Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional Title: Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Job Title: Emerg Mgt Program Coord I

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Region 8

Posting Number: 18568

Closing Date: 07/16/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations

Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework:

Travel: Up to 30%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO

Job Location Address: 7430 LOUIS PASTEUR DR

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 0518,1730,1732,5702,5711,14N,14NX,19ZX,1C3X1,1C5X1,1N0X1,38A,38B,38FX,3E9X1,514B,5I0,5IX,612X,712X

740A,74A,74D,86M0,8C000,OAR10,OAR11,OAR12,OAR18,OS,OSS

Brief Job Description:

Under the daily direction of the Preparedness Operations Supervisor and the supervision of the Preparedness Program Manager, performs complex (journey-level) public health emergency preparedness/emergency management program coordination for ESF-8 public health emergency preparedness and response activities. Primary work duties involve evaluating the planning, development, review and revision of of local/county ESF-8 public health and medical plans, including pandemic response. Work includes writing, research, meeting facilitation, presenting, training, evaluating, and maintaining close collaboration with local, state, and federal emergency management and public health officials. Provides technical assistance to public health staff, emergency management staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the public on ESF-8 functions. Serves as a member of the Region 8 Incident Management structure during emergency response and recovery operations. Assists with supporting ESF-8 needs at local emergency operations centers (EOCs), Disaster District Emergency Operations Center (DDEOCs) or Regional Health and Medical Operations Center (RHMOC) during planned and unplanned events. This participation may require a change in shift, location and/or supervisor. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Must be able to independently travel within the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

ESF-8 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - 40%

Coordinates responses to requests for ESF-8 public health and medical emergency assistance and resources. Coordinates with colleagues and external partners including city and county emergency management and/or public health organizations, DSHS, other state agencies, volunteer groups and private industry to develop and evaluate regional/local Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response plans and program operations. Coordinate activities including facilitating meetings or work-groups, measuring performance metrics, and soliciting feedback from emergency management/public health partners to identify gaps in ESF-8 resources and recommend improvements to regional/local plans. Work within the emergency management system to build and strengthen their abilities to effectively respond to a range of public health threats, including infectious diseases, natural disasters, and biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological events.

ESF-8 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - 35%

Develops and delivers trainings and presentations to local and regional entities and other emergency management stakeholders to improve understanding and support for Public Health Emergency Preparedness planning. Serves as a regional liaison with federal, state, and local agencies as appropriate. Represents Region 8 on key ESF-8 public health emergency preparedness work-groups to identify gaps in resources and recommend improvements for deployment of the Strategic National Stockpile during a public health emergency. Advise local elected officials and emergency management partners on Region 8's public health preparedness responsibilities and capabilities and recommend appropriate action plans. Assists in the facilitation of ESF-8 preparedness exercises including facilitated discussions, tabletop exercises, functional exercises, and/or full-scale exercises following Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program guidance. Develops performance reports such as After Action Reviews, and implements changes to various plans and or develops procedure manuals form identified areas for improvement. Serves as a liaison to local and regional agencies to coordinate joint inter-jurisdictional public health planning, response and recovery activities.

ESF-8 PLAN DEVELOPMENT - 10%

In close coordination with the Regional Planner, develops and evaluates regional ESF-8 Public Health Response plans, SOGs, and Task Sheets to be consistent with DSHS, and Federal Standards. Performs assessments of regional and jurisdictional capabilities and risks to drive preparedness plans and operations. Research incident trends and findings related to public health emergencies and implement appropriate changes within current plans. Develops preparedness procedure manuals within regional and local programs to assure integration with state plans. Works with DSHS central office to develop standardized techniques for evaluating preparedness response plans.

ESF-8 RESPONSE - 10%

Participates in the on-call rotation providing 24/7/365 phone coverage for the reporting of infectious diseases and public health emergencies. Responds to Public Health emergencies, including natural disasters, bio-terrorism, disease outbreaks, and other disasters. Assumes an active role in the regional incident command structure during public health responses and/or exercises. Serves as a DSHS Region 8 liaison to the Disaster District Emergency Operations Center (DDEOC) during disaster response activations. May deploy to an affected jurisdiction in the region to assist with emergency response and recovery efforts.

OTHER DUTIES - 5%

Performs other duties as assigned to include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery and/or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Complies with the DSHS Immunization Policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• The principles and practices of emergency management, hazard mitigation, disaster recovery, disaster preparedness or emergency response as it relates to Public Health Emergency Preparedness.
• The basic concepts of planning, training and exercising principles and methods.
• The use of communication tools such as WebEOC, EMSystems, satellite phones, radios, and general computer equipment.
• The National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command Structure, and the National Response Framework.

Skill in:

• Effective communication, verbally and in writing.
• Problem identification, analysis and resolution.
• Developing and implementing complex plans and procedures.
• Managing and tracking multiple projects at different stages of development.
• Operating a variety of office and specialized equipment including a laptop computer with a variety of software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite, e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), plotter, projectors, camera, GPS device, communications devices such as two-way radio, satellite radio/phone, and other specialized audio-visual equipment.

Ability to:

• Organize and prioritize ones workload and meet deadlines.
• Prepare complex written reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with external and internal partners.
• Convey technical information in lay terms that can be understood by people with a variety of educational and working backgrounds.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work other than normal working hours during emergencies.
• Travel for extended time-frame as needed.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

• Valid driver's license (Texas Class C or equivalent)

• Texas Class A Exempt or Commercial driver's license required within 12 months of hire

• FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-300, IS-400, IS-700, and IS-800 required within 12 months of hire

Initial Screening Criteria:

Two or more years of experience in public health, healthcare, emergency management or related field OR at least a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in public health, healthcare, emergency management, or directly related field of study.

Additional Information:

N/A

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form