Emergency Preparedness Specialist (2026-0142)

About the role

The Emergency Preparedness Specialist supports the development and maintenance of the Emergency Management Program from an “All Hazards” approach, working in continuous quality improvement to support all activities and training related to Emergency Preparedness and Response. The role collaborates with internal and external departments and agencies at the organizational, local, regional, state, and national levels, aids in the design and exercising of emergency plans, and holds an active role in the Emergency Management Committee. It provides project management and support for all Emergency Management agenda items and aids in the coordination and completion of all grants related to the Emergency Management Program, all in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support, implement, and maintain Emergency Management standards for all departments in the Service Area.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local and Joint Commission requirements.
• Inform staff regarding changes in code standards, procedures, and other issues that affect their working environment.
• Conduct ongoing Emergency Management educational needs assessment and encourage departmental personnel to improve through continuing education and training.
• Review all Emergency Management plans, policies, and procedures annually and revise as necessary to remain compliant with regulatory standards.
• Support the design, development, maintenance and testing of the overall business continuity and disaster recovery plans for each critical functional area of the organization.
• Support leadership direction and strategic planning to emergency operations teams.
• Work closely with Information Technology and other business units to support the coordination and development of critical business processes to ensure readiness in the event of a disaster or business disruption.
• Provide detailed work plans and status reports and assist business units with staff training.
• Conduct safety audits as a member of the Environment of Care rounding team.
• Maintain open and amiable communication with VMC physicians and staff.
• Design and implement quality service and performance improvement processes that contribute to service improvement goals of all departments in the Service Area.
• Coordinate employee-related functions as required to effectively support VMC goals and objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; an additional 4 years of relevant and applicable work experience may substitute for the degree requirement.
• Minimum 3 years of experience supporting emergency response or in one or more of the following: disaster preparedness, environmental health and safety, fire safety, and/or incident command systems preferred.
• Completion of FEMA (NIMS) courses IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 required within six months of hire.
• Completion of FEMA Professional Development Series and/or Professional Continuity Practitioner preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience presenting educational materials to diverse audiences preferred.
• Ability to work under limited supervision, in stressful situations, and with potentially short deadlines.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local and Joint Commission requirements and experience working in a public-sector healthcare setting.
• Healthcare training and clinical experience preferred.
• Capable of working effectively with different department personnel and medical staff.
• Strong skills related to organizational teamwork and program development.
• Experience working with all levels of regulatory agencies.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional manner and grooming.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills effective with a diverse population.
• Strong organizational teamwork and capability of developing strong client relations programs.
• Adept at maintaining or improving service levels during periods of diminishing resources.

Unique Physical/Mental Demands, Environment, and Working Conditions

• Possibility of extensive bending, lifting and walking.
• Possibility for handling hazardous substances used during work.
• Must be able to respond to emergency situations after hours or on the weekend.