Preparedness Planning Team Lead

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Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Preparedness Planning Team Lead 
Job Title: Emerg Mgt Program Coord III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Hlth Emer Preparedness Respons 
Posting Number: 13219 
Closing Date: 02/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $7,155.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 30% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RBB) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0518,1730,1732,5702,5711,14N,14NX,19ZX,1C3X1,1C5X1,1N0X1,38A,38B,38FX,3E9X1,514B,5I0,5IX,612X,712X 
740A,74A,74D,86M0,8C000,OAR10,OAR11,OAR12,OAR18,OS,OSS 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Preparedness Branch Manager in the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CHEPR), the Preparedness Planning Team Lead performs highly visible advanced (senior level) technical work requiring specialized knowledge of public health and medical preparedness, response and recovery activities. As Team Lead for the Planning Team, lead, assign, and prioritize the work of Planning Team personnel. 

Serves as the technical expert on all preparedness planning requirements and guidelines. Oversees the development, update, and or revision of DSHS Preparedness and Response Framework documents to include the Basic Plan, Annexes, Standard Operating Guides, and Technical Guides. Works in close coordination with the Operations Branch Team Lead on the development, update, and or revision of DSHS Preparedness and Response Framework documents. Oversees the Project Public Health Ready (PPHR) program and provides technical assistance to Local Health Departments throughout the process. Provides technical assistance and coordinates with local health departments, the DSHS Public Health Regions, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), the Texas Office of Homeland Security (TxOHS), and other state and federal partners to ensure coordinated planning efforts. Coordinates with the DSHS Exercise and Training Teams to ensure alignment of DSHS Preparedness and Response Framework plans to exercises and trainings that are developed.

Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. This position actively participates in the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) or State Operations Center (SOC) during disaster response and/or recovery and completes all training and exercise requirements. CHEPR supports DSHS' mission of providing response support to the SMOC or SOC, requires staff to report onsite within two hours, and the ability to work 12–14-hour shifts. Disaster response activations can require working in-person, 7-days a week, for as long as 2-4 weeks, or more. This position requires the ability to work extended hours including weekends and holidays during health response activation. This position is 100% grant funded and is contingent on grant funding.

Works under limited supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(40%) Under the direction of the Preparedness Branch Manager, serves as the Planning Team Lead coordinating, assigning, and prioritizing the work of the planning team members. Develops team goals and objectives. Provides overall direction to the team in the development and prioritization of planning needs. Assist the Preparedness Branch Manager in administrative matters to include providing feedback on performance standards and evaluations, approving leave based on work assignments, and participating in the hiring panel for new planning team members. Uses initiative to improve internal team processes as well as planning process. Works closely and effectively with all Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CHEPR) staff to ensure an integrated preparedness program. Works closely with the Preparedness Management Unit to track CDC and ASPR Cooperative Agreement planning deliverables. Uses a variety of software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint in order to develop documents, reports, presentations, and briefings. 

(30%) Maintain expert level of knowledge of the role and responsibilities of public health and medical in emergency preparedness and response as it relates to developing plans. Oversees and or develops complex public health and medical preparedness and response framework plans to include the DSHS Basic Plan, Annexes, Standard Operating Guides, Technical Guidance, and others as needed by the Center. Coordinates with CHEPR Teams to include the Operations Branch Team Lead, other DSHS Central Office programs, and the DSHS Public Health Regions (PHRs) on the development, update, and or revision of DSHS preparedness and response framework plans. Oversees and or leads Project Public Health Ready (PPHR) for the State of Texas which may include: providing technical assistance to Local Health Departments (LHDs) on the PPHR program and process, reviewing PPHR applications, working as a liaison between the LHD and the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO), and promoting PPHR to LHDs across Texas. 

