What are the responsibilities and job description for the Western Healthcare Coalition (HCC) Readiness and Response Specialist position at MONTANA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION?
Description: Western Montana | Collaborative | Strategic | Emergency Preparedness-Driven
Must live or be willing to relocate to one of the following counties in Montana:
The Healthcare Coalition Readiness and Response Specialists serve as the lead planners for the coalition and oversee the full planning lifecycle—from identifying gaps and developing plans to implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement. This role supports regional training, exercises, and performance improvement cycle involving participating hospitals, EMS, public health, emergency management, and other ESF-8 partners.
Key Responsibilities
Planning & Program Coordination
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Position Closing Date: April 24, 2026
Must live or be willing to relocate to one of the following counties in Montana:
- Beaverhead
- Deer Lodge
- Flathead
- Granite
- Lake
- Lewis and Clark
- Lincoln
- Mineral
- Missoula
- Powell
- Ravalli
- Sanders
- Silver Bow
The Healthcare Coalition Readiness and Response Specialists serve as the lead planners for the coalition and oversee the full planning lifecycle—from identifying gaps and developing plans to implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement. This role supports regional training, exercises, and performance improvement cycle involving participating hospitals, EMS, public health, emergency management, and other ESF-8 partners.
Key Responsibilities
Planning & Program Coordination
- Lead development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of regional preparedness and response plans.
- Support coalition preparedness efforts, including plans, procedures, deliverables, benchmarks, and emergency preparedness tags.
- Identify planning gaps and recommend strategies to strengthen regional capabilities.
- Collaborate with coalition staff and DPHHS to improve preparedness, response, and recovery effectiveness. Based on identified gaps and ESF 8 Advisory Council recommendations.
- Coordinate Regional Executive Committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda development, materials preparation, budget reporting, and facilitation as needed.
- Complete and submit all required ASPR deliverables and benchmarks to CAAMP (Cooperative, Agreement, Accountability, and Management Platform)
- Facilitates and coordinates with all parties involved in HPP, with a focus on assisting members of the coalition to develop comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, site visits, and building relationships with all members of the coalition.
- Support development of a comprehensive regional training and exercise program.
- Participate in member trainings and exercises.
- Provide training and technical assistance on Juvare and other designated platforms.
- Support situational awareness and information sharing among ESF-8 partners.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of an Associate’s degree in a health-related field or four (4) years of experience in a rural hospital, emergency preparedness, or public health organization, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Up-to-date knowledge and experience working with database management software such as EXCEL or Access. Prior experience in program management, public speaking, and planning, organization of professional meetings/conferences desired.
- Competitive applicants should have or obtain within one year the following: applicable Juvare platforms, Microsoft Office Products, Knowledge of Healthcare Coalitions, FEMA Courses; IS100, IS120, IS130, IS200, IS235, IS700, IS800.
- Upon hire, applicant is encouraged to obtain the following: FRAME, HSEP, HERT, HCL, and HID, and obtain credentials in BDLS, ADLS, and CHEC.
- Regular travel is required; the position requires out-of-office work at association events/other meetings approximately 1-2 times/month (for 2-5 days), with additional travel as needed. There is minimal out-of-state travel, 1-2 times/year (2-5 days).
- Montana driver’s license is required with the ability to drive across the state by car.
- Employer PAID medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees
- Employer contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA) or Montana Medical Savings Account (MSA)
- Flex Savings account
- 401(k)
- Very generous 401(k) contribution after 2 years of employment
- Employer PAID Life Insurance
- Employer PAID Identity Protection
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid time off
- Holidays: Enjoy 7 paid holidays per year, with an additional paid office closure between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Position Closing Date: April 24, 2026