Training And Exercise Specialist

With direction from the Senior Public Health Emergency Preparedness Training and Exercise Specialist, performs complex Training and Exercise work. Work involves coordinating, developing, presenting, and evaluating professional development programs and materials. May develop and present a variety of trainings based on program needs. Serves as part of an exercise development team to plan, execute and review complex exercises as part of a broader integrated preparedness plan. Creates training materials, job descriptions and other job aides to increase the readiness of the region to respond to future Covid-19and other emergencies. Work involves providing consultative and technical services to DSHS staff, local health departments, other governmental agencies, community organizations, and the general public.
Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(35%) Serve as training resource and consultant to region and local health departments for preparedness and response program. Identify training/development needs, recommend solutions and provide technical assistance to local health departments. Coordinate and facilitate stakeholder meetings and planning workgroups related to training. Evaluate, recommend, or plan joint or supplemental training programs with city, county, state or federal agencies working on preparedness plans. Works closely with emergency management coordinators in the seven counties in which DSHS provides public health services. Designs, develops, and prepares needed curricula, course outlines and learning objectives based on identified needs and grant requirements. As directed, will oversee and monitor performance of training contractors, including the completion of contractor projects. May be required to assist in the management of contract staff and help to develop effective evaluation methods. Upon request, provide services as training or exercise evaluator. Will conduct quality assurance reviews on training delivery and complete performance reports. May design, develop, and deliver training in a classroom, through distance learning, or in an e-learning environment. Must have the ability to move up to 45 lbs. of training brochures, notebooks, pamphlets, etc.
(20%) assure trainings and Exercises are conducted according to determined schedule. May facilitate exercise planning meetings, workshops and other events. May analyze content for accessibility and make recommendations to increase its use and availability. May create, develop, design and conduct drills or exercises in compliance with grant requirements and HSEEP. Works closely and effectively with staff from the Health Care Systems, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Epidemiology and others to ensure an integrated exercise program that effectively tests public health emergency response systems and results in meaningful outcomes that enhance integrated health and medical response and recovery capabilities at all jurisdictional levels. Reviews and provides reports pertaining to compliance requirements for DSHS staff specific to preparedness training.
(25 %) Responds during exercises and real emergencies as part of the incident management command team. Makes practical decisions regarding logistics, planning, operations, and resources. Position provides input and assistance to complete the grant applications, work plans, quarterly reports, and related reporting activities for the CDC Public Health Preparedness Grant Program. Creates marketing strategies, brochures, newsletters, posters, etc.. Works with internal staff and external partners to evaluate the efficacy of messaging campaigns and helps to adapt marketing strategies to improve effectiveness. Assists in regional communication and planning initiatives as directed.
(10%) Notifies county volunteers of any public health preparedness events or trainings occurring within their jurisdiction. Communicates with volunteers regularly to ensure continuous increased knowledge and engagement and to provide a volunteer core to help enact policy and initiatives.
(10%) Other duties as assigned. Duties include the expectation to actively participate during a disaster response and/or recovery effort in the regional and/or local operations centers, joint field offices, Disaster District operations centers, or as part of a strike team. Required to complete all necessary training pursuant to the National Incident Management System and Incident Command System. May include alternate work locations and assignments. Works within the preparedness team to complete tasks as assigned, including Chempack sustainment and other duties. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of curriculum and instructional design principles.
Knowledge of adult education training techniques and presentations
Knowledge of public health preparedness
Knowledge of the four phases of emergency management
Knowledge of strategic planning processes and tools
Knowledge of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
Knowledge of program planning, implementation and evaluation
Knowledge of grant requirements
Skill in designing effective drills and Exercises to test emergency response and recovery plans and capacities at all jurisdictional levels
Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes and from a variety of sources
Skill in conducting training needs assessments and training evaluations
Skill in accurate and effective written and verbal communication, including the development of training resources in a variety of electronic and printed formats
Skill in systems development, process facilitation techniques, team building, negotiation, conflict resolution and vision building
Skill in providing technical assistance to a variety of stakeholders
Skill in organizing and prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines
Skill in delivering public presentations to a wide variety of audiences and manage small and large group interactions effectively.
Ability to motivate adult learners and encourage compliance with regional training requirement policy.
Ability to handle crisis situations
Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team during an emergency response
Ability to take direction and function within a diverse and multidisciplinary team
Ability to develop and write plans, procedures and concise reports
Ability to establish goals, objectives, action items, timelines and strategies
Ability to develop and implement management schedules, priorities and standards, tracking systems and evaluation tools

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Texas Drivers License

Initial Selection Criteria:
Bachelor's degree in public health, adult education, emergency management or related field required.
Some experience in public health or emergency management required.

Additional Information:
Must comply with agency immunization policy. Must provide own transportation, have a current Texas Driver's License, and comply with agency travel policies. Other duties as assigned include, but are 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.

MOS Code:
15P, 35F, 59A, 21, 25, MGT15, MGT17, 0551, 8016, 0205, 0550, 0620, 0640, 3450, 8870, 16RX