Emergency Management Specialist (EMS)

This position is organizationally aligned under the Occupational Safety and Health Service, which reports to the Associate Director of Operations at the Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital in Hines, IL, a complexity level 1a VHA facility. The Emergency Management Specialist (EMS) manages the health care system in sustaining national and regional support to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP). The Emergency Management Specialist (EMS) is a high-profile position requiring daily interaction with the highest levels of medical center leadership, the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), VHA, the VHA Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and community stakeholders. The EMS works with the VISN in coordinating and administering duties required to execute the roles and responsibilities under the VA's national level partners, Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as well as federal, state, and local agencies in the public and private sector. Major duties and responsibilities include: * Coordinating the Healthcare System efforts and engaging staff, as well as the functions required to manage the Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP). * Ensuring the emergency response results and conclusions lead to a continual improvement of the emergency management program throughout the healthcare system. * Preparing for and carrying out or coordinating emergency functions to prevent, protect from, mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. * Assisting with the various program coordinators relating to Emergency Management (EM), Safety, Pharmacy Cache, Clinical Support, and Law Enforcement. * Developing and coordinating all VAMC emergency plans and exercises in accordance with VHA directives and VHA Emergency Operations Plan. * Collaborating with community partners to support the execution of national objectives. * Representing Executive Leadership at key planning sessions, after actions reviews, and response planning meetings, conferences, forums and symposiums. * Providing guidance and assistance in all employee and vulnerable patient/Veteran accountability efforts before, during and after an emergency. * Ensuring all data on employee and patient/Veteran accountability is reported to the healthcare system Incident Command Center and VISN in a timely manner. * Establishing relationships with the stakeholders and community in order to communicate and disseminate program information to ensure an understanding of the agency's mission and activities. * Establishing, maintaining, and fostering strong working relationships with partners at national, regional and local levels. * Performing other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm. Work days, hours, and location is subject to change based on program needs and during emergency situations. Please review Qualifications section for additional information. Telework: Not Suitable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Emergency Management Specialist (EMS)/PD99789S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

Created: 2026-04-02