PLANNING CONSULTANT - 64085166

Requisition No: 874497 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: PLANNING CONSULTANT - 64085166

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64085166 

Salary:  $48,000 - $52,000 

Posting Closing Date: 05/21/2026 

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DESCRIPTION:

This is a Career Service poisiton which is responsible for ensuring that the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County can successfully respond to all natural or man-made disasters. The incumbent will serve as the primary Planning Consultant, Public Information Officer and Safety Coordinator and act as liaison between community and governmental agencies on issues of terrorism preparedness and response.

REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires extensive written and verbal skills in the areas of data collection, creation of plans, need assessments, document preparation, and presentation of work products to selected audiences in written and verbal formats. Knowledge, implementation and delivery of public health information related to public health promotional events such as meetings, discussions, trainings and information dissemination are expected. Position will require extended hours, evenings, and overnight stay away from the base is expected. Incumbent must possess a valid Florida Driver License and have a motor vehicle to carry out these duties. Incumbent must obtain Incident Command System (ICS-100) certification within 60 days and National Incident Management System (IS-700) certification within 90 days of employment.  ICS 200, 300,400,800. An Associate Degree or greater from a U.S accredited college or university is preferrered.

This position is in compliance with and monitors compliance (when applicable) of the mandatory requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes. and Chapter 3A-24, Florida Administrative Code: Emergency Duty: Incumbent is required to work during or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.  Emergency operations functions required of the incumbent include, but are not limited to, Special Needs Shelters, Red Cross Shelters, or other emergency functions, including but not limited to responses to threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural. Property Custodian/Delegate: Assigned responsibility for control of department assets. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

This position is responsible for ensuring that the DeSoto County Health Department is able to successfully respond to any and all natural or man-made disasters. The incumbent will serve as the primary Planning Consultant, Public Information Officer and Safety Coordinator and act as liaison between community and governmental agencies on issues of terrorism, preparedness, and response. The position requires extensive written and verbal skills in the areas of data collection, creation of plans, need assessments, document preparation, and presentation of work products to selected audiences inwritten and verbal formats. Knowledge, implementation and delivery of public health information related to public health promotional events such as meetings, discussions, trainings and information dissemination are expected. Position will require extended hours, evenings, and overnight stay away from the base is expected. Develops, reviews, monitors, maintains and updates all required disaster response plans and annexes for the DeSoto County Health Department. ensuring state, federal and local compliance and utilizing directives from FDOH Public Health Preparedness Central Office. The incumbent is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the County Health Department Emergency Operations Plan (EOP); responsible for development and maintenance of plans and standard operating procedures that support the EOP; trained In all aspects of Incident Command and National Incident Management System; coordinates CHO preparedness training based on training needs; maintains records of preparedness training as directed; supports the CHD incident command post during disasters: trains ESF-8 support team for EOC duty; assists special needs shelter activities with equipment procurement and storage: provides disaster related training to CHD staff on roles and responsibilities; provides training and education on issues relating to public health preparedness;  records essential data from home health, nurse registry, home medical equipment and hospice comprehensive emergency management plans. Arrange meetings to create addendums, updates, and discussion of plans prepared above. Conducts PHP exercises to test plans' effectiveness. Promote the department as a positive, caring community organization through courteous behavior toward all clients and co­ workers. Incumbent is primary advisor to CHD Administrator/ Senior Leadership on preparedness, media and safety issues.

This position will also serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the DeSoto County Health Department. Provide strategic public communication planning and media strategy in developing County outreach campaigns, communications planning and training. Plan, develop, coordinate. and implement Information campaigns, promotion of health programs, and provide technical assistance related to production of materials for all hazards communications plans. Primary responsibility of networking/coordination of county PfOs, media outlets and community response partners. Communications strategy includes outreach to partners, including a list of contact numbers, training and exercises.  Develop and maintain distribution channels for media, health and response partners and posting to web. Prepares responses to media requests for information. Cooperate with IT to maintain an informative and compliant County Health Department website. Monitor print and electronic media for news significant to the DeSoto  County Health Department. Provide a weekly and monthly task/activity report to central office.

Provide physical safeguards  as a Safety Coordinator from injury to the maximum extent possible.  Conduct a program of safety and health inspections to detect and eliminate unsafe working conditions or practices, control health hazards, and comply with safety and health standards. Train employees in safe and healthy work  practices.   Maintain standards and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) required on designated jobs and instruction for its correct use and care.   Develop and enforce safety and health plans as a condition of employment for all employees.    Investigate promptly and thoroughly accidents and near-miss situations to determine the root causes and to correct the problem in order to prevent recurrences.

Identify all hazard training needs, which include all (ICS) Incident Command System training to ensure the DeSoto County Health Department remains NIMS compliant. Develop, identify, and/or facilitate the programs to fill those training needs and updates as needed or required.

