Unit Chief, Statewide Peer Support Network

Job Title Unit Chief, Statewide Peer Support Network

Agency

Texas Division of Emergency Management

Department

Peer Support

Proposed Minimum Salary

$9,646.88 monthly

Job Location

Austin, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is an emergency response entity, and this status can affect working hours, travel and change in duties as needed.

The Unit Chief, Statewide Peer Support Network is responsible for overseeing and supporting the daily operations, coordination, and continued development of the Texas Statewide Peer Support Network within the TDEM. This position provides leadership and operational support for statewide peer support initiatives serving first responders across Texas. The Unit Chief, Statewide Peer Support Network will assist in the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of peer support and resiliency programs, facilitate collaboration among local, regional and statewide partners, support crisis response efforts, and promote best practices in behavioral health, responder wellness, and critical incident stress management. This position requires a strong understanding of first responder culture, crisis response systems, peer support operations, and organizational wellness initiatives.

Availability for after-hours and weekend work is required. Must have the ability to operate outside of the normal working hours for extended periods in the aftermath of a disaster without relief and to work extended hours. This position is stationed in Austin and is not a telecommuting position.

This position is considered at-will status and serves at the discretion of the head of the agency.

*Salary is a fixed rate and is non-negotiable.

*This position is located on-site and not subject to telecommuting.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the daily operations and coordination of the Statewide Peer Support Network.

• Supports recruitment, onboarding, training coordination, and engagement of statewide peer supporters and regional team leads.

• Assists with development and implementation of peer support policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.

• Coordinates peer support activations and assist with response efforts following critical incidents or traumatic events.

• Maintains communication and collaboration with emergency response agencies, emergency management personnel, healthcare organizations, behavioral health providers, and regional partners throughout Texas.

• Ensures coordination between partners to create referral pathways to clinical resources, crisis lines, employee assistance programs and other licensed clinical providers while preserving the non-clinical nature of peer support.

• Supports the development and delivery of resiliency, wellness, and behavioral health initiatives for first responders and emergency management personnel.

• Assists in tracking program metrics, preparing reports, maintaining documentation, and supporting grant or legislative reporting requirements.

• Promotes evidence-based peer support and crisis intervention practices.

• Participates in statewide meetings, conferences, outreach events, and training opportunities related to peer support and responder wellness.

• Provides guidance and support to peer support team leaders and regional stakeholders.

• Assists leadership with strategic planning, program evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in all peer support and personnel interactions.

• Represent the agency at business meetings, hearings, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels and committees.

• Face-to-face and person-to-person interactions are required.

• Work extended hours when needed.

• Ability to travel up to 30%.

• Performs related work as assigned.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education - Bachelor’s degree in in emergency management, emergency medical services, behavioral health, public administration, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience - Seven (7) years of experience as a first responder, emergency manager, or public safety professional. Two (2) years’ experience having performed in a supervisory capacity.

Certification - Texas Department of State Health Service (DSHS) Paramedic, Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Advanced Structural Firefighter, or State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association (SFFMA) Master Firefighter Certification.

*Additional work experience of the type described above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year- for-year basis. Thirty (30) semester hours is equivalent to one (1) year of experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated experience in peer support, responder wellness, crisis intervention, or resiliency programming.

• Knowledge of peer support models, resiliency programs, and behavioral health resources for first responders.

• Experience coordinating programs, projects, or operational initiatives.

• Knowledge of management and supervisory methods and principles, performance and productivity standards, and fiscal/budget management.

• Exhibit creative reasoning and effective decision making.

• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to promote best practices in behavioral health, responder wellness, and critical incident stress management.

• Ability to respond calmly and effectively during crisis situations.

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.

• Able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and protected information and situations.

• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

• Ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working relationships with internal and external customers.

• Ability to be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment.

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, reporting systems, spreadsheets, and virtual collaboration platforms.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE:

Complete and obtain certification in IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 and Professional Development Series or Emergency Management Professionals Program Basic Academy FEMA courses within twelve (12) months of employment and any other training as determined.

*Additional Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) information can be accessed at: .

*Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.