HSD Employee Spotlight—Jill Watson

Jill Watson is an Emergency Management Strategic Advisor for the Seattle Human Services Department. She has worked at Seattle Human Services for 16 years in the same position.

What is your role at Seattle Human Services?

I am the Emergency Management Strategic Advisor for the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD). In this role I have three main activities: helping HSD prepare and respond to emergencies; coordinating the City's Emergency Support Function 6 (ESF #6) Mass Care, Housing and Human Services from planning to emergency response; and leading the Health and Human Services Branch at the Seattle Emergency Operations Center. I am on call 24/7.

What made you want to work in human services?

Two key experiences influenced my path. When I was in kindergarten my dad and I became homeless, and we needed the help of others to move forward. Then in high school, I studied world hunger and realized most of the food shortages could be addressed if people would set aside differences to overcome obstacles and help each other. I found my passion was figuring out how to remove barriers and create solutions that help people be able to build their lives and dreams.

How has your job changed in recent years?

An astounding amount has changed where emergency management and human services intersect. Hazards are more complex, impacts can be unprecedented, and more is expected in how we help people (and pets) in disasters. We have had to respond to COVID-19; the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat and wildfire smoke; and plan for mass casualty incidents and cyber events to name a few. One change that I'm excited about is the drive for emergency planning and response to be accessible, equitable, and encompassing of the whole community.

What do you love about your job?

I get to work with all divisions in HSD, almost every City department, and with a host of other governmental and non-governmental organizations to help people during some of the most difficult times of their lives. The people and organizations I work with are amazing. Sometimes there are no good solutions, a lot of pressure, and the hours are very long. But I love that this job enables me to help create better outcomes for my community in emergencies.

How do you contribute to HSD's overarching goals related to racial equity?

Inequities of any kind have disproportionate impacts in disasters, which can lead to generational impacts and even death. I provided racial equity training for the support agency group I coordinate. I also developed a presentation on disasters and equity that illustrates how bias and institutional racism can put people in the path of a disaster and then hinder recovery. In emergency incidents, I look for partners who can bring cultural and in-language support.

What motivates you or keeps you going?

In both emergency management and human services there is always much more to do than time and resources can cover. I look for where I can make an impact, and frequently ask myself will someone be harmed, or recovery delayed because of my actions or inactions in planning, response or communications. My daughters and grandchildren help keep me recharged, laughing, and ready for whatever comes next.

What's one piece of advice for HSD newcomers or recent graduates in your field?

The City does some incredible work and has positions you would never imagine. Explore. Check out department web pages. And please have a family contact plan for emergencies and travel with water, snack food, cell phone, a good book, and a sense of humor.

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