Essential Functions:
Coordinate personnel and resources, assess and report on the degree of the situation, and determine and monitor appropriate initial action for the public health emergency.
Develop a coordinated bio-terrorism response plan within Douglas County, ensuring coordination with other local, regional and state response plans.
Coordinate departmental information to the public, local elected officials, and other public health agencies and partners in accordance with the State of Nebraska’s plan in the event of a bio-terrorism incident or other threats to public health.
Establish relationships with medical, public health and emergency response partners within Douglas County, adjoining Counties and the State of Nebraska.
Gain knowledge regarding all aspects of the Douglas County Emergency Operations Plan.
Represent the Douglas County Health Department at meetings, conferences, workshops, workgroups, and other training related to bio-terrorism preparedness and other disaster plan meetings as requested by the State of Nebraska.
Attend debriefings after emergencies to identify deficiencies in the current plans and make recommendations to improve the plan based on those observations.
Assure that protocols are in place to respond to a public health emergency.
Develop a coordinated pharmaceutical stockpile distribution plan and required vaccination plans within Douglas County, ensuring coordination with other local, regional, and state response plans.
Annually complete and submit to the State of Nebraska a public health preparedness and response capacity inventory using tools and resources provided by the State.
Apply evaluation tools to assess the effectiveness of plans and programs.
Assist in coordinating the surveillance and epidemiology response within Douglas County and with the State of Nebraska.
Assist in developing a medical responder resource directory that shall include active, non-active and retired medical doctors, nurses, ambulance attendants, etc. who are willing and able to assist with mass immunizations, triage of the injured, mental health needs, and other public health functions during an emergency within the Douglas County.
Develop agency procedures to ensure message accuracy, consistency, and appropriateness while protecting the confidentiality of individuals who may be involved.
Ensure that education and training are available to improve gaps in knowledge, skills and abilities of staff and public health partners within the County.
Monitor the expenditures for bio-terrorism activities to comply with the funding received from the State of Nebraska.
Complete the required reports as outlined in the contract with the State of Nebraska in a timely and complete fashion.
Assist the Health Department in other coordinating and planning functions that would increase the response to a public health emergency.
Provide information by giving presentations to the public on handling bio-terrorism situations.
Maintain client confidentiality regarding reported communicable diseases and the resulting investigations as per Nebraska Statute.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Work Experience and Other Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Nursing, or related field of studies required. Master’s degree in Public Health Preferred.
One year of public health and/or emergency response-related work experience required.
Experience in coordinating projects and plans as well as evaluation tools preferred.
Experience or training which evidences knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and own mode of transportation at the time of hire and throughout the course of employment.
View the full job description and apply online here.