Requisition No: 851612
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: PLANNING CONSULTANT - 64085166
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 64085166
Salary: $50,000 - $56,000
Posting Closing Date: 05/06/2025
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Open Competitive Job Posting
Your Specific Responsibilities:
The incumbent, a Planning Consultant, is an employee of the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County, representing the agency and its mission and values. The incumbent is part of the organization and is expected to promote cooperation, courtesy, and teamwork in a diverse environment. This position is responsible for ensuring that the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County (DOH DeSoto) can successfully respond to all natural or man-made disasters. The incumbent will serve as the primary Planning Consultant, Public Information Officer, and Safety Coordinator. This position will serve as a liaison between the community and governmental agencies on issues of terrorism preparedness and response. This position reports to the Administrator.
Develops, reviews, monitors, maintains, and updates all required disaster response plans and annexes for DOH DeSoto, ensuring state, federal, and local compliance, and utilizing directives from DOH Public Health Preparedness (PHP) Central Office. The incumbent is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the DOH DeSoto Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and its annexes; responsible for development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures that support the EOP; trained in all aspects of Incident Command System and National Incident Management System; maintains records of preparedness training, as directed; supports or oversees the DOH DeSoto Incident Command Post during disasters; reviews local home health, nurse registry, home medical equipment and hospice Comprehensive Emergency Management plans (CEMPs). Arrange meetings to create addendums, updates, and discussions of the plans prepared above. Conducts or participates in PHP exercises to test the effectiveness of plans. Reviews and provides input into Long Term Care facility CEMPs as well as DeSoto County Emergency Management's CEMP. Prepares Incident Action Plans during an exercise or incident, as well as the After-Action Review and Improvement Plan post-exercise or incident. Participates in all trainings, conferences, workshops, drills, exercises, committees, and similar activities that are relevant to any disaster response or capability. Prepares annual Scope of Work to support state-allocated budget. Must stay within approved Federal Categories of spending for the Preparedness Budget. Serves as primary coordinator of Project Public Health Ready (PPHR) to maintain the health department's capacity and capability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. PPHR certification strengthens the public health infrastructure by sustainable tools to plan, train, and exercise using a continuous quality improvement model.
Acts as lead ESF-8 (Health & Medical) Representative in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activation. Assist in emergency response and recovery operation activities. Available to aid during natural or man-made disasters. Be prepared to be called upon to provide services in any area within DeSoto County for disaster response on an “as needed” basis. Monitor severe and tropical weather in coordination with Emergency Management, and distribute hazard weather advisories, as well as collect and distribute emergency-related information. Available for assistance with emergency planning, response, recovery, or mitigation issues. Coordinate CHD preparedness training to include ESF-8 and SpNS training, based on training needs assessments. Responsible for ensuring SpNS shed inventory is reviewed and items ordered as needed in preparation for and to replenish from deployment, including maintaining PHP vehicle maintenance as well as keeping mileage logs up to date. When Planner actively engages in the response or recovery phase, a secondary safety officer may be appointed by the Planner to ensure continuity of operations. Acts as Everbridge Supervisor to communicate emergency messaging to DOH Staff in both the real world and exercises. Report results as required as part of grant funding. Works with supervisors of employees who do not meet response times to improve meeting the 1-hour response goal.
Identify all-hazard training needs, which include all Incident Command System (ICS) training to ensure DOH DeSoto remains NIMS and PPHR compliant. Serves as the primary trainer for DOH-DeSoto to develop, identify, and/or facilitate the programs to fill those training needs and updates, as needed or required. Develops, reviews, and updates All-Hazards Duty roster annually at a minimum. Coordinates all DOH-DeSoto disaster response activities with DeSoto County Emergency Management, DeSoto County Hospitals, Region 6 Domestic Security Task Force, Central Florida Regional Planning Council, and other governmental and non-governmental agencies, as well as other county health departments within the Region and/or state of Florida.
