Health Emergency Management Specialist - Emergency and Contingency Planning Specialist

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This position is responsible for coordinating the development, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive Health Emergency Management program for York Region Public Health, to ensure that public health programs are in a state of operational readiness to respond to and recover from new and emerging events and/or emergencies with public health impacts.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Collaborates/works with stakeholders and follows the corporate strategic leadership, planning and direction related to emergency management functions.
• Supports programs and services to incorporate emergency management and business continuity principles into program planning, mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
• Maintains awareness of risks and hazards with the potential to impact York Region and conducts Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in collaboration with subject matter experts to inform Public Health’s emergency planning.
• Coordinates the development and maintenance of the Public Health Emergency Plan and supporting annexes, ensures relevant legislative compliance and consistency with other Community and Health Services (CHS) Department and Regional plans, as well as plans of key stakeholder organizations.
• Facilitates, in collaboration with process owners, the review and prioritization of business impact analyses and business continuity plans and provides guidance on the development of mitigation and response strategies for critical high priority functions and services.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates staff training, tests and exercises, and prepares reports for the Manager.
• Supports and maintains a state of readiness for the Health Emergency Operations Centre, by developing coordinated plans; identifying the requirements; conducting staff orientation and exercises; and validating procedures and protocols.
• Participates in event and emergency response to ensure that public health measures can be initiated in a timely and effective manner; facilitates hotwash/after-action discussions and prepares recommendations and action plans for the Public Health Emergency Management Advisory.
• Supports the management of and reporting on emergency supplies maintained for Public Health, including but not limited to, personal protective equipment, mask fit testing equipment and supplies, and makes recommendations for rotation and purchase.
• Makes presentations, promotes public awareness, prepares communication materials, and responds to inquiries regarding emergency management and special projects.
• Participates in strategic and operational planning, continuous quality improvement initiatives and evaluation of the Health Emergency Management program.
• Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
• Participates or acts as Public Health representative on various internal and external committees, task forces and focus groups, as directed.
• May be required to respond to emergency situations outside of normal business hours, as related to Emergency Plans.
• Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Public Health and Department objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree, or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three (3) years experience in the field of emergency management.
• Experience and/or training in emergency planning, response and exercises, and business continuity planning.
• Strong program planning, evaluation and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability in the Region's core competencies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to connect with a range of internal and external stakeholders while focusing on fostering collaborative work relationships.
• Demonstrated skill and ability to comprehend and utilize demographic and epidemiologic information and prepare written reports.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate programs and services.
• Aptitude for coordinating and leading emergency and/or operational contingency on short notice.
• Strong ability to develop relationships and work in a welcoming and inclusive environment, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential.
• Proficiency in virtual platforms and MS Office Suite including the use of virtual platforms for conducting meetings and/or presentations.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license and reliable vehicle for use on corporate business.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours.