Disability/Access and Functional Needs (D/AFN) Planning Coordinator

  • Full-time

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

  • Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
  • Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
  • Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
  • Benefits - We care about your well-being.


Agency Description

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works to mitigate, plan, and prepare for emergencies; educate the public about preparedness; coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts; and develop tools and identify resources to support the overall preparedness of the City of Philadelphia.

Job Description

The City of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management is seeking a Planning Coordinator for its Health and Human Services Program to ensure the City of Philadelphia and regional partners maintain a high state of operational readiness through preparedness, coordination, and communication. Candidates for this position should possess a strong desire to work in a fast-paced, professional public safety environment, and a willingness to serve the public in the sixth-largest city in the nation.

      To ensure the overall readiness and accessibility of the City and region, the Disability/Access and Functional Needs (D/AFN) Planning Coordinator will be responsible for the aiding in the development of regional and local programs that integrates D/AFN best practices and lessons learned into emergency response, planning and recovery.

     Additionally, the Disability/Access and Functional Needs (D/AFN) Planning Coordinator will be responsible for aiding in the development of City and regional emergency and disaster response and preparedness plans, with a specific focus on Disability/Access and Functional Needs (D/AFN) considerations.
     Successful candidates must be City residents within six months of hire and are required to serve as members of on-call field response teams with 24-hr response requirements during their rotation. OEM staff also periodically work during non-standard hours for extended periods, in austere field environments, and during activations of Philadelphia’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This may include nighttime, weekends, holidays, and during adverse weather. A valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License is required within six months of hire.  Appropriate accommodations will be made as necessary.

Essential Functions

Under the direction of the Health and Human Services Program Manager, the Disability/Access and Functional Needs (D/AFN) Planning Coordinator will provide subject matter expertise to the Office of Emergency Management to assess and ensure the needs of persons with disabilities and access and functional needs are integrated into emergency preparedness planning, mitigation and recovery efforts. They will establish partnerships with applicable governmental and non-governmental agencies for effective engagement with these communities throughout Philadelphia.  Additionally, the Disability/Access and Functional Needs (D/AFN) Planning Coordinator is responsible for a range of administrative and physical activities including, but not limited to, the following:

-        Document policies and best practices for emergency planning and response to ensure access for all levels of need prior to, during, and following disaster.

-        Identify data sources that can be leveraged to inform disaster planning and to engage and support high-needs populations.

-        Develop shelter selection and disaster housing resource guidance to fully integrate disability and access and functional needs (D/AFN) considerations.

-        Provide subject matter expertise in OEM Plan development.

-        Provide subject matter expertise in OEM events planning and operations.

-        Develop and administer AFN/DI trainings and resources within the OEM (including maintenance, updating, etc.).

-        Develop and chair the Philadelphia Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Panel.

-        Establish and maintain partnerships with applicable community-based partners who serve persons with disabilities and access and functional needs.

-        Serve as a liaison to the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force

-        Serve as liaison to other agencies for emergency preparedness efforts, particularly those involving access and functional needs and persons with disabilities.

-        Develop a Regional Functional Assessment Service Team (FAST)

-        Successful completion of required courses to gain a working knowledge of general emergency planning procedures and best practices, familiarization with primary stakeholders, and other fundamentals of the practice of emergency management.

-        Conducting special projects and performing other work as required.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

­−     Effective oral and written communication skills.

­ −   Strong interpersonal, leadership, and negotiation skills.

­ −    Excellent time-management skills.

­ −    Experience in project and organizational management.

­−     Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

−  ­   Sound judgement and ethical decision making.

−  ­   Professional conduct and accountability.

−      Ability to write, develop, and exercise tactical plans. 

−      Ability to operate in chaotic or uncertain environments.

−      Ability to maintain effective working relationships and develop partnerships.

−      Ability to contribute and coordinate in a team environment.

−      Ability to multitask effectively.

−      Ability to interpret federal and state emergency management requirements and regulations.

−      Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and ability to use other web-based platforms for inventory management, incident management, and mass communication as it relates to on-call responsibilities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

 ­   Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college required.

    Candidates with degrees or experience in planning, D/AFN Policies, disaster management or related fields, are encouraged to apply.  

    Working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, and related State, local laws and regulations pertaining to accommodating people with disabilities and others with functional and access needs (DAFN)

   1-3 years experience working within an emergency management or other public safety organization is preferred.

   1-3 years experience in project management.

­   1-3 years experience with technical writing

­   Experience engaging a diverse group of stakeholders.

­   Familiarity with the City of Philadelphia or Southeastern Pennsylvania is preferred.

­   Experience developing, training, and exercising tactical plans is preferred. 

­   Experience with the National Incident Management System is preferred.

­   Experience with disaster and relief operations is preferred.

­   Experience working in austere environments for prolonged periods is preferred.

­   An equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field will be considered with approval by OEM and the Office of Human Resources.

­   Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply for this position

Licenses, Registrations, and Certification

­   Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six months of hire.

­   Successful completion of FEMA Independent Study courses (IS 100.a, 200.a, 700.a, and 800.b) within first month of appointment.

­   Candidate will have access to secure public safety information.  All selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of placement in this position.

Other requirements

­   OEM personnel will be required to serve in an on-call capacity to work during non-business hours for extended periods of time in a field environment and during activations of Philadelphia’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). OEM personnel are essential.

­   Full-time residency within the City of Philadelphia geographic boundaries required within six months of hire.  There are no exceptions to this policy.

­   Ability to physically perform the duties during and outside of normal business hours.

­   A driving record check will be conducted.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample (showing your ability to write a policy or report-style document).

Salary: $62,500 / year

Did you know?

  • We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
  • 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
  • We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
  • Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
  • Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Generous retirement savings options are available

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. 

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx