Emergency Response Team

The ERT is led by the ERT commander, who is responsible for the oversight and management of the College’s response. The ERT commander works directly with the executive liaison, who serves as a relay between the ERT and the College’s executive team. The public information officer reports directly to the ERT commander and serves as the designated communications officer, facilitating coordinated and consistent messaging regarding the incident.

Within the ERT, there are 10 subject matter “leads” who are responsible for coordinating resources and support in the areas for which they are responsible. These positions are not based on departments, but on related categories of need. This model assures that each component of emergency management is taken into consideration, regardless of whether the individual normally responsible for that component is present. Each lead position maintains a primary and secondary representative.

Emergency Leads and Liaisons

The ERT includes the following emergency leads and liaisons:

• Safety Lead: The safety lead is responsible for monitoring and evaluating hazards and unsafe conditions, including the health and safety of emergency responder personnel. The safety lead is responsible for the execution of emergency communications. The safety lead is responsible for coordinating with the Department of Public Safety, as well as local emergency responders, including but not limited to Worcester Police Department, Worcester Fire Department, Traffic, Worcester Emergency Medical Services, and any Security Services.
• Finance Lead: The finance lead is responsible for purchasing and cost accountability relating to the response effort. This lead develops and manages vendor relations, documents expenditures, purchase authorizations, documents damage to property, manages equipment usage, and vendor contracting, and develops FEMA documentation.  
• Provisions Lead: The provisions lead is responsible for procuring, maintaining, and distributing provisions during an emergency. Such provisions may include, but are not limited to, food, water and space for events. The provisions lead works closely with the finance lead to document purchases and manage distribution. This individual is also responsible for arranging for the provision of services, support, and basic resources (food, water, bedding, etc.) to the members of the Emergency Response Team during an incident.
• Student Lead: The student lead is responsible for understanding and responding to the needs of students during an emergency. This lead oversees the provision and distribution of all facilities, services, personnel, equipment, and materials that on- and off-campus students may need, including but not limited to evacuation, health services, and counseling services. The student lead has the responsibility to ensure that this Emergency Management Plan is congruous with the Student Affairs’ Duty Protocols, and vice versa. In an emergency, the student lead will work directly with the dean on duty, the finance lead, special services lead, and provisions lead to provide a comprehensive response to our students.
• Facilities Lead: The facilities lead is responsible for the College’s facilities and infrastructure. This lead is responsible for maintaining the College’s property. This lead is responsible for maintaining and providing accurate and current maps of all College property. This lead coordinates with local responders, including Public Works.
• Tech Lead: The tech lead is responsible for maintaining all key functions related to information technology, including but not limited to computers, networks, phones, and radios. This lead maintains and manages the Google Drive. This lead is also responsible for managing the appropriate personnel have access to systems, as required.
• Academic Lead: The academic lead is responsible for the provision and distribution of all facilities, services, personnel, equipment, and materials that may be required by faculty during an emergency. The academic lead is responsible for coordinating business continuity within research and teaching labs. The academic lead is responsible for the library during an emergency. The academic lead works with the PIO to ensure communications appropriately address faculty concerns. This lead is responsible for understanding and communicating the impact certain actions may have on the academic community.
• Personnel Lead: The personnel lead is responsible for considering and responding to employee issues that arise during an emergency. The personnel lead provides information and maintains documentation regarding overtime issues. This lead serves as the liaison to the Employee Assistance Program.  
• Athletics Lead: The athletics lead is responsible for managing any athletics-related matters in an emergency, including coordinating the care of visiting athletes/teams that may be present during an emergency, managing indoor and outdoor venues, and arranging for the rescheduling or cancellation of sports events.
• Postvention Lead: Responsible for implementing and managing postvention process, when necessary.
• Special Services Lead: The special services lead has two primary areas of responsibility in an emergency, including (1) caring for individuals with disabilities; and (2) caring for our Jesuits in Ciampi. This lead will work with the Ciampi liaison to inquire and provide status updates regarding the Jesuits’ needs and the College’s status. 
• Ciampi Liaison - The Ciampi liaison serves as the liaison between the Jesuits residing in Ciampi Hall and the Emergency Response Team. In an emergency, the Ciampi liaison is responsible for understanding and communicating the Jesuits’ needs to the Special Services Lead, who, in turn, will coordinate to provide appropriate resources and care.