Emergency Preparedness Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Webster County is looking for a Public Health emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Grant Coordinator. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Grant Coordinator is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and maintaining Webster County Health Department's preparedness and response capabilities for public health emergencies, disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and other hazards. The Coordinator works collaboratively with local, regional, and state partners, including healthcare organizations, emergency management agencies, public health departments, and community organizations, to strengthen preparedness, support an effective emergency response, and help ensure continuity of essential public health services.

The PHEP Grant Coordinator also serves as a key public health representative in emergency preparedness planning and response activities and supports the department in meeting Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) preparedness requirements, grant objectives, and deliverables. Duties and Responsibilities The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Grant Coordinator Will: Emergency Preparedness Planning: Develop, maintain, and update public health emergency preparedness plans, protocols, procedures, and supporting documentation. Conduct hazard and vulnerability assessments to identify potential public health threats and community preparedness needs.

Coordinate preparedness activities with emergency management, healthcare providers, first responders, schools, long-term care facilities, and other community partners. Support the development and maintenance of continuity of operations plans to help ensure essential public health services remain available during emergencies. Maintain emergency contact lists, resource inventories, response procedures, and other preparedness documentation.

Emergency Response: Serve as a public health preparedness and response coordinator during emergencies and public health incidents. Assist with activation and operation of public health functions within the Incident Command System (ICS). Coordinate communication, information sharing, resource requests, and response activities among public health agencies and community partners.

Assist with mass dispensing, vaccination, sheltering, disease investigation, emergency medical response, and other public health emergency activities, as appropriate. Support response efforts related to infectious disease outbreaks, severe weather, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, bioterrorism, and other public health threats. Participate in emergency response activities outside of normal business hours when necessary.

Training, Exercises, and Evaluation: Develop and coordinate emergency preparedness training for public health staff and community partners. Plan, conduct, and evaluate tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises. Participate in local, regional, and state emergency preparedness exercises.

Document exercise findings and develop corrective action plans to address identified gaps and improve preparedness. Track completion of required preparedness training, exercises, and competencies. Community and Partner Coordination: Build and maintain collaborative relationships with emergency management, healthcare organizations, hospitals, clinics, emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, fire departments, schools, long-term care facilities, community organizations, and other response partners.

Participate in local and regional preparedness committees, coalitions, and collaborative initiatives. Assist with developing and maintaining memoranda of understanding (MOUs), mutual aid agreements, referral agreements, and other preparedness-related partnerships. Promote community preparedness and resilience through education, outreach, and collaboration.

Communication, Documentation, and Grant Support Assist with developing emergency risk communication messages and public information materials. Support timely and effective communication with staff, community partners, and the public during emergencies. Maintain accurate records of preparedness activities, trainings, exercises, emergency responses, and grant requirements.

Prepare required reports and documentation for Iowa HHS and Webster County Health Department. Assist with monitoring PHEP grant deliverables, timelines, budgets, and performance measures. Additional Responsibilities: Participate in emergency preparedness meetings, Healthcare Coalition (HCC) activities, trainings, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Maintain current knowledge of public health emergency preparedness practices, emergency management principles, and applicable state and federal requirements. Assist with other public health programs and duties as assigned. Obtain and maintain required training and certifications, including CPR Instructor Certification and Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician training.

Training will be provided upon hire. Qualifications The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Grant Coordinator Shall Have: Four years of relevant experience in emergency preparedness, public health, nursing, emergency medical services (EMS), emergency management, or a related field. Experience coordinating grants or federally funded programs is preferred.

Experience working collaboratively with community partners and multidisciplinary teams is preferred. A valid driver's license and the ability to travel throughout the Service Area 7 (SA7) region are required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of public health emergency preparedness and response principles and practices. Knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS). Ability to develop, maintain, and update emergency preparedness plans, policies, procedures, and related documentation.

Ability to coordinate effectively with multiple agencies, organizations, and community partners during preparedness and response activities. Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to develop and conduct trainings, facilitate in-person and virtual meetings, and coordinate emergency preparedness exercises.

Ability to remain organized, adaptable, and effective in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations. Ability to analyze problems, identify preparedness gaps, and develop practical solutions. Proficiency with standard computer applications and electronic recordkeeping systems.

Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Required Training and Certifications: The following training will be provided upon hire, as needed, and must be completed within established departmental or grant-required timeframes: FEMA IS-100 FEMA IS-200 FEMA IS-700 FEMA IS-800 FEMA IS-2200 Public Information Officer (PIO) training ICS-300 (preferred) ICS-400 (preferred) Additional job-related training and certifications may be required based on departmental and grant requirements. Work Environment and Schedule: This position primarily works in office and community settings and requires travel throughout Webster County and the Service Area 7 region for meetings, trainings, exercises, emergency response activities, and community outreach.

During a public health emergency, disaster, exercise, or other response activity, the employee may be required to work outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or extended hours. The position may also require responding to emergency situations with limited advance notice. Additional Information Work Environment & Physical Requirements Office-based position with prolonged periods of computer use Occasional standing, walking, and lifting supplies up to 25 pounds Compensation & Benefits: Salary: Based on qualifications and experience, consistent with the Webster County pay scale.

IPERS Retirement: Participation in the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS), with both employee and employer contributions. Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage with a significant portion of the premium paid by Webster County. Dental & Vision Insurance: Multiple dental plan options and vision coverage available to eligible employees.

Generous Paid Time Off: Full-time employees may earn up to 104 hours of PTO during their first year, with PTO accrual increasing based on years of service. Paid Holidays: Webster County recognizes 11 full- or half-day paid holidays throughout the year. Short- and Long-Term Disability: Income protection benefits are available to eligible employees in the event of a qualifying illness or non-work-related injury.

Life Insurance: Employer-paid term life insurance is provided to eligible full-time employees. Critical Illness & Accident Coverage: Employer-provided and voluntary coverage options are available for additional financial protection. Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars for qualifying healthcare and dependent-care expenses.

457 Deferred Compensation Plan: Employees may participate in a supplemental, tax-advantaged retirement savings plan. Additional Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental insurance options are available through payroll deduction. Benefit eligibility, coverage, contributions, and plan provisions are subject to Webster County policies and applicable benefit plan documents.

Benefits for bargaining-unit employees may differ based on the applicable labor agreement. Ready to Join Our Team. If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community, we encourage you to apply.

Join Webster County and become part of a dedicated team committed to serving our residents and making our community a great place to live, work, and grow. We look forward to hearing from you. Equal Employment Opportunity: Webster County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Webster County is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees.