Emergency Response Specialist

Salary: $25.34 Hourly
Location : Waukegan, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 15375
Department: Health Department
Division: Prevention
Opening Date: 05/20/2026
Salary Grade: Hourly.5


General Description


The Emergency Response Specialist is a valuable member of our Emergency Management team who under the supervision of the Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC), the Emergency Response Specialist (ERS) I will focus on Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center (LCHD/CHC) emergency management preparation and implementation. This individual assists the ERC and ERS II to implement community mass prophylaxis, organize training and exercises, assist in grant status reports, and coordinate public education on emergency management and public health-related topics. The ERS I participates in developing and implementing LCHD/CHC staff emergency management roles, education, and training. Work is conducted independently and with teams.


Scheduled Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Essential Functions

• At the ERC's direction, coordinates specific emergency response functions for LCHD/CHC and assists the ERS II to do the same.
• Participates in the review and development of emergency management and response plans and documents with a focus on public health aspects, including the Lake County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and LCHD/CHC EOP.
• Assists the ERC to organize, equip, maintain and activate the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) to coordinate and direct LCHD/CHC responses to public health emergencies. Assists in the assignment, training, and exercising of the PHEOC staff and Point of Dispensing (POD) Site Managers.
• Serves as the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Unit Leader, including recruiting, coordinating on-boarding of new volunteers, providing and tracking training, conducting drills, and coordinating outreach events.
• Assists in planning for, organizing, equipping, and exercising PODs to distribute medications during a public health emergency, including providing training, orientations, and technical assistance to the LCHD staff.
• Participates in organizing and conducting exercises, prepares after action reports (AARs), Improvement Plans (IPs), and other related reports.
• Assists and collaborates with Lake County Emergency Management Agency in the Emergency Operations Center (LCEOC) and on joint projects.
• Develops a working relationship with other agencies involved with emergency management and public health and works to enlist their support on a continuing basis.
• Develops strong relationships and coordinates emergency management activities with large health care providers and long-term care facilities in Lake County. Represents the agency when working with these groups and serves as an active voice in promoting preparedness for public health emergencies.
• Participates in public education on emergency management related topics.
• Assists in maintenance of the LCHD/CHC emergency management inventory of all supplies such as antibiotics, antivirals, radios, etc.
• Conducts routine testing of satellite phones, two-way radios, videoconferencing equipment, phone banks, and other communications equipment.
• Conducts staff call down drills quarterly and creates an AAR for each drill.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Requires a Bachelor or Master's degree in physical science, public health, emergency management, or related field from an accredited college or university OR an Associate Degree in emergency management or related field with a minimum of five years of experience working within an ICS structure.
• Has completed or will complete within 12 months of hire, all ICS classes required by IDPH.

• Encouraged to complete IPEM certification within the first 2 years of employment.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License supplemented by a satisfactory driving record.

Supplemental Information
As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.

Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at


At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary grades at For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here:

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.
Here at the Health Department, we are proud to employ a diverse workforce of dedicated individuals focused on promoting the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and collaboration, enabling each employee to perform at their maximum potential and to more effectively work with clients, patients, and employees. We offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Paid Time Off to support work-life balance
• IMRF Pension and 457 retirement plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement

You can find more details on our benefits on our website at
01


Do you have a current and valid driver's license and automobile insurance?

• Yes
• No

02


Please summarize your relevant experience, including direct experience working within an ICS structure.
03


Please share why you are interested in working for this program and how your experience directly relates to this opening.
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