Emergency Preparedness Specialist I/II

The County of Yolo is recruiting to fill one (1) regular, full-time position in the class of Emergency Preparedness Specialist I/II in the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program. The hiring manager will determine the level of hire at the time of offer.

The PHEP program is a section of the Yolo Emergency Medical Services Agency (YEMSA) within the Public Health Branch of the Health and Human Services Agency.  The mission of the PHEP program is to enhance the healthcare and public health system’s capacity to prevent and respond to public health emergencies and disasters to minimize morbidity and mortality during crises. This is done through healthcare partnerships and coalitions, emergency preparedness planning, and initiatives to strengthen resiliency amongst medically vulnerable populations with access and functional needs. 

The Emergency Preparedness Specialist l/lI will assist the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and the Emergency Medical Services Administrator in maintaining the following grant programs: Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP), Community Readiness Initiative (CRI), Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and Pandemic Influenza (PanFlu). 

Duties may include; 

• Developing program work plans and updating grant tracking platforms;
• Creating program budgets;
• Developing emergency response plans and protocols;
• Providing training for internal and external partners;
• Stakeholder education;
• Designing and conducting exercises;
• Serving in medical-health emergency support roles;
• Coordinating and maintaining disaster healthcare volunteer groups;
• Maintaining emergency preparedness inventories; AND
• Other duties as assigned. 

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office suite, Smartsheet, and ability to quickly learn new platforms and simple database platforms);
• Strong professional communication skills (technical and plan writing in addition to verbal communication);
• Project planning skills;
• Ability to perform research and analysis; AND
• Basic knowledge of the responsibilities of healthcare organizations, public health, and government agencies during public health emergencies and disasters.

For important and detailed information regarding the application and selection process for this recruitment, please see the APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS section of this job announcement below. Verification of education must be attached to the application at the time of filing.

 
Definition 
Under general direction, supports public health emergency preparedness activities, including training and exercises, plan development and review, workforce development, and at risk/vulnerable population planning; evaluates and documents program effectiveness and implements corrective actions.
 
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Emergency Preparedness Specialist class has two salary levels, and positions in this class are flexibly staffed.  The Emergency Preparedness Specialist I is the entry-level classification in this classification series. Initially, incumbents work under close supervision, and are given detailed instructions in the performance of routine public health disaster preparedness plan development, coordination and training for programs and initiatives that are more structured and repetitive than those assigned to the Emergency Preparedness Specialist II.  As skills and knowledge are developed, incumbents are expected to perform increasingly responsible and difficult assignments. 
 
Incumbents may advance to Emergency Preparedness Specialist II after demonstrating the ability to perform the full journey level duties of the class. The Emergency Preparedness Specialist II is the journey level classification responsible for performing the full range and scope of work.  Incumbents work under general supervision and are expected to be proficient in performing a variety of responsible and difficult disaster preparedness plan development, coordination and training for programs and initiatives, with the goal of increasing community resiliency and building capacity to respond to a public health emergency.
 
Emergency Preparedness Specialist II differs from Emergency Preparedness Program Coordinator in that the latter has the responsibility to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the Emergency Preparedness program, and may supervise staff within the program.Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Coordinates, plans, and presents training for staff development in areas related to public health emergency preparedness.
• Assists with the development and implementation of public health emergency preparedness and response plans; identifies and addresses gaps in emergency response plans for at risk/vulnerable populations
• Acts as program liaison to facilitate and/or participate in inter-agency coalitions and meetings.
• Collaborates with other health care providers and community organizations to coordinate multi-agency training and exercises related to emergency preparedness.
• Develops and manages a learning management system to monitor training and exercises.
• Conducts training needs assessments of department and other inter-agency personnel.
• Coordinates with other agencies to provide public health emergency preparedness training to medical and emergency partners, government, tribal, business and other volunteers.
• Oversees evaluation of emergency exercises and implementation of corrective actions; facilitates program evaluation of preparedness programs to conform to public health and emergency management grant requirements.
• Utilizes technology to enhance, streamline and manage emergency preparedness information and systems.
• Interprets and incorporates laws and regulations into training related to emergency preparedness and disaster worker responsibilities and requirements.
• Gathers and compiles program data; prepares department reports.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Emergency Preparedness Specialist I:
Education:  Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public health, biological sciences, behavioral health sciences, emergency preparedness or other related field.

Emergency Preparedness Specialist II:
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public health, biological sciences, behavioral health sciences, emergency preparedness or other related field; AND
Experience: Two (2) years of experience performing emergency preparedness and training work comparable to the Yolo County class of Emergency Preparedness Specialist I in a public health, emergency medical response or health care organization.

Both classifications:
License: Positions in these classifications require incumbents to possess and maintain a valid California driver's license, Class C or higher, to carry out job related duties. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical or mental disability may request a reasonable accommodation. 

Knowledge of: 

• Principles, methods and techniques of health education including program planning and evaluation
• Education and training for professionals and adult populations
• Methods of information dissemination
• Principles of effective oral and written communication
• Principles of communicable disease transmission and control
• Understanding of psychology, sociology and economic influences on public health practices
• Organization, content and goals of public health agencies
• Principles and methods of public administration, including methods of developing planning documents and preparing reports
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation 

Ability to:  

• Develop, implement and monitor countywide programs and services
• Analyze preparedness programs and implement effective solutions
• Develop work plan and identify resources needed to meet timelines
• Effectively assemble, organize and present in written and oral form, reports containing specific plans, programs and policies
• Prepare media variety of written materials, including public information, policies, and reports
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, during normal operations and during an emergency
• Establish and maintain effective working relations
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Evaluate program effectiveness and develop improvement plans
• Demonstrate awareness of cultural sensitivity and special population needs in the development of emergency preparedness and response planning

Application Process

It is highly recommended that you print this job bulletin for future reference.

Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the closing date.  Application information must be current, concise, and related to the requirements in this job announcement.  A resume should be included with your application; however, it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.  In addition to a completed application, applicants are required to submit a completed supplemental questionnaire, and verification of education for this position.   Incomplete applications will be disqualified.  

Additional documents may be submitted to the Yolo County Human Resources Office in any one or more of the following ways: 

• As an attachment to the online application 
• By e-mail to hhsa.jobs@yolocounty.gov 
• By hand-delivery to 625 Court Street, Room 101, Woodland, CA 95695. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All required documents must be received by the Human Resources Office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted.   Human Resources is not responsible for the untimely delivery of materials sent via U.S./specialized mail, or County interoffice mail.

Selection Procedure

The following is a tentative schedule of events that will occur as part of the selection process.  The selection process steps, and all listed dates, may change with or without notice.

• Screen for Minimum Qualifications week of March 9, 2025
• Screen for Best Qualified week of March 16, 2025
• Department Selection Interviews TBD
• Reference Checks
• Conditional Job Offer, pending:
  1. Pre-Employment Exams 
     • Drug & Alcohol Screen
     • Department of Justice LiveScan
  2. Proof of Vaccination or Exemption
• Confirmed Job Offer
• Estimated Start Date: April/May 2025

Verification of Education
 Acceptable forms of educational documentation are official or unofficial transcripts that list the student's name, institution name, field of study and date the degree was awarded. 

 For recent graduates who have not received proof of their degree yet, a letter from the registrar's office stating that all requirements for graduation have been met and listing the field of study will be sufficient proof of graduation.

 Please do not send originals; copies of the required documents are acceptable. Any submitted documents will not be returned.

 All foreign transcripts or diplomas must be in English. If the institution does not provide these documents in English, the applicant will need to provide a translation which has been done by a professional agency. The County of Yolo will accept education as equivalent to U.S. accreditation from Institutions that are listed as members of the International Association of Universities. You may check for your school by visiting the IAU web site (http://www.iau-aiu.net/content/institutions).
 Applicants who possess a degree or completed coursework that is not from an accredited college or university, must submit one of the following:
  
 1. A written statement from a U.S. accredited university or college that states that the applicant is qualified for entrance to a program of graduate studies for which a degree in a related field is required.
 
 2. An evaluation of the applicant's degree and coursework equivalency by a private organization that provides foreign credential evaluation services. The evaluation must include a comparison of comparable U.S. courses for content, credit and grade.
 
 Note: Foreign language documents must include a precise word-for-word English translation of all foreign language documents. It is the responsibility of each applicant to prove to the satisfaction of the County that the applicant meets the specific requirements listed on the job announcement for each specific examination. The following is a list of private organizations that provide foreign credential evaluation services. Fees range from $50 to $400 per document; processing times vary from 5-20 business days. For further information, please contact the organization(s). The County of Yolo does not endorse these business entities; this list has been developed for informational purposes only.
 
 EDUCATIONAL RECORDS EVALUATION SERVICE
 601 University Ave., Suite 127
 Sacramento, CA 95825
 (916) 921-0790
 www.eres.com  
 
 FOREIGN EDUCATION DOCUMENT SERVICE
 P.O. Box 151739
 San Diego, CA 92175
 (619) 265-5810
 www.documentservice.org 
 
 CENTER FOR APPLIED RESEARCH, EVALUATION & EDUCATION, INC.
 P.O. Box 18358 Anaheim, CA 92817
 (714) 237-9272
 www.iescaree.com 
 
 GLOBAL SERVICES ASSOCIATES, INC.
 409 North Pacific Coast Highway, # 393
 Redondo Beach, CA 90277
 (310) 828-5709
 www.globaleval.org
 
 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH FOUNDATION CREDENTIALS EVALUATION SERVICE
 P.O. Box 3665
 Culver City, CA 90231-3665
 (310) 258-9451
 www.ierf.org

Verification of Certification
 Acceptable forms of certification and/or formal training documentation are certificates that list the applicant's name, institution name, course title and date the certificate was awarded. If applicable, the verifying documentation should include a certification/license number as well as an expiration date.

Screening for Best Qualified

The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate’s experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.  If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.  Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.   If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.  Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated to determine those applicants that are best qualified.  

Contact Information

For questions about the position or about employment with the County, please contact Human Resources by e-mail at hhsa.jobs@yolocounty.gov or by phone at (530) 666-8600.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the County of Yolo to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance.  The County will comply with all of its obligations under State and Federal laws regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations to applicants.  Reasonable testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities or who are unable to attend a scheduled test due to religious reasons in accordance with the Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please call the County of Yolo Human Resources Office at (530) 666-8055 at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled test date to request accommodation. Documentation from a medical doctor, rehabilitation counselor, or other qualified professional will be required.

Yolo County, a place where YOU belong!

The average person spends one third of their life at work. Why not spend that time in an environment where you are seen for who you are, celebrated for the diversity you bring, and valued for your potential to contribute to an innovative and dynamic workforce? Yolo County is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable workplace which supports and values our diverse community.

Come join us! This is where YOU belong.

Salary : $69,576 - $84,573