EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

PROGRAM COORDINATOR – BIO DEFENSE PREPAREDNESS/RESPONSE (BDPR)
FUNCTION
Performs professional and administrative work in the development, implementation and coordination for operation of a
comprehensive countywide public health bio-defense preparedness and response program.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Work is performed under general direction of the Health & Social Services Director. Work is performed with considerable
latitude for discretion and judgment in the administration of program goals and objectives. Work is reviewed through
conferences and results achieved.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
As assigned, may exercise technical, functional or direct supervision of assigned personnel. Directly exercises technical
and functional supervision of those involved in the development, implementation and conducting of coordinated program
requirements and protocols.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the activities involved in implementing and coordinating a comprehensive
countywide public health bio-defense preparedness and response program.
2. Develops and implements an effective countywide plan for responding to incidents of bioterrorism, other infectious
disease outbreaks and other public health threats and emergencies. Organizes and develops the resources
necessary to implement the plan and achieve the expected results. Develops a countywide or regional hospital plan
that would accommodate, in an emergency, at least 500 patients.
3. In collaboration with the County Epidemiologist, Information Technology staff and others as identified, assures the
infectious disease surveillance system operates effectively and efficiently, including the ability to receive and evaluate
urgent disease reports from throughout the county on a 24-hours per day, 7-days per week basis. Ensures
participation in statewide electronic disease surveillance programs and activities.
4. Determines level of readiness by conducting assessments of emergency preparedness and response capabilities
related to bioterrorism, other outbreaks of infectious disease and other public health threats and emergencies.
5. Develops a plan to receive and manage items from the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile (NPS) and other sources,
including mass distribution of antibiotics, vaccines and medical material. Trains staff and other identified individuals to
implement the NPS plan.
6. In collaboration with the Communications Manager, Information Technology staff and others as identified, assures the
public health communications system operates effectively and efficiently, including the ability to provide and
disseminate critical health information 24-hours per day, 7-days per week basis, between hospital emergency
departments, state and county health department officials, and law enforcement. Ensures that the public is
appropriately informed by using effective risk communication and information dissemination practices and protocols.
7. Establishes and promotes relationships with hospitals, physicians, laboratory staff members, clinical service providers
and provider office staff, community health centers, and urgent care centers to ensure timely and accurate reporting
and to assure effective collaboration in the event of a natural or intentional biologic event or disease outbreak or other
Public Health emergency or crisis.
8. Coordinates, oversees and implements outbreak containment and control, and other public health response activities
appropriate for disease outbreak, major biologic event or other public health emergency or emergency/crisis situations.
9. Organizes, coordinates and provides technical support for the Bio-Defense Preparedness and Response (BDPR)
Team which is comprised of regional public health and health service providers.
10. Reviews, organizes, develops and routinely updates to assure current, up-to-date information of the Bio-Defense
Preparedness and Response (BDPR) Plan and assures its distribution to team members.
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11. Promotes recognition and acceptance by community agencies of the Mohave County Incident Command Structure
required to respond to a biologic event or other public health disaster, and the appropriate role to be assumed by each
agency during a public health emergency or crisis situation.
12. Develops collaborative relationships with other city, county and state government agencies, private sector
organizations and community health care providers who have a role in responding to either a natural or intentional
biologic event or disease outbreak that threatens community health and safety.
13. Plans, coordinates, conducts and facilitates programs, training, conferences, workshops and readiness exercises and
develops goals and objectives, strategic plans, program policies, procedures, guidelines, workbooks and manuals.
14. Coordinates the preparation of state and federal project applications, progress reports and other materials required for
state and federal assistance in bio-defense preparedness and response activities. Identifies available resources and
negotiates agreements for sharing of resources.
15. Coordinates with and assists governmental, public health and health services/provider agencies in developing
coordinated emergency response plans, conferring with various public and private agencies and official in identifying
human and material resource needs and in formulating plans for resource mobilization during an emergency.
16. Plans, maintains and coordinates activation of Bio-Defense Preparedness and Response (BDPR) operation center
facilities and equipment. Conducts tests of telecommunication, computer and other emergency operation equipment
to assure equipment is functioning at an appropriate level.
17. Designs and conducts readiness exercises, providing instruction and guidance to exercise and event participants.
Evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of exercise and event responses. Compiles and prepares instructional and
awareness materials.
18. Compiles documentation used for preparation of detailed reports and applications to state and federal agencies for
financial/grant support and reimbursement and financial assistance needed to recover from declared disasters.
19. Develops and maintains an up-to-date emergency participant directory to be used for call-out during an emergency,
crisis and for use in conducting readiness exercises.
20. Prepares annual budget and develops forecasts, performance measures and indicators.
21. Compiles information and performs research for special projects as assigned. Develops and implements automated
systems for tracking progress and documenting status of project activities.
