Description

Overview

• The Vulnerable Populations Coordinator (VPC) serves as a key liaison within the Healthcare Coalition (HCC) and Regional Health Department to improve preparedness, response, and recovery for at-risk populations who may be disproportionately impacted by disasters and public health emergencies. Working under the guidance of the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) and/or the Regional Healthcare Coordinator (RHC) / Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC) the VPC supports outreach, planning, training, and response initiatives that reduce health disparities and advance health equity across the region.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Healthcare Coalitions (HCCs), healthcare facilities, and community organizations to integrate the needs of vulnerable populations into all phases of emergency preparedness and response.
• Develop, implement, and maintain partnerships with long-term care, hospice, home health, dialysis, assisted living, behavioral health, and other providers serving vulnerable groups.
• Provide ongoing support for vaccination efforts and infectious disease response, including planning and operating Points of Distribution (PODs).
• Deliver regular training and technical assistance on the Healthcare Resource Tracking System (HRTS) and Patient Bed Matching (PBM); serve as the regional SME for PBM.
• Maintain coalition contact lists, inventories, and preventive maintenance logs for coalition-owned assets.
• Develop and update resource lists of agencies and vendors that support vulnerable populations (e.g., medical equipment providers, food banks, housing services, NGOs).
• Facilitate outreach and host quarterly meetings with population-specific partners to enhance preparedness and participation in HCCs.
• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and local coalitions (health councils, LEPCs, drug coalitions, etc.) to strengthen community-wide engagement.
• Support regional exercises and contribute to After-Action Reports/Improvement Plans that address gaps for vulnerable populations.
• Assist with reporting requirements, data management, and compliance with ASPR HPP and CDC PHEP program guidance.
• Aid during emergencies and disaster activations, including logistical and response support to the RHC and HCC.
• Additional duties as directed by RHC's / ERCs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of public health, emergency preparedness, and healthcare system operations.
• Understanding of social vulnerability and access/functional needs considerations in disaster planning.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs for diverse stakeholders.
• Strong skills in communication, facilitation, and relationship building across multiple sectors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, HRTS, PBM, and other preparedness platforms.
• Capacity to manage coalition data, reporting, and preventive maintenance schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Emergency Management, Healthcare Administration, Information Technology, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum of 2 3 years of experience in public health, healthcare preparedness, emergency management, or community outreach.
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 (required); ICS 300/400 preferred within 24 months of hire.
• Valid TN driver's license; ability to travel regionally and statewide.

Physical & Work Environment

• Office-based with frequent community and statewide travel.
• Requires intermittent sitting, standing, and occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs.
• Must be available for after-hours emergency response and extended shifts during activations.
• Moderate risk of exposure to public health hazards during emergency response operations.