Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator #2208-5089-01

Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Health.

This is a professional position, under the direction and supervision of the Director of Health. Work involves coordinating all aspects of Public Health Risk Communications and Emergency Response for the New Haven Health Department.

• Implements a Public Health Risk Communications plan to keep residents informed about public health hazards, agency programs, health related emergency responses and the delivery of prevention services.
• Maintains and regularly update emergency response plans and coordinates across divisions of the Health Department to ensure appropriate agency response to public health emergencies/disasters consistent with the state and federal standards of operations.
• Develops and tests new plans in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Keeps updated a public health risk communications strategy related to threats to public health as well as mitigation, preparedness and recovery interventions.
• Coordinates the agency’s continuity of operations and public health response including but not limited to disease outbreaks, release of biological, radiological, and chemical agents.
• Puts into operation risk communication strategies including but not limited to use all functionalities and interactive communication of the Health Department web site.
• Organizes exercises with local partners to support the Emergency Support Functions (ESF-8) related to Public Health and Medical Services as required by the Department of Homeland Security and coordinates the participation and compliance of the Health Department in drills and table-top exercises implemented by local and regional ESF-8 planning committees.
• In close cooperation with the City Office of Emergency Management, ensures that staff is trained and maintains an Incident Command System (ICS), including job designations and action sheets, for the management of emergencies/disasters.
• In close coordination with the state Department of Public Health and if required, oversees participation in the Centers for Disease Control Division Strategic National Stockpile (CDC DSNS).
• Coordinates the dissemination of materials (print and/or electronic format), with information about all programs and emergency operations of the Health Department to groups of the workforce and resident population exposed to environmental, infectious or other public health hazards.
• Characterizes and prioritizes content of public information material, templates, mechanisms and frequency of messages related to protection from public health hazards. Administers a logging system that keeps track of all documentation made public by the Health Department.
• Administers communication assets of the Health Department, and ensures constant and organized flow of data through all possible outlets such as website, social networks, traditional media, newsletters, etc; including the use of alternative technologies that improve timeliness and efficiency for the dissemination of public health information.
• Ensures appropriate and redundant tactical communication plans, protocols and equipment and assesses the extent to which information reaches the intended audiences and target groups.
• Develops grant applications, prepares reports and manages deliverables as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with concentration Public Health, Public Relations or Communications and/or a Master’s Degree in Public Health, Public Relations or Communications. In lieu of a postgraduate education, evidence of at least four-years with direct responsibilities in a public health agency for public health risk communications, emergency preparedness or public information officer duties. Any equivalent combination of postgraduate training and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Knowledge of the nature and control of communicable diseases and public health hazards.
• Substantive knowledge of the Connecticut public health code, health care provider regulations or health policy issues that pertain to the practice of Public Health.
• Knowledge of laws that regulate the release of public information
• Proficient in the use of computer systems and comfortable with the essentials of data and online data management
• Knowledge of the most current concepts of public health practices.
• Ability to interpret and discuss results from population based surveys.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening, (3) registration in the New Haven COVID Vaccination/Testing portal and providing proof of Vaccination status, as per the Mandatory COVID Vaccination/Testing Policy, and (4) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

This is a General Fund, "Tested" position.

Applicants meeting minimum requirements will be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.