22. Performs related work as required.
WORK CONTACTS
Frequent contact with associate personnel, other county departments, health service personnel and providers,
governmental and regulatory agencies, and the general public to provide and obtain information, solve problems and
complaints, provide education, training and instruction, and schedule activities. The employee is expected to exercise
considerable initiative and independent judgement in conducting tactful and diplomatic interactions with those contacted in
the course of work and to insure efficient and effective transfer of information and awareness of issues.
CONDITIONS OF WORK
Work is subject to varying post or job site assignments and may be subject to call-back or on-call status and irregular
schedules including completion of work assignments on weekends and holidays. As a result of emergency or crisis
situations and conducting readiness assessment exercises, the incumbent will be required to be on-call and available to
respond as required and necessary on a 24 hours per day, 7 days per week basis. Requires occasional lifting of objects
up to 25 pounds and occasional usage of video display terminal (VDT). Should an incident occur, the incumbent is subject
to exposure to chemicals and materials such as those used in cleaning agents, bio-hazardous products and materials, and
in performing analysis of infectious materials and persons, other hazardous or disagreeable elements, materials and bodily
fluids.
All employees of Mohave County are subject to immediate callout when an emergency, disaster or breach of homeland security
occurs. All employees are considered to be available for these types of events and will immediately respond, in accordance with
County Emergency Operations Plan, when directed by the Chairman of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors, County
Manager, the Homeland Security/Emergency Management Coordinator, or when directed by their department director/elected
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official and/or immediate supervisor. Such call to respond and assist may involve those activities assigned to their regular job
responsibilities and incorporate other non job related duties as necessary and required of an employee to respond to the
emergent matter at hand. An employee’s response to these matters may require the working of unusual, long hours over a
possibility of an extended period of time with infrequent breaks or rest periods. An employee who is working with an
accommodation must meet with their supervisor and department director/elected official to discuss their requirement for
response.
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Extensive knowledge of:
--principles of planning, developing and coordinating emergency preparedness services and programs and the
techniques of emergency response and recovery, preferably in a Public Health environment.
--federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to public health practices and administration.
--the dynamics and effects of bioterrorism in the public health field and other public health emergency and crisis
situations.
--the interrelationships, responsibilities, goals, and functions of public health, health services and providers, and
local, state and federal government in planning and implementing emergency services and response.
Specialized knowledge of:
Skill in:
Ability to:
--principles, practices and methods of epidemiology to include investigations, field studies and surveillance and the
processes of analyzing data.
--environmental, biological, agent and host factors associated with the occurrence of diseases, modes of disease
transmission and epidemic patterns of disease.
--governmental, public health and health service providers organization and functions.
--conducting public information forums, conferences, workshops and readiness exercises and presenting critical
and public information and awareness issues.
--supervisory management techniques and practices.
--developing and writing grants and contracts and supporting documentation.
--developing strategic and logistical plans, establishing comprehensive program manuals and guidelines, and
writing and implementing policies, procedures and protocols.
--preparing clear, concise and accurate reports, recommendations, and other professional documentation.
--conducting detailed research and prepare reports and findings.
--utilizing personal computer systems, hardware and software, in the performance of work assignments, such as
word processing, electronic spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases, statistical analysis, geographic
information systems (GIS), Internet research, and e-mail functions.
--facilitate meetings to achieve needed outcomes and motivate people and teams.
--organize, coordinate and develop training programs and tactical exercises and drills.
--coordinate the activities of various individuals, agencies, and service providers.
--anticipate, analyze and evaluate potential emergency, disaster, and crisis problems and institute effective
responses to address problems and situations.
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--understand, interpret and apply pertinent federal, state, county, city, and departmental laws, rules, regulations,
codes, standards, policies, procedures and directives governing emergency, disaster and crisis preparedness and
response and encountered in the performance of assignments.
--read, interpret and analyze technical, medical, demographic and statistical data and laboratory reports.
--communicate ideas clearly, concisely and effectively, orally and in writing.
--establish and maintain effective working relationships with and elicit cooperation and support of employees, other
agencies, service providers, health care professionals and the public.
--communicate effectively orally and in writing with personnel at all levels of the organization, other health officials,
representatives of other agencies and the general public.
--develop and conduct public awareness presentations and public health training, development and readiness
exercise sessions.
--application of manual and automated systems for storage retrieval and analysis of data and in conducting work
functions.
--work independently in completing assigned tasks and in maintaining records and other documentation accurately
and legibly.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Bachelor’s Degree in public health, public or business administration, organizational management, epidemiology,
microbiology, or related field (Master’s Degree preferred) and three (3) or more years of professional responsible
experience in program development and evaluation, organizing and managing strategic and operational preparedness and
response planning and training projects, and working collaboratively with a variety of health professionals including
physicians, nurses, pharmacists and clinical/laboratory personnel.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must provide acceptable driving history at no cost to the County.
DISCLAIMER
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed
by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all
duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORY: Professional/Administrative
FLSA STATUS:
Exempt (Administrative) (Classified)
CLASS CODE 2757
RANGE 02-Rg 19
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 3, 2002
02/03 Class Validation Study Review: June 28, 2003
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