SORM | Continuity Coordinator | 25-0499

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The State Office of Risk Management (SORM) is looking for a service minded individual with experience in continuity of government operations to be the Statewide Continuity Coordinator. This person will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and facilitate the evolution of continuity of government. As the Statewide Continuity Coordinator, you will act as the continuity of operations planner for the Office and be responsible for overseeing the Continuity of Operations Program for the state of Texas. You will work closely with Office staff and provide consultative services to other state agencies on their continuity plans and exercises for compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other relevant standards. You will collaborate with SORM continuity staff to organize and serve the Statewide Continuity Council, providing a forum for other agency continuity coordinators to collaborate on plan development; testing, training, and exercises, including Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Programs (HSEEP) compliant exercises; and updating relevant guidelines and resources. We are looking for you to exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills to form and maintain relationships with state and federal entities.

SORM’s core missions are customer service oriented. We administer the workers' compensation program, insurance and risk management programs, and continuity of operations program for other state entities. SORM’s unique culture embraces communication, creativity, and critical thinking. We are seeking results-oriented, curious, innovative, and adaptable staff with a strong desire to help our clients, and one another succeed. If you’re looking for a fulfilling career in public service, we would love to visit with you.

As a state employee, you are automatically enrolled in the state’s retirement plan and are eligible for additional health insurance benefits.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Serves as State Office of Risk Management’s (SORM) Continuity of Operations Planner (Updates SORM’s continuity plan, emergency management plans, and disaster recovery plans to ensure continuity of operations and government principles. Conducts exercises, and trains internal staff on their roles and responsibilities in the agency plan)
• Coordinates and communicates with other areas within SORM and with external stakeholders to verify continuity plans and applicable contracts. Keeps plans and contracts updated regularly.
• Creates documentation procedures to capture and deal with changes in original plan design and specifications.
• Identifies potential program risks and difficulties and designs strategies to mitigate or avoid them.
• Develops continuity awareness materials to keep agency personnel aware and informed of their roles in the event a disaster is declared.
• Reviews and evaluates state agencies’ continuity plans for compliance of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other applicable standards relating to Continuity of Operations.
• Researches and prepares technical material for planning contracts and reports on planning projects.
• Advises agency officials on industry compliance and best practices; and planning problems and phases of comprehensive planning projects.
• Conducts consultations with state agency representatives to assist them in developing and enhancing their continuity plans and exercises
• Serves as liaison with federal, state, and local agencies to coordinate continuity activities, plans, and services.
• Creates training materials and resources for continuity practitioners within the state as needed.
• Instructs continuity courses and presents to organizations upon request concerning continuity trends and topics.
• Hosts regular meetings with stakeholders to advance continuity within the state and coordinates continuity efforts at the federal, state, and local level.
• Plan and manage symposia or conferences at the agency’s discretion and in coordination with established committees.
• Creates, maintains, and updates a continuity charter that defines the purpose, rules, deliverables, and goals of a Statewide Continuity Council
• Conducts regular meetings with the Statewide Continuity Council
• Conducts and/or facilitates internal and external training, as approved by the Executive Director, through workshops, webinars, and one-on-one discussions
• Create tools and strategies to assist statewide continuity coordinators
• Creates a customer-based interactive tools to facilitate continuity planning and maintenance
• Develops online curricula
• Performs related work as assigned
• Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions
• Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule
• Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR RISK MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST II:

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, business or public administration, or a related field is generally preferred. May substitute full-time continuity, planning, risk management, continuity operations planning or closely related experience for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience: Two years full-time experience in continuity operations planning or closely related field
• Experience: Four years general office experience
• Completion of all independent study (IS) courses for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Level I Master Continuity Practitioner
• A complete understanding of Continuity of Operations including knowledge of state and federal laws, standards, and best practices.
• Knowledge of government organization and administration of planning, formulation, coordination, and implementation methodologies; and of continuity of operations concepts.
• Proficiency in the use of computers, including the Microsoft Office 365 program suite
• Skilled at effective oral and written communication, including public speaking, and proficiency working with agency administrators
• Skilled in interpreting complex rules and regulations
• Skilled at handling multiple tasks, prioritizing work and meeting deadlines
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal mode to form and maintain relationships.
• Able to communicate and present to more senior managers without undue tension; can determine the best way to get things done with them by talking their language and responding to their needs.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment
• Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Ability to arrange and conduct business-related travel
• Ability to work more than 40-hours as needed, and in compliance with FLSA
• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs
• Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 20%

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR RISK MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST III. SAME AS II, PLUS:

• Experience: Three years full-time experience in continuity operations planning or closely related field
• FEMA Level I Professional Continuity Practitioner AND completion of all independent study (IS) course for the FEMA Level II Master Continuity Practitioner

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One or more of the following designations: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Level I Professional Continuity Practitioner or Level II Master Continuity Practitioner, Certified Public Sector Continuity Professional, Certification in Emergency Management, or related professional certification
• Experience with adult education and curriculum development
• Familiarity with ISO 31000 risk management framework

TO APPLY
All applications for employment with the State Office of Risk Management must be submitted electronically through www.WorkInTexas.com. A State of Texas application in WorkInTexas
(WIT) must be completed to be considered OR Submit a State of Texas Application for Employment to: Attn: Elaina Middleton, State Office of Risk Management, P.O. Box 13777, Austin, TX
78711-3777. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Safety.pdf

THE SORM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER