Director of Public Safety

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB

Direct the planning, organization, operation and readiness of the overall Emergency Management Agency, 911 Emergency Operations Center and Hazardous Materials Program for the County. This includes providing services of an enhanced 911 public safety answering point, multi-jurisdictional dispatch of police, fire and emergency medical services, and the County Emergency Management Programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB

1.    Provides for the judicious planning, assignment and coordination of all available resources in an integrated program of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery for emergencies of any kind whether from attack, man-made or natural sources.

2.    Oversees the operation, planning, service and integrity of the County enhanced 911 answering point and emergency dispatch center.

3.    Responsible for the implementation, compliance and administration of policies, practices and guidelines relating to the operations and functions of the Emergency Management Agency and enhanced 911 Center.

4.    Directs the delivery of services pertaining to emergency planning and response between the general public, emergency services agencies, emergency management agencies, municipalities, county officials, state and federal governments.

5.    Maintains proper communication between the County and local municipal officials, police, fire, emergency medical services and other EMA coordinators.

6.    Acts on behalf of the County of Clarion Board of Commissioners as liaison between state and federal agencies regarding administration and compliance of all programs and functions related to public safety.

7.    Coordinates the County’s responsibilities for the development of public safety plans for the County of Clarion and county municipalities and updates all current emergency and disaster plans.

8.    Maintains an Emergency Operations Plan that meets State and Federal mandates for accreditation in order to be allowed to participate in State and Federal grant programs.

9.    Develops specifications for telephone, communications and computer equipment. Ensures all emergency communications, telephone and response equipment are monitored for proper maintenance and operation.

10.    Oversees grant applications for State and Federal funds to enhance and insure continued eligibility, programs exactness and funding confirmation.

11.    Coordinates enhanced 911 Center and Emergency Management field activities.

12.    Provides training sessions for local coordinators, school officials, public officials, hospitals and any other personnel regarding emergency preparedness.

13.    Makes public presentations to social, community and service groups regarding the County of Clarion emergency management and enhanced 911 communication systems.

14.    Responsible for all staffing and scheduling of the 911 communication center.

15.    Ensures the development and implementation of training programs for departmental staff to provide for a highly skilled workforce.

16.    Submits quarterly activity reports to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

17.    Attends PEMA quarterly training sessions and other training sessions as required or authorized.

18.    Provides employees and volunteers with needed training and implements training exercises.

19.    Directs the activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), assuring functional operation.

20.    Ensures completion of all grant applications, reporting, and PEMA prescribed reports.

21.    Coordinates with County of Clarion Human Resources Department the recruiting, hiring, and retention of qualified employees.

22.    Develops and manages the department’s annual operating budget in accordance with the County’s established policies and procedures.

OTHER DUTIES OF THE JOB

1.    Manages the County’s Emergency Services Operation in coordination with PEMA, FEMA and the Dept. of Homeland Security.

2.    Conducts presentations to government officials and/or general public on department issues as needed.

3.    Obtains required training certifications and maintains currency in all requirements.

4.    Performs other job-related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to and receives minimum general guidance from County Administrator relative to Public Safety.  

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Exercises direct supervision over staff emergency management staff and emergency communications staff to ensure the optimum efficient and effectiveness of departmental operations and public safety initiatives, activities and programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1.    Works indoors in adequate work space, temperatures, ventilation, lighting, average exposure to noise, disruptions, stress, and normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

2.     Works outdoors in all climatic conditions as necessary in emergency and incident management situations.

3.       Subject to working long hours under pressure during incident management drills and situations.

4.    Subject to working evening hours for meetings, seminars or other job-related duties.

5.    Travels periodically to sites, landfills, seminars, etc. as needed to perform essential job duties.

6.    Subject to potential exposure to hazardous waste materials and outdoor elements, gases, chemicals and/or fumes, in event of disaster.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS

1.    Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.

2.    Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching and driving, as necessary to carry out essential duties of job. 

3.    Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso, necessary to carry out duties of job. 

4.    Light work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of 70 pounds. 

5.    Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.

6.    Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

A.    EDUCATION/TRAINING

Bachelor’s degree in management, planning, communications or other related field preferred; computer and telecommunication skills required.

B.    WORK EXPERIENCE

Three to five years working experience, in Emergency services, communications, Law enforcement, fire protection in private sector or government agency; also, one to two years’ supervisory management experience necessary; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and/or training.

C.    CERTIFICATION

Must be able to acquire and maintain basic certification in Emergency Management within one year of employment, advanced certification is encouraged within three years of employment and professional certification is encouraged within five years of employment.

•    Must not appear on Preclusion Lists as defined by “Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-11-05 Provider Screening of Employees and Contractors for Exclusion from Participating in Federal Healthcare Programs.”

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1.    Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential functions of job.

2.    Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.

3.    Must possess initiative and problem solving skills. 

4.    Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with veterans’ families, County and federal agencies and others.

5.    Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to County information and records. 

6.    Must possess technical knowledge of operating personal computers and other office and emergency equipment.

7.    Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. 

8.    Must possess knowledge of principles and practices of management and supervision, and the ability to plan, delegate and oversee work.

9.    Must possess knowledge and ability to prepare budgets and to analyze and direct financial aspects within the department.

10.    Must possess the ability to resolve problems in an efficient and effective manner.

11.    Must possess thorough knowledge of planning and county policies, procedures and practices, and the ability to carry these out and to interact effectively with other departments and agencies regarding same.

12.    Must possess the ability to coordinate a number of emergency service plans and activities.

13.    Must possess a thorough knowledge of current social, economic and health resources and the ability to utilize these resources effectively in dealing with County activities.

14.    Must possess knowledge of emergency communications equipment and systems.

15.    Must possess knowledge of and ability to develop and implement plans to deal with natural disasters and/or emergencies, to plan and carry out programs, to develop local resources and to coordinate and direct such resources during emergencies and disasters.