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Arlington County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Public Health Emergency Planner for the Public Health Division (PHD). PHD is responsible for addressing a wide range of PUBLIC HEALTH issues and providing client services to the diverse Arlington community. These services include emergency preparedness and response, communicable disease control, environmental health inspection, family planning, maternity and dental care, refugee screening and referral, and school health. PHD has a $24 million-dollar budget and 180+ talented staff who are focused on the departmental mission of making a real difference in people's lives by promoting and providing outstanding human services.
Specific duties include:
Leading and/or co-leading PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY responses, including in-person and onsite response support;- Creating and implementing County-specific plans for responding to acts of bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, or other PUBLIC HEALTH emergencies/threats and assuring that these plans are coordinated with regional and state plans;
- Ensuring Arlington PHD remains in compliance with all federally, regionally and locally-mandated Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) program requirements including the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's Medical Countermeasures Operational Readiness Review, Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Preparedness mandates, and National Association of County and City Health Officials;
- Overseeing the development and maintenance of local emergency communications plans to present clear and consistent PUBLIC HEALTH messages;
- Maintaining an up-to-date plan for receiving and distributing medical countermeasures from the Strategic National Stockpile including preparedness and training which ensures systems are in places;
- Providing leadership, management, direction while serving as backup liaison to the regional Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response teams (Northern Virginia Regional Public Health Emergency Coordinators, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Public Health Emergency Planners Sub-committee) and the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System;
- Managing the Arlington portion of the Virginia Department of Health's Health Alert Network emergency alerting system and other redundant communication devices;
- Assisting in the management of the day-to-day activities of the Arlington County Medical Reserve Corps Program and deploying this asset as necessary;
- Serving as the County's Emergency Support Function 8 – Public Health & Medical Co-Lead, providing technical assistance related to PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY response-related roles and responsibilities; and
- Serving as a community resource regarding PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY preparedness.
The Ideal candidate will have proven leadership and demonstrated proactive approaches to multi-tasking and problem solving; exceptional oral and written communication skills; group facilitation skills with large groups of diverse stakeholders within the agency, other county agencies, community partners and the public; technical skills using Microsoft Office and web-based software to process data; ability to analyze information in order to problem-solve under emergency conditions.
Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.
Selection Criteria
Minimum:
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in PUBLIC HEALTH, emergency management, or related field;- Considerable experience working in emergency preparedness and project management including logistics of materials and personnel preparedness, CDC PHEP grant guidance, the CDC Public Health, and/or FEMA Capabilities; and
- Execution of the following FEMA requirements and/or certifications within 6 months of hire: Incident Command System, National Incident Management System, and the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program. (ICS100, 200, 700, 800, 300, 400)
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:
Master's degree in PUBLIC HEALTH, emergency management, public safety or related field;- Experience employing ICS in response to real world emergencies and/or serving in an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or similar setting (i.e. hospital EOC);
- Experience designing, setting up, and running Points of Dispensing (PODs);
- Experience using the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), the National Response Framework (NRF), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention's Public Health Preparedness Capabilities, and other recognized standards/best practices in PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY preparedness and emergency management; and/or
- Project management experience including logistics of materials and personnel preparedness.
Special Requirements
Cover Letter: A complete application will include an attached cover letter and resume highlighting how your background in emergency preparedness best qualifies you for this position. Please address how your experience aligns with both the responsibilities and desirables of this position and how it demonstrates your ability to engage in the duties of the position immediately upon hire. A cover letter may also be typed in the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the application.
Driver's License: The applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver's license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. A pre-hire federal background check and State of Virginia Central Registry check will also be completed before hire.
Employment restrictions: To ensure that dual relationships are avoided and that employees who are also clients do not relate to their service provider as co-professionals, employees will not be hired by the County to provide or support services to the team or program in which they are current clients:
You cannot concurrently receive behavioral health services from Arlington County Community Service Board (CSB) programs while employed in an Arlington County CSB program (exception Crisis Intervention services).- At least 24 months must have passed between receipt of CSB services from Arlington County and employment in an Arlington County CSB program.
Additional Information
Work Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. with the flexibility to work as needed in a dynamic, emergency preparedness, and response-focused environment Potential rotation of on-call duty after hours, weekends, and holidays.
This position is part of an alternative pay program that includes career path and pay-for-performance elements. Starting pay within the band is based on a review of qualifications and experience. Pay potential will be based on performance and development.
Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions.
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. A cover letter will also be required to be attached to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The official title for this position is Public Health Emergency Planner.
All Public Health Emergency Planners are eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.
For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.
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Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.
The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email pers@arlingtonva.us.
