EMERGENCY SERVICES PREPARATION/RECOVERY SPECIALIST 75091

11/01/92 B

This is the single class in the Emergency Services Preparation/Recovery series. Positions function as operations specialists in specialty area and as subject matter experts in providing information, guidance, direction, and advice to state, local, and federal governmental agencies involved with disaster prevention/preparation/ recovery and other private and volunteer organizations concerned with the timely and appropriate provision of emergency services required as a result of emergencies and natural or man-made disasters. Positions direct emergency response teams, investigate causes of man-made disasters, develop response programs and plans, and provide technical consultation and training to state and local government agencies and volunteer organizations.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty, requiring the independent examination and analysis of a wide variety of factors that interact to facilitate the prevention, preparation, and recovery from a natural or man-made disaster and the delivery of emergency services. The work typically involves the examination of information generated as a result of past, present, or anticipated emergency situations, requiring an appropriate and timely response that will enable actions that will facilitate the provision of emergency services as they are needed. Directs emergency response teams; provides on-site investigation and verification of disasters or potential disasters; recommends resource allocations; coordinates plans and training requirements with agency staff; prepares detailed reports concerning specialty area; and provides expert testimony regarding emergency services. Consults with appointed and elected officials involved with requests for, or provision of, emergency services.

Supervision Given: Supervision typically is not a factor. Provides technical guidance to emergency response and rescue teams and direction and oversight to staff and liaison personnel assigned to the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and local emergency operations facilities (LEOF) during periods of emergency or disaster.

Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of an Emergency Services Operations Supervisor, Emergency Services Hazardous Materials Manager, or other higher level agency administrator.

Scope: Activities affect the efforts of local and state agencies to obtain technical and administrative information necessary to prepare for and respond to requests for emergency services in the event of emergencies and natural or man-made disasters.

Impact of Actions: Work facilitates the identification of areas in which emergency services may be needed and the development of strategies to meet those needs and minimize the adverse effect of natural or man-made disasters. Failure to perform duties and responsibilities as required could jeopardize client agencies' ability to provide emergency services in an effective and timely manner and thereby endanger the lives and property of Virginia citizens. Inept response to emergency situations could have serious political as well as economic and public safety repercussions.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with the federal government, local government officials, state agencies, and private volunteer agencies, such as the Red Cross, Civil Air Patrol, State Search and Rescue Council, and Rescue Squads to provide program guidance or emergency assistance.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of the nature and types of emergency services that might be required in natural and man-made disasters and the technical and administrative details associated with providing such services; the principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of planning for emergency services; and the technical aspects of the work assigned, such as coordination of operations, radiological safety, or search and rescue.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to perform independently a variety of analyses in the area of specialty; accurately assess potential emergency situations; recommend solutions to a wide range of emergency services problems; effectively communicate recommendations to client service providers; and work with public officials and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: Vehicle operator's license.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, public safety, technical/physical sciences, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in emergency operations, emergency management, or emergency field response is required.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in November 1992 as part of the Classification Review/ Specification Update Program and describes certain positions in the Department of Emergency Services previously allocated to the State Planner C classification.