What are the responsibilities and job description for the Continuity of Operations (COOP) Specialist position at The Michelle Martin Group?
Job Title: Continuity of Operations (COOP) Specialist
Job Type: Full Time, Monday to Friday
Location: Baltimore, MD
The Michelle Martin Group (MMG) is dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with outstanding opportunities. We are seeking a Continuity of Operations (COOP) Specialist for our esteemed client in Baltimore, MD. We are committed to providing comprehensive staffing solutions to our clients across various industries. The primary work location will be Baltimore, MD, and will report to the Assistant Controller.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Continuity of Operations (COOP) Specialist with expertise in Test, Training, and Exercise (TT&E) to support the client’s mission-critical operations. The COOP Specialist will ensure the organization’s readiness to sustain essential functions during and after disruptions by developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive TT&E programs. This role involves working collaboratively with the client's leadership, operational staff, and external partners to enhance organizational resilience, compliance, and preparedness.
Key Responsibilities
Testing
- Design and execute testing protocols for continuity systems, equipment, and processes to ensure functionality and reliability.
- Conduct failover and recovery tests for IT systems to validate data accessibility and integrity.
- Analyze test results, identify deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions to address technical and operational gaps.
Training
- Develop and deliver role-specific training programs for personnel to ensure understanding of COOP policies, roles, and responsibilities.
- Facilitate onboarding sessions for new staff on continuity planning and emergency management protocols.
- Assess training effectiveness and update materials based on feedback and evolving continuity requirements.
Exercises
- Plan, coordinate, and execute a range of continuity exercises, including tabletop, functional, and full-scale drills.
- Create realistic scenarios to evaluate the effectiveness of the client’s continuity strategies under various emergency conditions.
- Document exercise outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and collaborate with stakeholders to update the COOP plan.
Compliance and Reporting
- Ensure all TT&E activities comply with federal continuity requirements, such as FEMA’s Continuity Guidance Circular and NIST standards.
- Maintain thorough documentation of TT&E activities, outcomes, and corrective actions.
- Prepare reports and briefings for the client’s leadership on continuity readiness and TT&E program progress.
Qualifications
Required Skills and Experience
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing TT&E programs in a government or healthcare setting.
- Knowledge of continuity planning frameworks, including FEMA, HHS, and NIST guidelines.
- Strong analytical skills to evaluate system functionality and identify improvement opportunities.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills for training and stakeholder collaboration.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with the unique operational needs of Medicare and Medicaid services.
- Experience with risk assessment and business impact analysis (BIA).
- Certification in emergency management or continuity planning (e.g., FEMA Professional Continuity Practitioner).
The Michelle Martin Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
