Health Emergency Management Specialist (Emergency and Contingency Planning Specialist)

Health Emergency Management Specialist (Emergency and Contingency Planning Specialist) - (9406)

Job Title: Health Emergency Management Specialist (Emergency and Contingency Planning Specialist)

Status: Temporary Full-Time (Approximate length of assignment: 17 months)

Type of Position: Addition to Staff

Start Date: Immediate

Salary Grade: $104,079.00 - $117,936.00

Department: York Region → Community & Health Services → Public Health

Location: Hybrid work opportunities may apply
PH HL & MOH Office – 17150 Yonge Street, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8V3 CA (Primary)

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

• Collaborate with stakeholders and follow corporate strategic leadership, planning, and direction related to emergency management functions.


• Support programs and services to incorporate emergency management and business continuity principles into program planning, mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.


• Maintain awareness of risks and hazards that may impact York Region and conduct Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment with subject matter experts to inform Public Health’s emergency planning.


• Coordinate the development and maintenance of the Public Health Emergency Plan and supporting annexes, ensuring relevant legislative compliance and consistency with other Community and Health Services (CHS) Department and Regional plans, as well as plans of key stakeholder organizations.


• Facilitate, in collaboration with process owners, the review and prioritization of business impact analyses and business continuity plans and provide guidance on the development of mitigation and response strategies for critical high priority functions and services.


• Plan, implement, and evaluate staff training, tests and exercises, and prepare reports for the Manager.


• Support and maintain 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.


• Participate in event and emergency response to ensure that public health measures can be initiated in a timely and effective manner; facilitate hotwash/after‑action discussions and prepare recommendations and action plans for the Public Health Emergency Management Advisory.


• Support the management of and reporting on emergency supplies maintained for Public Health, including personal protective equipment, mask fit testing equipment and supplies, and make recommendations for rotation and purchase.


• Make presentations, promote public awareness, prepare communication materials, and respond to inquiries regarding emergency management and special projects.


• Participate in strategic and operational planning, continuous quality improvement initiatives and evaluation of the Health Emergency Management program.


• Ensure that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.


• Participate or act 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.


• Manage information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.


• Perform 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 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email View email address on ca.talent.com or call View phone number on ca.talent.com. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.