Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Communications Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) and Communications Coordinator is responsible for planning and directing disaster response and crisis management activities. This includes providing disaster preparedness training and developing emergency plans and procedures to address public health crises, natural disasters (e.g., tornadoes, floods), and technological emergencies (e.g., nuclear power plant incidents, hazardous materials spills). The position oversees the development and implementation of emergency preparedness initiatives within the Public Health department.

The Coordinator also serves in the Communications role, collaborating with community organizations to disseminate vital health information. Leading efforts to raise awareness and engage stakeholders in public health initiatives. A proactive approach reinforces the department's mission by delivering trusted health information and effective public health messaging to both internal and external audiences.

Functions are completed independently under the limited supervision of the Community Health Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Coordinate Renville County’s preparedness and response to public health emergencies.

·         Be proficient in National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command Structure (ICS) functions and readily available to activate the emergency response plan when necessary.

·         Assume leadership roles and assigned NIMS roles during public health emergency responses and drills.   

·         Design, implement, and evaluate emergency preparedness plans, drills, and exercises, including call-down drills.

·         Prepare staff and volunteers for emergency roles through training, protocol development, and resource allocation.

·         Identify, manage, and organize emergency response training activities within the department, to volunteers, to community partners, and to the public.

·         Conduct presentations to community groups to enhance public awareness and preparedness. 

·         Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, including municipalities, county departments, community health and social service agencies, emergency response partners, and volunteer agencies to coordinate efforts and enhance the delivery of health and emergency response activities within the County.

·         Communicate directly with appropriate agencies, media outlets, and the public during emergencies to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information.

·         Assist in preparing the annual budget and manage program budgets for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Sustainability grants.

·         Develop, manage, and report work plan activities, including quarterly and semi-annual reports, ensuring compliance with grant deliverables and timelines to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

·         Maintain preparedness and response documents, including plans and operations manuals.

·         Procure, maintain, and inventory cache of emergency response supplies and equipment.

·         Coordinate resource and equipment sharing across communities to support emergency response efforts.

·         Update, maintain, and utilize reporting and information systems, including but not limited to REDCap, Minnesota Electronic Disease Surveillance System, MnTrac, SharePoint, PartnerLink, MN Responds, IMATS, and MN.TRAIN.

·         Prepare and submit emergency situation status reports, including response efforts, recovery needs, damage assessments, and after-action reports/improvement plans.

·         Participate in the development, review, and management of policies to anticipate hazards and mitigate potential public health risks.

·         Advise public health department leadership on procedures to optimize resource and personnel utilization during emergencies.

·         Oversee and ensure the effective implementation of the Health Alert Network (HAN) and MN Responds volunteer programming.

·         Plan and manage response operations for shelters, special needs programs, and evacuation processes.

·         Plan and manage response operations for points of medical countermeasure distribution.

·         Support other emergency response operations aligned with the agency’s scope of authority and responsibilities.

·         Coordinate with MDH and other entities to enhance preparedness and response efforts.

·         Actively participate in regional PHEP meetings and Southwest Healthcare Preparedness Coalition meetings.

·         Use a health equity lens to assess the needs of target populations and integrate equity into all planning, implementation, and evaluation efforts.

Communications Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Develop and deliver clear, concise communication materials that promote Renville County Public Health’s brand, mission, and strategic vision.

·         Coordinate with subject matter experts, program staff, agency leaders, and external partners to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent public health information. 

·         Create and manage high-quality content across various platforms, including social media, websites, newsletters, press releases, and promotional materials.

·         Develop visually compelling materials such as graphics, brochures, videos, and presentations to support public health initiatives.

·         Ensure all materials are culturally sensitive, accessible, and effectively communicate public health information.

·         Plan, implement, and evaluate targeted campaigns addressing specific public health issues.

·         Identify target audiences and tailor messaging to engage diverse communities effectively.

·         Establish and maintain cohesive branding across all communication efforts.

·         Create and encourage use of organizational policies and templates for consistent public health messaging.

·         Manage social media accounts by creating engaging content and using data-driven approaches to monitor trends, respond to inquiries, and analyze performance metrics to optimize engagement.

·         Analyze communication strategies and campaigns to assess effectiveness and inform improvements.

·         Cultivate relationships with media outlets to promote public health initiatives and events.

·         Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and other communication materials.

·         Develop and maintain crisis communication plans and protocols for public health emergencies.

·         Use risk communication best practices to respond effectively during emergencies and serve as the public information officer, if delegated.

·         Research and develop organizational policies, procedures and templates to support consistent and unified public health messaging.

·         Design and present data for use in planning related to quality improvement, proposed legislation communications, budgeting, ordinance and policy work, and community education.

·         Work collaboratively as an integral member of the County’s communications team, providing support and taking the lead on initiatives as opportunities arise and align with organizational goals.

Safety Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Direct and participate in the County Safety Program.

·         Assist with employee work-related accident investigation and/or employee/non-employee accident occurrences on county property.

·         Inspect County facilities to detect and correct potential hazards and recommend corrective action to the appropriate authorities.

·         Establish and maintain records relating to the County Risk Management Program and Occupational Health and Safety.

·         Maintain OSHA requirements and required reporting.

·         Act as liaison with safety training provider(s) to ensure all training logistics are in order.

Other Key Responsibilities:

·         Perform other related work assignments as directed or as it becomes apparent.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS

Internal interactions in Renville County with: County Agency Staff, County Board of Commissioners, County Administration, Kandiyohi-Renville Community Health Board

External interactions with: Public, Other Public Health Agencies, Minnesota Department of Health, City Administrations/ Leaders, Health Care Agencies, Schools, Community Groups, Organizations and Businesses

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily (see above). The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

·         Bachelor’s degree in public health, emergency preparedness and response, emergency management, public safety, communications, or a closely related field.

Or

·         Two years of post-secondary education focusing on public health, emergency preparedness and response, emergency management, public safety, communications, or a closely related field; and two years of full-time paid work experience in public health, emergency preparedness and response, emergency management, public safety, communications.

·         Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong understanding of public health principles, including program development, health literacy, as well as knowledge of social determinants of health, health equity, and community systems and resources. Comprehensive expertise in crisis and risk communication, with proficiency in media planning, strategic communication, marketing, and dissemination techniques, including effective use of social media platforms and analytics. Skilled in intercultural communication and culturally competent practices for engaging diverse populations, along with the ability to conduct health literacy screening, utilize plain language, promote media literacy, and apply accessible design principles. Familiarity with emergency preparedness policies, procedures, and strategies for protecting public health. 

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, persuasive presentations, and content creation tailored to diverse audiences. Proficiency in media planning, editing, proofreading, and developing educational materials such as graphs, infographics, and storyboards. Strong organizational, time management, and leadership abilities for coordinating disaster responses and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Expertise in marketing strategy development, community outreach, and engagement initiatives. Proficiency in using MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and social media management tools. Skilled in building collaborative relationships with stakeholders and tailoring communications for culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Strong analytical skills for interpreting policies, regulations, and data to support informed decision-making.

Ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple complex projects under tight deadlines and high-pressure conditions while analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to draw valid conclusions and recommend actionable solutions. Develop, implement, and evaluate public health communications strategies across various platforms and collaborate with community partners and diverse populations to address public health needs. Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in responding to urgent situations and de-escalating stressful conditions. Solve practical problems and adapt to changing circumstances using critical thinking and situational awareness. Communicate complex information clearly, concisely, and effectively through written, verbal, and visual formats. Demonstrate cultural humility and respect in all interactions, fostering inclusivity and trust. Contribute expertise to emergency planning, hazard vulnerability analysis, and organizational capacity-building efforts.

Physical Demands:

This role occasionally involves exerting up to 50 pounds of force. It typically involves sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting. Standard vision and vocal communication are necessary for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, as is hearing at normal levels. Tasks include data preparation and analysis, office machine operation, and observing surroundings. Exposure to environmental conditions is infrequent. Work locations might have moderate noise levels (e.g., business office, light traffic). Flexibility in hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, may be required. Reasonable accommodations can be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Selection Process:  

Applications will be accepted until 3/16/25.  

First round interviews will be held via technology on 3/25/2025  

For those selected, 2nd Round interviews will be held in person on 4/2/20205  

Renville County Benefits Information:  

https://www.renvillecountymn.gov/employment/benefits/  

May be eligible for hybrid telework.