Overview

Job Description and Duties

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by leading the implementation of activities related to federal fund sources including the Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Hospital Preparedness Programs while providing subject matter expertise and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders related to public health and healthcare emergency management.

Under the direction of the Planning Unit Staff Services Manager I (SSM I), the Health Program Specialist I (HPS I) performs complex, high-level analysis of emergency preparedness and disaster response plans and leads their development, maintenance, and updates. The HPS I collaborate with Federal, State, and local stakeholders involved in emergency preparedness and disaster response planning to ensure a coordinated, multidisciplinary response. The HPS I develop and maintains projects driven by the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP), Hospital Preparedness Program, and Pandemic Influenza (Pan Flu) programs and funding. The HPS I may provide training and technical assistance to stakeholders involved in PHEP and HPP work.  The incumbent must have knowledge of the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS), the State emergency response structure, and Federal, State, and local emergency preparedness and response plans, resources, and authorities. In addition to programmatic activity, the HPS I will also participate as needed in emergency activations by serving on an Incident Response Team (IRT) in a role in the CDPH Medical Health Coordination Center, the State Operations Center or other operations center as deemed necessary by the emergency. The incumbent may be required, on short notice, to work irregular and overtime hours during emergency operations in order to support the activation.

Up to 15% travel is required to attend meetings and participate in workgroups on behalf of the Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) relating to public health emergency and response issues; attend Federal and State training programs, in-services and continuing education courses, workshops, conferences, and local site visits. In order to address urgent operational needs or conduct emergency-related response activities, incumbent may, on occasion, be required to work outside core business hours, travel, and transport up to 25 lbs.

About The California Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision

CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff­ members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.