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DC Primary Care Association

Specialist, Health Program Initiatives

DC Primary Care Association, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

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Since 1996, DC Primary Care Association (DCPCA) has set the course for high quality, sustainable, accessible primary health care for all in the District of Columbia. From day one, DCPCA has been at the forefront of strengthening the District’s primary care system. Through numerous advocacy efforts and resource development programs, the organization has expanded and improved primary health care services for residents.

DCPCA is seeking a Specialist, Health Program Initiatives. This position supports initiatives that strengthen the effectiveness and recovery capacity of community health centers throughout the District of Columbia. This position maintains a dual focus: advancing emergency preparedness and supporting broader efforts to improve access to care, chronic disease management, and services for special populations. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance, coordinating programs, collecting and analyzing data, and engaging stakeholders. The specialist contributes to DCPCA’s strategic goals, including promoting inclusive practices, ensuring fair access to high-quality care, supporting Community Health Worker (CHW) integration, leveraging Section 330 grant opportunities, and improving outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions and historically underserved communities.

This position reports to the Manager, Health Program Initiatives and follows a hybrid work model. Ideal candidates will be based in or near Washington, DC metro area as regular on‑site collaboration and local travel (10‑15%) is required. There will also be occasional requirements outside regular business hours during emergencies, trainings, or critical events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Emergency Preparedness

Serve as liaison between DCPCA, member health centers, the DC Department of Health, and the Health and Medical Coalition (HMC) to support coordinated emergency response efforts.

Conduct annual assessments to evaluate health center emergency readiness.

Support the development and implementation of emergency operations plans, continuity of operations plans (COOP), and response protocols that are aligned with the Incident Command System (ICS), the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) frameworks.

Plan and facilitate trainings, exercises, and drills to enhance health center preparedness.

Contribute to activities aligned with HRSA emergency preparedness, response, and recovery objectives.

Maintain situational awareness and support realtime information exchange during public health emergencies.

Program & Health Center Support

Implement and support initiatives that strengthen primary care delivery and improve health outcomes.

Advance strategies that promote fair access and inclusive practices, especially for special populations and individuals with complex chronic needs.

Assist with program implementation and evaluation for CHW integration, Section 330 grant supported efforts, and workforce development.

Coordinate and evaluate trainings, technical assistance sessions, and learning collaboratives.

Collect, analyze, and report data to inform decisions and track progress toward program goals.

Build relationships with health center partners to identify needs, share promising practices, and promote cross‑site collaboration.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in public health, health administration, emergency management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

24 years of experience in program coordination, emergency preparedness, health systems, or public health.

Complete certification in FEMA’s Emergency Management Basic Academy.

Knowledge of emergency response systems (e.g., ICs, NIMS, COOP) and public health infrastructure.

Strong communication and collaboration skills; demonstrated ability to work with health center staff, public agencies, and community‑based organizations.

Experience with resource management and planning.

Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Proficiency with email marketing platforms (e.g., MailChimp, Constant Contact) and webinar tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Lookalikes, primary care associations, or health systems.

Familiarity with CHW‑led models, chronic disease initiatives, Section 330 grant programming, and community‑based health efforts.

Experience engaging special populations impacted by access barriers and social drivers of health.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SurveyMonkey, and data tools such as Excel, Power BI, or Tableau.

Proficiency in Canva or similar visual communication tools for content creation and stakeholder engagement.

COMPENSATION DCPCA offers competitive salary ($75,000 - $78,000) based on experience and skills of employees. Additionally, DCPCA provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 403b match, ancillary benefits, access to Flexible Spending Accounts, and generous leave benefits.

ADA Specifications This position is primarily sedentary in the Washington, DC office with occasional overnight travel and may require some bending and lifting. DCPCA is a fast‑paced, high‑energy organization with a very ambitious agenda and a staff that is highly motivated. This position may experience high work demands under tight timelines.

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