Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the face of global health crises, the importance of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinators has never been more evident.

As public health threats evolve, so does the urgent demand for those skilled in organizing, strategizing, and ensuring our health infrastructure’s readiness to withstand and respond to these challenges.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the complexities of public health emergency preparedness,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinators are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing disaster response or crisis management activities and procedures to ensure that public health services can respond effectively in the event of emergencies and disasters.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans and procedures in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines
• Coordinate training programs for emergency response team members and volunteers
• Conduct drills and exercises to test the effectiveness of emergency plans and identify areas for improvement
• Work with local agencies and organizations to improve community preparedness for public health emergencies
• Analyze and monitor data related to public health threats and emergency situations
• Maintain a network of communication with public health officials, emergency management personnel, and community leaders
• Ensure that emergency response equipment and supplies are available and in good working condition
• Provide technical advice to governmental agencies and community groups on public health matters related to emergency preparedness
• Prepare reports and briefings on emergency preparedness activities and incidents
• Assist in coordinating the response to public health emergencies, including mobilizing resources, deploying response teams, and communicating with the public

 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator to develop and manage the execution of comprehensive health emergency response plans.

Your responsibilities will include assessing potential health risks, coordinating with various agencies, managing resources, and implementing strategies to handle public health emergencies.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of public health principles and emergency response protocols, with excellent leadership and communication skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive emergency response plans and procedures in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Coordinate with local health departments, emergency management agencies, and other stakeholders during public health emergencies
• Assess potential public health emergencies and manage resources accordingly
• Conduct training exercises to test emergency response plans
• Communicate effectively with the public, health professionals, and policy makers during crises
• Stay updated on emerging public health threats and response strategies
• Evaluate the effectiveness of emergency response plans after each incident and make necessary adjustments
• Maintain compliance with all laws, regulations, and standards related to public health and emergency preparedness

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in public health emergency preparedness and response
• Understanding of public health principles and emergency management protocols
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure and make decisions in emergency situations
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Emergency Management, or a related field
• Certification in emergency management or public health (preferred)

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator
• Work Environment: This role typically works in an office setting, but may require travel to disaster sites during emergencies.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Public Health or similar role.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Do?

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinators, often employed by government organizations or healthcare institutions, play a crucial role in safeguarding the community during health crises.

Their primary job is to develop, coordinate, and implement public health emergency plans and responses to effectively manage any potential or ongoing health crises.

These could range from disease outbreaks, pandemics to natural disasters affecting public health.

They work closely with public health officials, emergency management personnel, law enforcement agencies, and healthcare providers to develop strategies for disease prevention, mitigation, and containment.

Their role includes organizing trainings, drills, and exercises to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of emergency response plans.

They identify gaps in preparedness and propose solutions to address those areas.

They also play a crucial role in the communication and dissemination of information to the public, healthcare professionals, policy makers, and other stakeholders during an emergency.

They provide guidance and instructions on protective actions, and maintain transparency on the status of the emergency situation.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinators may also be involved in research and analysis of data related to public health emergencies to improve future response strategies.

This involves staying updated with the latest research and technological advancements in the field of public health and emergency response.

 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A competent Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• An in-depth understanding of public health principles and practices, emergency preparedness and response, and disaster management to effectively plan and implement strategies during public health emergencies.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to identify potential threats, analyze their possible impacts, and devise efficient strategies to address them.
• Strong leadership abilities to coordinate and manage diverse teams during emergencies, ensuring optimal performance under high-stress situations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effectively liaising with various stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and the public, during an emergency.
• Highly developed organizational skills to manage resources, oversee emergency response operations, and ensure timely completion of tasks.
• An ability to work under pressure, making quick decisions in high-stress situations to ensure public safety and health.
• Deep knowledge of local, regional, and national public health laws and regulations to ensure compliance during emergency response activities.
• Experience in conducting training and educational programs to enhance community readiness for public health emergencies.

 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator often have 1 to 2 years of experience in public health or emergency management fields.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time roles or volunteer work in public health organizations, healthcare facilities, or emergency response units.

Those with over 3 years of experience usually have a solid foundation in the field, having served in roles such as Public Health Officer, Emergency Management Specialist, or Public Health Nurse.

They are expected to have developed their skills and knowledge in areas like epidemiology, emergency preparedness, and community health education.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience are often seasoned professionals who have honed their skills in the planning and implementation of emergency response strategies.

They may have led teams in the past or coordinated large-scale emergency response initiatives.

Their rich experience should ideally be complemented by strong leadership skills, as they may be required to guide and manage multidisciplinary teams during public health emergencies.

Regardless of their experience level, all candidates for this role must be able to demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, healthcare providers, and the public, in high-stress, fast-paced scenarios.

 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinators generally require a bachelor’s degree in public health, emergency management, or a related field.

This foundation builds an understanding of public health principles, disease control, and emergency response procedures.

In addition to the bachelor’s degree, some positions might require a master’s degree in public health, emergency management or related fields.

These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of the complex public health issues, disaster management, leadership, and strategic decision-making.

Candidates should also have a solid understanding of emergency management systems, like the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Many positions require several years of experience in public health or emergency management.

This experience can be obtained through roles in healthcare, public health departments, or disaster response agencies.

Certifications, while not always required, can greatly enhance a candidate’s credentials.

Certifications such as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Certified in Public Health (CPH) show a commitment to the field and can open more job opportunities.

Lastly, this role requires excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, as coordinators must work with diverse teams and make critical decisions during public health emergencies.

 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator is approximately $76,487 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on factors such as level of experience, additional qualifications, and the location of employment.

 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills are necessary for a Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator?

A successful Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator should have strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to effectively manage and coordinate emergency response plans.

Communication skills are essential as they must liaise with various stakeholders, from medical professionals to governmental bodies.

Also, they should have an understanding of public health principles and emergency management systems.

 

What education is required for a Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator?

Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in public health, emergency management, or a related field.

However, a master’s degree in public health, health administration, or a related discipline might be preferred.

Certifications in emergency management and disaster response can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator’s resume?

Look for a relevant degree and any certifications in emergency management.

Experience in public health, emergency planning, or disaster response is important.

Strong communication skills should be evident, and leadership experience is a plus.

Be aware of any experience working with local, state, or national government bodies, as this could be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator?

A good Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator should be calm under pressure, with the ability to make quick decisions in emergency situations.

They should be organized and detail-oriented to ensure plans are well-formulated and executed.

Furthermore, they should have excellent communication and leadership skills to effectively coordinate with various teams and agencies.

 

How challenging is it to hire a Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator?

The challenge in hiring a Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator lies in finding a candidate with a balance of public health knowledge, emergency management experience, and strong leadership abilities.

Given the nature of the role, it is also crucial to find someone who is capable of working under extreme pressure during emergency situations.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the veil on what it truly means to be a Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about managing health crises.

It’s about safeguarding our communities, one health strategy at a time.

With our resourceful Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re poised to take the plunge.

But don’t hit pause just yet.

Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your subsequent step to meticulously-crafted job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every health strategy plays a role in the broader landscape.

Let’s ensure that safety. Together.

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