Preparedness Coordinator

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Public Health Preparedness Coordinator
Full-Time Position
Location: McCracken Co (Paducah), KY
Service Area: Purchase District Health Department's service region
Work Week: 37.5 hours
Starting Pay: $21 – $24/hour, based on experience and qualifications.
Position Overview

The Public Health Preparedness Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring the Purchase District Health Department is ready to respond to public health emergencies and natural or man-made disasters. This position leads preparedness planning, training, and response coordination for incidents such as infectious disease outbreaks, bioterrorism, and other public health threats.

The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, and mission-driven, with a passion for protecting community health and building resilient local systems through proactive planning and partnership.

Program Coordination & Planning

• Develop, implement, and maintain the agency's Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) plan in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Conduct risk assessments, gap analyses, and after-action reports to strengthen emergency readiness.
• Coordinate preparedness training exercises, drills, and evaluations for agency staff and community partners.
• Ensure program documentation, reporting, and grant deliverables meet all regulatory standards.
   

Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain strong working relationships with hospitals, emergency management, first responders, schools, and local officials to support coordinated response efforts.
• Represent the agency on regional preparedness committees and workgroups.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for preparedness-related communication during planning and response operations.
• Assist with risk communication and public messaging during emergencies.
   

Operational Readiness

• Oversee and maintain inventory of emergency supplies and response equipment.
• Plan and manage logistics for receipt, storage, and distribution of vaccines and medical countermeasures during public health events.
• Provide training and technical assistance to staff on preparedness protocols, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Participate in real-world emergency response as needed.
• May work on other projects and grants as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in public health, emergency management, or a related health field.
• A master's degree in Public Health, Emergency Management, Nursing, or Business Administration may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• A high school diploma or GED with a combination of education and experience totaling seven (7) years in public/community health or emergency management may substitute for minimum requirements.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate across multiple agencies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and willingness to learn preparedness software and data systems.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

Pay and Schedule

• $21 - $24/hour starting rate, negotiable with experience.
• 5% raise after successful completion of 6-month probationary period.
• Full-time, non-exempt role with a 37.5-hour work week.
• Eligible for full benefits, paid holidays, retirement programs, and professional development opportunities.

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying one of Kentucky's most competitive public benefits packages, this role is for you. Our HANDS specialists don't just serve, they thrive with:

Holidays & Time Off

• 13 Paid Holidays including Juneteenth, Veterans Day, and two days each for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
• Accrual of 3.5 hours of vacation and 3.5 hours of sick leave per pay period, with vacation increasing based on years of service.
• Up to 12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave available within your first year of employment.
• Additional leave opportunities for jury duty, voting, and inclement weather, ensuring you have time for civic responsibilities and unforeseen circumstances.
• Supports a healthy work-life balance, allowing you to manage personal needs, family obligations, and self-care while contributing to public health.
   

Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage

• Low-premium medical insurance plans starting as low as $20.88 per month for single coverage, with additional options for family coverage
• Annual employer-funded allowance, depending on your plan ($500 - $1000) loaded onto a HealthEquity card each year (HRA dollars roll over each year, up to $7,500)
• HRA card can be used for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses, including copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and prescriptions.
• Preventive care is covered at 100% across all plans — annual checkups, routine screenings, and vaccinations are included at no cost
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) available for health and dependent care
• Telehealth and virtual care options are available, often at lower copays than in-person visits. (Including parenting resources, nurse lines, and more)
• Prescription coverage includes tiered copays for generic, brand, and specialty medications; pharmacy expenses may count toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
• All plans include mental health services such as counseling, psychiatric care and behavioral health care
   

Dental & Vision Benefits

• Dental insurance plans starting at $14 per month
• 100% coverage on preventive care (cleanings, exams, and X-rays) when using in-network providers
• Coverage for major services such as crowns, implants, and oral surgery
• Teledentistry available 24/7, giving you remote access to dental consultations anytime
• Vision insurance available for less than $6 per month for single coverage, with family options also available
• $150–$175 allowance for contacts, frames, and lenses, with co-pays as low as $10
• Covers routine eye exams for adults and children, including dilation, when necessary, to support overall eye health
• Discounts on frames, lenses, and contacts for costs exceeding the plan allowance
   

Retirement & Financial Security

• 6% pension contribution through the Kentucky Employee Retirement System (KERS)
• Optional 401(k) and 457(b) plans (employee-funded)
• Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel
• $20,000 of basic life insurance provided at no cost to you, including Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits. You also have the option to purchase additional life insurance for yourself and eligible dependents for enhanced financial protection.
   

Additional Fringe Benefits
These benefits support your physical, mental, and financial well-being:

• Carrum Health: Available under certain plans, access top surgeons and cancer specialists for major procedures, including cancer care, orthopedic surgeries (knee, hip, shoulder, spine), heart surgery, and weight-loss surgery—with most services covered at no cost to you.
• LiveHealth Online: 24/7 virtual visits with doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, and lactation consultants
• LivingWell Clinics: In-person or telehealth for annual exams, chronic care, labs, immunizations, and women's health
• 24/7 NurseLine & Substance Use Support: Get care guidance, provider referrals, and confidential substance use help
• Tobacco Cessation: Free prescription and OTC aids, online or phone-based counseling programs
• Diabetes & Chronic Care: Personalized 24/7 coaching, education, and tracking tools through Lark and DSMES programs
• Maternity & Family Support: Digital tools, prenatal/postpartum guidance, lactation consulting, and newborn tracking.
• Joint & Musculoskeletal Care: Virtual therapy for back, knee, hip, neck, or shoulder pain via Hinge Health
• Acupuncture: Covered pilot program for eligible KEHP members at UK Healthcare
• Behavioral & Mental Health: Online therapy, psychiatry, and coaching through LiveHealth Online, RethinkCare, and Learn to Live
• Cash Rewards & Wellness Incentives: Earn $25–$850. Wellness engagement can reduce premiums by nearly $500

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join the Purchase District Health Department in leading local preparedness efforts that protect our communities when it matters most. As the Public Health Preparedness Coordinator, you'll play a key role in planning, training, and ensuring rapid, coordinated response to public health threats across the region. If you're detail-oriented, dependable, and motivated to make an impact in public health, apply today and help us build a stronger, safer Purchase District.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D