Emergency Preparedness Specialist

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our work led by the Organizational Development and Diversity Department on our Leading edge Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar and our innovative Health Equity Certificate programs. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023! Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Director of Privacy and Risk Management, The Emergency Preparedness Specialist at Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is responsible for building organizational resilience against emergencies and disasters through the development, promotion, and management of the hospital’s emergency preparedness and business continuity programs.

This role includes overseeing pandemic planning, coordinating the hospital’s hazmat response team, and supporting comprehensive departmental emergency plans. As a subject matter expert, the Emergency Preparedness Specialist will ensure the hospital is prepared for any eventuality by implementing best practices in emergency management, business continuity, and disaster recovery.

Key Responsibilities:

Organizational Resilience & Emergency Management:

• Develop, implement, and manage the hospital’s emergency preparedness framework, ensuring SHN’s readiness to respond to a range of emergency scenarios including natural disasters, pandemics, and hazardous material incidents.

• Build organizational resiliency by maintaining and enhancing the hospital's emergency preparedness and business continuity plans, aligning with the latest standards and best practices.

Pandemic & Hazmat Response:

• Lead the hospital’s pandemic planning and coordinate the hospital’s hazmat response team, ensuring both plans are robust and meet regulatory and operational requirements.

• Provide guidance and support for the development of departmental emergency plans across the hospital, including the creation and maintenance of Code Blue, Code Red, Code White, and other critical emergency codes.

Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery:

• Lead the development and implementation of SHN’s Business Continuity Plan, ensuring the hospital’s critical operations can continue during planned downtimes or unforeseen disruptions.

• Oversee disaster recovery planning to protect the organization’s ability to deliver patient care in emergency situations.

Education, Training & Exercise Design:

• Design and deliver training programs for staff at all levels, ensuring they are equipped to respond effectively in an emergency. Training methods may include simulations, tabletop exercises, and practical drills.

• Develop and manage emergency preparedness education programs, raising awareness among frontline staff, leadership, and the broader hospital community.

• Create exercises and drills that challenge hospital policies and procedures, identifying potential gaps and areas for improvement.

Incident Management & Compliance:

• Serve as the hospital’s subject matter expert on Incident Management Systems (IMS) and Incident Action Planning, ensuring the organization is compliant with regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Support the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) activation during incidents, managing infrastructure, facilitating coordination, and leading debriefing sessions.

Collaboration & External Partnerships:

• Act as the primary liaison with external partners such as municipal, provincial, and federal agencies, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration during emergencies.

• Participate in and represent SHN on key emergency preparedness committees, such as the Ontario Health Toronto Emergency Preparedness Quality Improvement Committee (THEPQIC).

Policy Development & Reporting:

• Develop and review emergency management policies, ensuring alignment with legislative, accreditation, and corporate compliance requirements.

• Prepare reports and assessments for senior management, identifying gaps, risks, and areas for improvement in the hospital’s emergency preparedness framework.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration, Disaster and Emergency Management, or a related field is required.

• Master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management or a related discipline is preferred.

• Certification in Incident Management Systems (Levels 100, 200, 250), Basic Exercise Design, and Basic Emergency Management is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in emergency management, business continuity planning, and disaster recovery, preferably within a healthcare setting.

• In-depth knowledge of Incident Management Systems (IMS), pandemic planning, and business continuity planning, with experience in crafting and executing emergency drills and exercises.

• Demonstrated experience managing hospital emergency codes (e.g., Code Blue, Code Red, Code White).

Skills:

• Strong public speaking skills, with the confidence to present to staff, leadership, and large groups.

• Ability to critically analyze situations, identify gaps, and develop solutions for unknown threats or crises.

• Proficient in writing reports, assessments, and developing emergency management policies.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike.
We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values.
We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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