Health Emergency Management Specialist (Emergency and Contingency Planning Specialist)

POSITION PURPOSE This position is responsible for coordinating the development, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive Health Emergency Management program for York Region Public Health, to ensure that public health programs are in a state of operational readiness to respond to and recover from new and emerging events and / or emergencies with public health impacts.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates / works with stakeholders and follows the corporate strategic leadership, planning and direction related to emergency management functions.
• Supports programs and services to incorporate emergency management and business continuity principles into program planning, mitigation / prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
• Maintains awareness of risks and hazards with the potential to impact York Region and conducts Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in collaboration with subject matter experts to inform Public Health’s emergency planning.
• Coordinates the development and maintenance of the Public Health Emergency Response Plan and supporting annexes, ensures relevant legislative compliance and consistency with other Community and Health Services (CHS) Department and Regional plans, as well as plans of key stakeholder organizations.
• Facilitates, in collaboration with process owners, the review and prioritization of business impact analyses and business continuity plans and provides guidance on the development of mitigation and response strategies for critical high priority functions and services.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates staff training, tests and exercises, and prepares reports for the Manager.
• Supports CHS Emergency Management in maintaining a state of readiness for the Departmental Emergency Operations Centre, by developing coordinated plans;

identifying the requirements; conducting staff orientation and exercises; and validating procedures and protocols.

Participates in event and emergency response to ensure that public health measures can be initiated in a timely and effective manner;

facilitates hotwash / after-action discussions and prepares recommendations and action plans for the Public Health Emergency Planning Advisory.

• Supports the management of and reporting on emergency supplies maintained for Public Health, including but not limited to, personal protective equipment, mask fit testing equipment and supplies, and makes recommendations for rotation and purchase.
• Makes presentations, promotes public awareness, prepares communication materials, and responds to inquiries regarding emergency management and special projects.
• Participates in strategic and operational planning, continuous quality improvement initiatives and evaluation of the Health Emergency Management program.
• Participates or acts as Public Health representative on various internal and external committees, task forces and focus groups, as directed
• May be required to respond to emergency situations outside of normal business hours, as related to Emergency Plans.
• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Public Health and Department objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Health Sciences, Public Health, Emergency Management or related discipline, or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience and / or training in emergency planning, response and exercises, and business continuity planning.
• Strong program planning, evaluation and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability in the Region's core competencies.
• Staff supervisory skills including knowledge of collective agreement administration and interpretation, labour relations principles and practices and relevant employment legislation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with a range of internal and external stakeholders while focusing on fostering collaborative work relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate programs and services.
• Aptitude for coordinating and leading emergency and / or operational contingency on short notice.
• Strong ability to develop relationships and work in a welcoming and inclusive environment, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential.
• Proficiency in virtual platforms and MS Office Suite including the use of virtual platforms for conducting meetings and / or presentations.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license and reliable vehicle for use on corporate business.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours.
30+ days ago