The Safety Coordinator is responsible for coordinating safety inspections and fire drills at all DOH DeSoto sites, per policy. Develop and maintain safety and loss prevention plans, policies, and procedures. Investigates and/or assists with investigating accidents to determine root cause and corrective action, working with applicable staff, per policy guidelines. Coordinate safety trainings and awareness. Handles all safety hazard reports as directed in DOHP 250-16-14. Complete Safety Coordinator training every two years following the initial training. Participate in statewide conference calls. Develop and update as needed the DOH DeSoto evacuation plans. Maintain an established safety committee, and document minutes of all meetings held on a quarterly basis or as needed. Maintain documented minutes per applicable record retention requirements. Provide safety orientation to new employees to include Everbridge profile, safety contacts, policies, procedures, emergency, or evacuation procedures. Communicate any safety information/updates to employees via email, staff meetings, newsletters, posters, or flyers. Acts as Key Coordinator responsible for signing out office keys, setting and resetting passcodes and securing keys to buildings and offices.
This position will also serve as the primary Public Information Officer (PIO) for DOH DeSoto. Plan, develop, coordinate, and implement information campaigns, promotion of health programs, and provide technical assistance related to the production of materials for all-hazards communications, county outreach campaigns, communications planning, and training. Will network with other county PIOs, media outlets, and community response partners. Communications strategy includes outreach to partners, including a list of contact numbers, training, and drills/exercises. Develop and maintain distribution channels for media, health, and response partners. Prepares responses to media requests for information. Monitor print and electronic media for news significant to DOH DeSoto. Will maintain the desoto.flhealth.gov webpage and work with DOH program leads to develop print material.
Promotes and participates in a culture of organizational continuous quality improvement, participates in required training, and quality improvement projects as outlined in the annual performance expectations. Projects will exhibit linkage to the DOH Strategic Plan and Public Health Accreditation sustainability. Promotes and participates in community outreach events and/or presentations as outlined in the annual performance expectations.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of: Statutes, and Rules and Regulations that pertain to the programs.
Knowledge of policies and procedures for DOH-DeSoto administrative operations as they relate to duties; Knowledge of Statutes, and Rules and Regulations that pertain to the programs; Knowledge of data collection and analysis principles and procedures; Knowledge of Emergency Planning Principles; Knowledge of Incident Command System (ICS); Ability to train first responders, health department staff, and external agency personnel; Knowledge of bio-terrorism principles and practices; Knowledge of State of Florida policies and procedures; Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing, and analyzing data; Knowledge of State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP); Knowledge of the Emergency Support Function Structure (ESF). Must have a working knowledge of My Florida Market Place (MFMP) to procure and receive resources as necessary.
Skills:
Skill in the use of equipment/instruments and supplies related to the position;
Ability to:
Ability to work outside in all types of weather extremes, both hot and cold, or in wet conditions caused by rains or other water-related events; Ability to lift items up to 40 pounds, or use tools to move those items; Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, sit or stand for long periods of time as necessary; Ability to utilize problem solving techniques; Ability to research and interpret county, state and federal requirements; Ability to work independently, part of a team and with minimal supervision; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; Ability to maintain confidential information in accordance with state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, and Department of Health policies; Ability to develop training materials and provide training; Ability to lead and motive people during exercises and real-time events; Ability to manage a storage unit and inventory to maximize space available, and to load/unload materials as needed; Ability to take initiative to communicate accurate, up-to-date plans and information to subordinates, peers, and management. Expresses thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Listens and understands the views of others; and Ability to Navigate the Internet, use office suite and assorted software, and use of technology equipment; Communication (Oral & Written): Takes the initiative to communicate accurate, up-to-date plans and information to subordinates, peers, and management. Expresses thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Qualifications:
Minimum:
Incumbent must possess a valid Florida driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to hire.
Incumbent must have at least one year of experience working in an emergency preparedness-related role.
Willing to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working special needs or Red Cross Shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to response to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural
Preferred:
An associate's or bachelor’s degree
Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:
Mission:
To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.
Vision:
To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.
Values:
I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.
C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.
A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.
R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.
E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.
Where You Will Work:
DeSoto County Health Department
Arcadia, Florida
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
- Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
- Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
- Flexible Spending Accounts;
- Tuition waivers;
- And more!
For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Please be advised:
Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.
This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.
Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.
All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
