Local health departments play a key role in the Commonwealth’s emergency management structure, ensuring communities are ready and able to respond to health and safety emergencies. Emergency preparedness staff work closely with state and local partners to develop emergency procedures and drills that are accessible and responsive to the culturally and linguistically diverse communities they serve. Someone who is highly organized and can manage competing priorities under pressure would thrive in this role.
Skills, Education, and Experience
There are specific trainings and programs from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and other agencies which provide basic knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of emergency preparedness staff. Local health staff in these roles come from other municipal or first responder roles, or from preparedness roles in other areas. Interning or being a part of the Medical Reserve Corps may better equip someone who is earlier in their career to be hired.
Sample Job Titles
- Emergency Operations Coordinator
- Emergency Preparedness Grant Manager
- Response Operations Manager