Opening Date: March 28, 2024

Closing Date: Until Filled

Salary: Up to $54,550/year

Location: 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601 – 8^th Floor

Status: Full Time

Job Category: PAT (Professional, Administrative, Technological)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Incumbent serves as Local Public Health Coordinator for the St. Joseph County Department of Health, responsible for the development and enhancement of emergency plans for public health emergencies.

DUTIES:

Develops, implements, and continually updates emergency plans, policies, and checklists, defining emergency response procedures, equipment uses and allocation, shelter and health care facilities, notification procedures for emergency personnel, the public, and emergency relocation data.

Coordinates with local government agencies and community organizations in reviewing and updating the plan and negotiating mutual-aid agreements with public and private entities.

Develops, maintains, and implements standard protocols for evaluating local disease surveillance and education information.

Conducts community education and outreach programs to increase awareness and allay public fears regarding various health topics. Distributes materials to various community groups.

Maintains and updates the County’s emergency personnel contact list.

Recruits and manages volunteers, and coordinates schedules and provides in-house training on emergency preparedness topics for volunteers. Plans and executes emergency preparedness drills as needed.

Maintains current knowledge of bioterrorism, chemical, and other identified or potential terrorism agents. Ensures up to date information on biological threats is readily available in the event of a public health emergency.

Ensures public health emergency preparedness grant requirements are met and all reports are completed and submitted in compliance with grant funding regulations.

Attends meetings, training, and educational workshops, as needed.

Serves on 24-hour call for public health emergencies.

Performs related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s Degree in emergency response, public health, or related fields preferred.

Thorough knowledge of standard policies and practices of St Joseph County Department of Health, with ability to apply appropriate procedures accordingly.

Thorough knowledge of standard principles and practices of public health protection and disease control, with ability to analyze data related to communicable diseases, disease outbreaks and other community health issues, and develop plans and procedures for emerging public health threats.

Working knowledge of grant administration and ability to ensure compliance with grant funding requirements.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare detailed written reports, maintain accurate and organized records.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, hospitals, medical centers, South Bend Medical Foundation, fire departments, Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, Indiana Department of Health, other local health departments, other partner agencies, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.

Ability to work with and lead volunteers, conduct community education and outreach programs.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to state requirements.

Shall comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to properly operate standard office equipment, including computer and department software applications, keyboard, calculator, telephone, copier, fax machine, 800 mHz radio, and personal protective equipment.

Ability to compile, analyze and evaluate data, make determinations, and present findings in oral or written form.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment, often under pressure of formal schedules and deadlines, and on several tasks at the same time.

Ability to apply knowledge of people and locations, plan, and coordinate work assignments, utilize good judgment in extreme and uncommon situations, and maintain constructive relationships.

Ability to identify steps necessary to reach objectives, define practical courses of action, and put into effect changes in policies and procedures.

Ability to prepare and deliver public speeches and presentations.

Ability to occasionally work extended, evening and/or weekend hours and travel out of town for meetings and conferences, sometimes overnight.

Ability to respond to public health emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

Possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent’s work often requires careful consideration of complex circumstances and variables. Incumbent performs duties in accordance with clear and well-defined guidelines, exercising judgment to coordinate, develop and implement plans and procedures for public health emergencies. Periodically, decisions are made in the absence of specific policies and/or guidance from supervisor.

III. RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent assures proper development and implementation of public health emergency preparedness plans. Goals and objectives of incumbent's work are known, with highly unusual circumstances and/or sensitive problems discussed with supervisor as needed. Work is primarily reviewed for soundness of judgment, attainment of objectives, and continuing quality of Department of Health services for St. Joseph County.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent communication with co-workers, other County departments, hospitals/medical centers, South Bend Medical Foundation, fire departments, Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, Indiana Department of Health, other local health departments, other partner agencies, and the public for purposes of providing instruction and training and forming policies and procedures.

Incumbent reports directly to Director of Operations.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment, involving sitting/walking at will, lifting/carrying objects weighing under 25 pounds, keyboarding, driving, close/far vision, color perception, speaking clearly, hearing sounds/communication, and handling/grasping/fingering objects.

Incumbent is occasionally required to work extended, evening and/or weekend hours and travel out of town for meetings and conferences, sometimes overnight. Incumbent is required to respond to public health emergencies on a 24-hour basis.