Health & Human Services Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Performs responsible professional work coordinating emergency preparedness, response, and continuity of operations activities for the Department of Social Services and related human services functions. The position is responsible for developing, maintaining, and implementing emergency management, sheltering, and continuity plans; ensuring regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local emergency preparedness requirements; coordinating emergency training and drills; and supporting disaster response operations that ensure continuity of essential services for vulnerable populations. Work involves collaboration with internal departments, county leadership, state agencies, and community partners to plan for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. The employee exercises independent judgment, initiative, and discretion while operating under general supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Social Work, Public Health, Homeland Security, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in emergency preparedness, emergency management, disaster response, or a closely related area.
• Knowledge of emergency management frameworks, shelter operations, and continuity planning.
• Ability to coordinate across multiple departments and external agencies during high-stress situations.
• Lesser education and combined experience may be considered in place of higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience working in human services, social services, or public sector emergency response.
• Familiarity with ESF-6 operations and DHHS emergency response structures.
• Experience planning and conducting emergency drills and trainings.
• Strong organizational, facilitation, and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

Emergency Preparedness & Planning

• Lead bi-annual review and revision of Emergency Management, Mass Shelter, and Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP).
• Coordinate shelter planning as a local responsibility and support local jurisdictions as requested.
• Organize and implement quarterly emergency preparedness drills, including evacuation and shelter-in-place exercises.
• Oversee DSS Safety Team volunteers and conduct quarterly building safety inspections in conjunction with County Risk Management.

Training & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all required emergency preparedness training for DSS staff, including leadership-level training.
• Maintain alignment with:
  • North Carolina Emergency Management Act
  • DHHS Operational Role in Responding to Emergency/Disaster Events
  • DSS Lead Coordinator for DHHS Emergency Support Function #6 (ESF-6)

Emergency & Disaster Operations

• Coordinate and manage DSS emergency and disaster shelter operations, including:
  • Shelter staffing and training
  • Food and meal planning
  • Aging and Adult Services shelter coordination (Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing)
  • Entitlement benefits coordination (DSNAP, Medicaid, FEMA access facilitation)
  • Child care assistance during emergencies
  • Housing and rehousing planning in coordination with social work services
  • Coordination with State Services for the Blind (DSB), as needed

Continuity of Operations

• Manage and coordinate DSS Continuity of Operations during emergencies that render facilities partially or fully unusable.
• Support rapid service restoration and operational decision-making during disasters.

Additional Duties

• Facilitate HHS New Employee Orientation (approximately 2–6 days per month).
• Assist with fleet management activities.
• Oversee ordering, inventory, and distribution of health- and hygiene-related supplies.
• Liaison for the Agency with internal and external partners for all things related to Emergency Preparedness