(15%) Coordinates and or oversees coordination with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) on the development, update, and or revision of DSHS roles and responsibilities in the State of Texas State Emergency Management Plan to include the Basic Plan and any annexes containing public health and medical roles and responsibilities such as the Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8- Public Health and Medical Annex and Radiation Annex. Coordinates and or oversees coordination with CHEPR Teams and other DSHS Central Office programs to ensure that roles and responsibilities listed in external response partner plans is accurate. Ensures DSHS roles and responsibilities listed in external response partner plans are incorporated into the DSHS preparedness and response framework documents. Coordinates and participates in the development of Texas Office of Homeland Security planning documents including the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan (THSSP), THSSP DSHS Implementation Plan, Threat Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIRA) and other preparedness and response plans as requested. Participates in the development of other State Agency’s preparedness and response plans as they relate to public health and medical response. 

(10%) Coordinates with the Exercise Team Lead to incorporate responsibilities from DSHS Preparedness and Response Plans into DSHS exercises and evaluate and synthesize all After Action Reports and Improvement Plans to determine corrective actions to implement via plan revisions. Coordinates with the Training Team to ensure trainings are developed in support of existing DSHS Preparedness and Response Plans. Coordinates with CHEPR Teams, other DSHS Central Office programs, and the DSHS Public Health Regions (PHRs) to plan and host the annual DSHS Preparedness Collaborative Workshop. Contributes to the development of the Multiyear Integrated Preparedness Plan (MYIPP). Regularly interacts with external stakeholders and may represent CHEPR at meetings, committees, or workgroups. Prepares and writes specialized reports as needed, including progress reports for CDC and ASPR to meet grant requirements. Prepares and conducts specialized presentations and briefings on public health preparedness, response and recovery activities. Provides planning-related guidance and technical assistance to PHRs and LHDs. Provides technical assistance to the PHRs within their Planning Year of the Public Health Integrated Preparedness Plan Rotation (PHIR) on plan development.

(5%) Other duties as assigned. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Actively participates in the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) or State Operations Center (SOC) during disaster response and/or recovery and completes all training and exercise requirements. Supports DSHS' mission of providing response support to the SMOC or SOC, requires staff to report onsite within two hours, and the ability to work 12–14-hour shifts. Disaster response activations can require working in-person, 7-days a week, for as long as 2-4 weeks, or more. This position requires the ability to work extended hours including weekends and holidays during health response activation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of public health infrastructure for local, state, and federal programs.
Knowledge of all hazard emergency preparedness and response activities.
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations and practices related to emergency management. 
Knowledge of the basic concepts of planning, training and exercising principles and methodologies. 
Knowledge of project management and personnel management techniques.
Knowledge of strategic planning and performance measures.

Skill in developing, implementing and evaluating complex emergency management, public health, and healthcare plans and procedures. 
Skill in problem identification, analysis, and resolution. 
Skill in using computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. 
Skill in accurate and effective written and oral communication.
Skill in organizing, prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines to accomplish a number of simultaneous tasks. 
Skill in directing the work of others and tracking multiple projects at different stages of development. 
Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes. 
Skill in providing technical assistance to a variety of stakeholders. 
Skill in systems development, process facilitation techniques, teambuilding, negotiation, and conflict resolution. 
Skill as an effective leader. 
Skill in project management. 

Ability to lead, plan, assign and prioritize workload of self and others to meet deadlines.
Ability to write complex technical guidance documents, emergency operations plans, and standard operating guides 
Ability to plan and conduct effective meetings.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with managers, co-workers, the public, governmental officials, partners and stakeholders. 
Ability to efficiently develop concise reports and presentations.
Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgement. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. At least four years of experience developing public health or emergency management plans OR at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a public health, emergency management, or related field of study. 
2. At least one year of experience as the primary person responsible for writing complex documents involving multiple partners/stakeholders.
3. Experience participating in disaster response operations in an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Medical Operations Center (MOC), or in the field.
4. Experience directing the work of others and/or project management.

Additional Information:

N/A

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form