Emergency Management Officer

The Emergency Management Officer (EMO) works both independently and in a team environment. As such, the EMO is responsible for maintaining strong linkages with health service providers as well as with external agencies at all stages of the emergency management cycle. This includes supporting and facilitating emergency management activities that can be categorized as follows: Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessments. Mitigation: Identification of mitigation strategies. Planning/preparedness including development and implementation of emergency response codes / plans at the site and departmental level; delivery of Incident Command and Incident Management System training to Leaders and staff; management and delivery of the Haz Mats First Receiver Program aimed at preparing ED and UCC Staff to provide decontamination of casualties exposed to Hazardous Materials; design, delivery and evaluation of training and exercises. Response: Provision of incident management expertise and support in emergencies and disasters, including serving as the health representative in external Emergency Operations Centres. Recovery: Supporting recovery efforts including the transition from response to recovery; conducting post incident reviews; reporting on findings; following up on recommended actions. Promotes Personal Disaster Preparedness with staff and external participants. Outcomes and Results: Acts as a resource for Management and frontline Staff, including Physicians on matters related to emergency management. Recognized as a specialist in the field of emergency management. Well managed training delivery with exercises designed to achieve expected outcomes.

Supports emergency management initiatives by: Acting as a consultant/expert in the implementation of facility-specific response plans. Overseeing and facilitating the timely review and update of site plans. Delivering the CBRN/HazMat First Receiver Program to ED and UCC staff on an annual basis (Acute Care only). Delivering classroom-based instruction, either in person or virtually. Designing, delivering and / or participating in multi-agency exercises. Assuming project leadership positions as required. Participating in numerous internal and external planning committees and working groups. Conducting post incident / post exercise reviews and following up on actions. Acting as a liaison with numerous external partners for coordination of inter-agency training and exercises (Airport Authorities, Municipal/Industrial Emergency Operations Centres). Perform administrative duties, such as preparing situational and other written reports. Participates in research studies as deemed relevant; applies researched best practices to EDM work; Contributes to the reporting on key performance indicators.

Undergraduate degree, preferably in a clinical area (nursing, allied health) required; Master’s level educational preparation desirable. A combination of relevant education and experience in Healthcare and Emergency Management may be considered. Three to five years’ experience within a health care environment. The position requires a wide range of knowledge on current trends and practices in emergency management, the ability and willingness to keep current in a fast-growing industry, and to work effectively and efficiently under stressful conditions.

Required experience, knowledge and skills: Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication and preparation of written reports and papers. Demonstrated ability to lead, directly or indirectly, multidisciplinary project teams. Required Emergency/Disaster Management courses &/or experience to be obtained within 6 months of hiring: Basic Emergency Management. Incident Command System Level 100 & 200. Exercise Design. Business Continuity Management. Public Safety Canada CBRN Awareness Course or equivalent CBRN/Hazmat certification. University of Arizona Basic HazMat Life Support Course for health professionals. Experience in the preparation and delivery of educational/training programs preferred. Experience in emergency management within health care, government or industry desirable.

Critical thinking; Knowledge of theoretical underpinnings of basic E/DM. Knowledge/ability to identify gaps in emergency/disaster understanding and preparation. Planning; Hazard identification & mitigation, risk assessment and impact analysis. Direction, coordination; knowledge of legislation regulation and codes that impact emergency planning/response. Exercise design, facilitation, and evaluation; experience in Project Management. Professional designation and/or registration an asset.