Public Health Preparedness Specialist

Salary: $67,736.00 - $102,905.00 Annually Location : *Home Headquartered, PA Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time Job Number: CS-2025-30194-39432 Department: Department of Health Division: HL Bur of Emgcy Prpdns Respnse Opening Date: 07/24/2025 Closing Date: 8/6/2025 11:59 PM Eastern Job Code: 39432 Position Number: 50334533 Union: AFSCME Bargaining Unit: A4 Pay Group: ST08 Bureau / Division Code: 00077601 Bureau / Division: Emergency Preparedness and Response City: Home Headquartered Contact Name: Christopher Albright Contact Email: [email protected] THE POSITION Would you like to utilize your emergency management experience to protect the health of citizens throughout southeastern Pennsylvania? Are you ready to take on rewarding challenges that will help the Commonwealth reduce and respond to health and medical consequences of emergencies and disasters? The Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response is seeking a highly motivated Public Health Preparedness Specialist. If you want to join a dedicated team that oversees public health preparedness, then we encourage you to apply today! DESCRIPTION OF WORK As a Public Health Preparedness Specialist, you will oversee regional public health preparedness and response to reduce public health and medical consequences of emergencies and disasters. You will plan and implement local and regional preparedness and ensure that response is exercised and consistent with Emergency Support Function 8 - Public Health and Medical Services (ESF8). You will guide and direct regional and local public health governments and partner organizations to provide infrastructure response readiness. This role requires using thorough knowledge of emergency management principles and public health essential services, as well as effective communication to manage the implementation of Mass Distribution of Medical Countermeasure (MDMC) plans during a public health emergency. In addition, you will serve as administrator for the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Pennsylvania (SERVPA) and a member of the Pennsylvania Type III Incident Management Team (IMT), assist with Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) planning, and maintain working relationships with all agencies having emergency management interests. Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Home Headquartered: This position is home headquartered. In order to be home headquartered, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. This position requires travel throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, which includes Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Schuylkill counties.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Three years of professional experience in planning, developing, evaluating, or operating a public health emergency preparedness, healthcare emergency preparedness, or emergency management program; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• You must be in possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
• your score may be lower than deserved.
• you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short ! See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our Health & Wellness We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.* Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life Balance We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.

01 Do you possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02 If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide the issuing state and license number. If you answered "No" type N/A in the box. 03 How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in planning, developing, evaluating, or operating a public health emergency preparedness, healthcare emergency preparedness, or emergency management program?

• 3 years or more
• 2 but less than 3 years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

04 If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below. 05 How much graduate coursework have you completed in emergency management, public health administration, or a closely related field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link. For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• 30 credits or more
• Less than 30 credits
• None

06 You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score. All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions. Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function. If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions. If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

07 WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Provide public health emergency related technical assistance by interpreting and explaining laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to public and private partners. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing technical assistance to HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS OR GOVERNMENT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS.
• B. I have experience providing technical assistance to PUBLIC AGENCIES (i.e., schools, fire departments, law enforcement, government, etc.). This was NOT related to health care providers or government health departments.
• C. I have experience providing technical assistance to PRIVATE BUSINESSES OR ENTITIES (i.e., non-profit, non-governmental organizations, etc.). This was NOT related to health care providers, government health departments, or public agencies.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communications or public relations.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

08 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• Your experience providing technical assistance and the subject area(s).
• To whom you provided technical assistance.
• Your level of responsibility.

09 If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

10 WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - PLAN AND COORDINATE TRAINING, EXERCISES, AND ACTIVITIES Plan and coordinate public health emergency trainings, exercises, and response and recovery activities for public or private emergency management partners to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or natural disasters. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience planning and coordinating trainings, exercises, or response and recovery activities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or natural disasters for HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS OR GOVERNMENT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS.
• B. I have experience planning and coordinating trainings, exercises, or response and recovery activities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or natural disasters for PUBLIC AGENCIES (i.e., schools, fire departments, law enforcement, government, etc.). This was NOT with/to health care providers or government health departments.
• C. I have experience planning and coordinating trainings, exercises, or response and recovery activities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or natural disasters for PRIVATE BUSINESSES OR ENTITIES (i.e., non-profit, non-governmental organizations, etc.). This was NOT with/to health care providers, government health departments, or public agencies.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to emergency management and preparedness or FEMA, PEMA or other state or county training.
• E. I have NO experience, coursework, or training related to this work behavior.

11 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• The type(s) of trainings, exercises, or response and recovery activities you planned and coordinated.
• To whom you provided trainings, exercises, or response and recovery activities.
• Your level of responsibility.

12 If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University/Training Source
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

13 WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DEVELOP GOALS, OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES, TIMELINES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS Develop public health emergency plans, goals, objectives, strategies, and timelines. Identify areas of improvement and develop improvement plans. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing public health emergency plans, goals, objectives, strategies, and timelines, identifying areas of improvement, and developing improvement plans for HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS OR GOVERNMENT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS.
• B. I have experience developing public health emergency plans, goals, objectives, strategies, and timelines, identifying areas of improvement, and developing improvement plans for PUBLIC AGENCIES (i.e., schools, fire departments, law enforcement, government, etc.). This was NOT for health care providers or government health departments.
• C. I have experience developing public health emergency plans, goals, objectives, strategies, and timelines, identifying areas of improvement, and developing improvement plans for PRIVATE BUSINESS OR ENTITIES (i.e., non-profit, non-governmental organizations, etc.). This was NOT for health care providers, government federal health departments, or public agencies.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to policy development.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

14 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
• Your experience developing plans, goals, objectives, strategies, and timelines and the type(s) recommendations for improvement you made.
• For whom you developed plans, goals, objectives, strategies, and timelines.
• Your level of responsibility.

15 If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University
• Course Title
• Credits/Clock Hours

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