-caused Public Health emergency; developing plans, updates and communication guidelines and recommendations for the prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery phases of Public Health emergencies; planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating training and exercises as well as any incident response, in accordance with the Ontario Public Health Standards and Protocols and applicable statutory/regulatory requirements. **MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES** - Assists in the development and coordination of the Branch Emergency Plans and supporting plans, based on an understanding of best practices, relevant guidance documents, existing plans, exercise recommendations, reports and federal and provincial legislative requirements, and assists in ensuring that plans are consistent with other Departmental and Regional plans, as well as other key stakeholder organizations. - Coordinates the development and implementation of a comprehensive emergency planning orientation and training/education program for Public Health staff and prepares reports for the Manager, to inform the Community and Health Services committee on emergency preparedness plans. - Assists in maintaining a state of readiness for the Public Health Branch, with the Departmental Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), by identifying the infrastructure, communications and equipment requirements, including regular updating of the plan, staff orientation and exercises to test equipment, and validate procedures and protocols. - Participates in strategic and operational planning and in the development of the annual business plan, for the Health Emergency Planning program. - Monitors budget and resources assigned to carry out training and exercise initiatives, and public education programs, and makes recommendations for the annual budget. - Oversees the inventory of equipment and supplies maintained for Branch response including but not inclusive to, personal protective equipment, mask fit testing equipment and supplies. - Assists with Public Health risk assessment by reviewing demographic and epidemiological data; identifies local hazards and recommends changes to the Health Emergency Planning Program to reflect those risks. - Prepares reports and action plans to address issues impacting on emergency preparedness and training and education requirements in the Branch. - Represents the Branch or Department on internal and external committees in the community by making presentations, promoting public awareness and responding to inquiries regarding emergency preparedness and special projects. - Liaises with and works cooperatively/collaboratively with Emergency Planning staff in the Department, Regional Emergency Management Division, Department staff and key stakeholders in all emergency phases to develop coordinated plans and responses to emergencies and incidents. - Oversees the Mask Fit Testing program for the Public Health Branch based on best practice standards including the coordination of training, scheduling of testing and maintenance of records and equipment. - Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives. **QUALIFICATIONS** - Successful completion of a University Degree in Health Sciences, Public Health, Health Promotion, Emergency Management or related discipline, or approved equivalent combination of education and experience. - Minimum three (3) years experience in emergency management including a Public Health Environment. - Experience and/or training in emergency planning, response and exercises, and business continuity planning. - Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license and reliable vehicle for use on corporate business. - Demonstrated knowledge of emergency management program development, applicable legislation and industry standards, disaster exercise initiatives and current emergency management practices. - Knowledge of regional and local government roles and responsibilities, including emergency health services responsibilities in the event of an emergency. - Leadership competencies including operating strategically, leveraging diversity an