Medical Countermeasures Coordinator

Job Description:
Under the direction of the Preparedness and Response Program manager, performs advanced consultative services and technical assistance work as a member of the public health preparedness team in Public Health Region 6/5S. Work involves planning, developing, implementing and evaluating public health preparedness programs. Utilizes the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities and the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) framework. Regularly interacts with stakeholders and represents the program at meetings, committees, or work groups. Responsible for the development, implementation, training, exercise, and evaluation of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) medical countermeasures in the region. Responsible for the SNS and City Readiness Initiative (CRI) planning and implementation as the SNS specialist. Utilizes mapping software and consults with partners to identify and plan for points of dispensing (POD) sites and receiving, storing and staging (RSS) routing and sites. Serves as liaison with federal, state, and local agencies in matters concerning the deployment of the SNS and CHEMPACK program. Contributes to the success of the regional team and performs program functions which include; data analysis, policy review, contract management, grant compliance and drafting agreements. Participates in public health emergency/disaster response including on-call duty and/or alternate work schedules and deployments. Serves as a member of the Regional Health and Medical Operations Center (RHMOC). Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions:
Ensures the development, implementation, training, exercise and evaluation of the SNS deployment plan, Cities Readiness Initiative program, and CHEMPACK program for Region 6/5S. Ensures the regional SNS and CHEMPACK plans that are integrated with statewide and local planning efforts and resources. Develops plans that incorporate all SNS functions, including: requesting, receiving, storing, staging; distribution; communications; and security and ensures that appropriate roles and responsibilities are established as well as a written plan for redundant capacity. Inspects and evaluates strategic locations in preparation for the delivery of federal assets. Analyzes trends to identify opportunities to develop new programs and special projects. Coordinates with other jurisdictions to plan, support and coordinate expanded capacity during an SNS or CHEMPACK deployment. Oversees the development, implementation and evaluation of points of distribution (PODS) within the region. Assists in the assessment of partner jurisdictions compliance with CRI grant requirements and evaluating their overall readiness to respond to public health emergencies.

Collaborates and communicates with stakeholders, to include federal, state, and local governments in the development, implementation, exercise and evaluation processes regarding SNS, CRI and/or CHEMPACK. Convenes and facilitates appropriate stakeholder meetings. Assures logistical planning and coordination in regard to CHEMPACK sustainment visits. Reviews, analyzes and makes recommendations on regional and local public health preparedness and response plans in accordance with CDC grant guidelines.

Develops and conducts presentations to local and regional entities, and other stakeholders to improve understanding and support for local SNS and program planning. Evaluate and conducts inspections of strategic locations in preparation for delivery of federal assets. Prepares detailed and comprehensive reports of findings and recommendations using a variety of computer software, including word processing, mapping, presentation, spreadsheet and database software. Organizes the development and deployment of various levels of emergency response exercises for the region regarding SNS deployment. Coordinates the periodic exercise of the regional SNS preparedness plans with those in the city and counties to test, evaluate and modify the ability of these entities to collaborate effectively in a simulated event. Guides the development, execution, and evaluation of exercises. Prepares After Action Reports (AAR) and develops corrective action plans for areas of improvement identified in tabletop exercises, functional exercises and naturally occurring events.

Contributes to the success of the regional team. Leads teams and workgroups to achieve programmatic goals. Performs program functions which include drafting documents, completing data analysis, performing policy review, contract management, and contributing to documentation that demonstrates grant compliance. May serve as primary point of contact for the program when manager is out. Participates in public health emergency/disaster response including serving as part of the regional 24/7 on-call duty team. May be required to have alternate work schedules and serve on deployments. Serves as a member of the Regional Health and Medical Operations Center (RHMOC) command staff. Completes appropriate training.

Performs other duties as assigned to include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Adheres to agency policies including the immunization policy. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, regulations and practices related to emergency management, ESF-8, and public health preparedness and response
Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and the use of Incident Command System (ICS)
Knowledge public health services available to local communities during emergencies and disasters
Knowledge of the concepts of planning, training and exercising including Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
Knowledge of structure of state and local public health agencies, administrations and management
Knowledge of core competencies and capabilities of public health preparedness and response
Knowledge of medical terminology and infectious diseases related to bio terrorism
Knowledge of Texas public health laws, to include the control and reporting of notifiable conditions
Knowledge of medical countermeasures for distribution and dispensing of medications
Knowledge of strategic national stockpile (SNS), City Readiness Initiative (CRI) and CHEMPACK programs
Skill in developing and implementing complex plans and procedures
Skill in problem identification, analysis and resolution Skill in conducting assessment and evaluation including program performance measures Skill in planning, implementing, and evaluating community health preparedness plans
Skill in using database, spreadsheet and graphic software packages including Microsoft Office
Skill in conducting training and making technical public presentations
Skill in mathematical computation and statistical analysis.
Skill in accurate and effective written and oral communication skills
Skill in process facilitation techniques, team building negotiation, conflict resolution and vision building
Skill in utilizing project management principles to meet deadlines and accomplish a number multiple tasks
Skill in providing technical assistance and training to a variety of stakeholders
Ability to implement CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities
Ability to plan and conduct effective meetings and trainings
Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines
Ability to prepare written reports and develop and implement policies and procedures
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders
Ability to analyze and present complex information to a variety of audiences
Ability to assemble, summarize and interpret pertinent technical literature
Ability to identify problems and implement appropriate solutions
Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgment
Ability to initiate projects and work on multiple projects at the same time
Ability to work discreetly and maintain confidentiality
Ability to respond to disasters which may require overnight travel

---