Acts as ESF-8 (Health & Medical) Representative in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activation. Assist in emergency response and recovery operation activities. Available to provide assistance during natural or man-made disasters. Be prepared to be called upon to provide services in any area within DeSoto County for disaster response on an "as needed" basis. Monitor severe and tropical weather in coordination with Emergency Management and distribute hazardous weather advisories as well as the collection and distribution of emergency related information. Available for assistance with emergency planning, response, recovery. or mitigation Issues.

Participates in all conferences, workshops, drills, tabletop exercises, committees and similar activities that are relevant to any disaster response or capability.

Coordinates all DeSoto County Health Department disaster response activities with DeSoto County Emergency Management, DeSoto Memorial Hospital, Region 6 Domestic Security Task Force, Central Florida Regional Planning Committee, and other governmental and non-governmental agencies as well as other County Health Departments within the Regional Task Force area and/or the State of Florida.

Maintain working relationships with all local cooperating agencies to ensure coordination of reporting, planning, response and mitigation of disaster activities. Provide technical assistance as called upon with those local public and private sector agencies.

Performs other related duties as required which may require weekend or overtime work approved by the supervisor. Complies with HRSP 60-1 Employee Handbook. In the event of a disaster, report for duty before and/or after the disaster as directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES ESSENTIAL TO THIS ROLE:

• Statutes, and Rules and Regulations that pertain to the programs. The incumbent in this position is considered to have regulatory responsibilities and is subject to provisions of Chapter 60K-15, Career Service System Rules. Project development and management. General disaster risks, planning process and protocols.  Ability to learn the Incident Command System (ICS). State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and the Emergency Support Function Structure (ESF)
• Use of equipment and supplies related to the position: Effective oral and written communication.
• Lead People: Motivate, provide constructive feedback, positive recognition, and organize activities to improve the team skills and performance. 
• Manage Processes: Integrate and effectively utilize all components of the strategic planning process to help DCHD achieve its vision. Appropriately assesses and allocates resources (financial. human, equipment and supplies) develop, implement and evaluate business plans;Human Relations: Work with others in a professional, considerate and helpful manner. Projects a positive image of DCHD and self;
• Initiative: Be self-confident, motivated, and enthusiastic drive to perform current job duties and undertake duties of greater responsibility;

• Responsive to Direction: Take and give direction; accept and deliver constructive criticism: and respond and implement suggestions for improvement;
• Flexibility: Accommodate changing situations or plans for satisfactory performance of the job. Able to change easily from one task to another;
• Technology: Navigate the Internet, use office suite and assorted software, and use of technology equipment:
• Communication Oral & Written>: Takes the initiative to communicate accurate, up-to-date plans and information to subordinates,  peers, and management. Expresses thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Listens and understands the views of others.
• Creative Thinking: Develops new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to make organizational improvements; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes;
• Team Building: Inspires, motivates. and guides others toward goal accomplishments.  Consistently develops and sustains cooperative working relationships. Encourages and facilitates cooperation within the organization and with customer groups; fosters commitment, team spirit. pride, trust. Develops leadership in others through coaching, mentoring, rewarding and guiding employees;
• Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding. friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, cooperation, concern, and politeness to others; relates well to different people from varied backgrounds and different situations;
• Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is. any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services: is committed to providing excellence In products and services.
• Skill in the use of equipment/instruments and supplies related to the position; May be required to work outside in all types of weather extremes, both hot and cold, or in wet conditions caused by rains or other water-related events. 
• Ability to: Ability to work outside in all types of weather extremes, both hot and cold, or in wet conditions caused by rains or other waterrelated events; Ability to lift items up to 40 pounds, or use tools to move those items; Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, sit or stand for long periods of time as necessary; Ability to utilize problem solving techniques; Ability to research and interpret county, state and federal requirements; Ability to work independently, part of a team and with minimal supervision; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; Ability to maintain confidential information in accordance with state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, and Department of Health policies; Ability to develop training materials and provide training; Ability to lead and motive people during exercises and real-time events; Ability to manage a storage unit and inventory to maximize space available, and to load/unload materials as needed; Ability to take initiative to communicate accurate, up-to-date plans and information to subordinates, peers, and management. Expresses thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Listens and understands the views of others; and Ability to Navigate the Internet, use office suite and assorted software, and use of technology equipment; Communication (Oral & Written): Takes the initiative to communicate accurate, upto-date plans and information to subordinates, peers, and management. Expresses thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Departments VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.  Certain veterans and spouses of veterans deemed eligible will receive preference in employment by the state (applies only to Career Service (CS) positions).

•  Note: Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.

• This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Fingerprinting is required of the successful applicant for a sensitive position. Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check.
• Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov
• If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
• The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility. 
•  Only U. S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers will be hired.
• Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

• All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

• The State of Florida is an equal opportunity employer/affirmative action employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
• Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the DOH in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

• The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.