Job Summary:

The Public Health Director will oversee departmental operations to meet public health service requirements and the needs of the countys medically indigent.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Plans, organizes, and directs the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff engaged in the delivery of health services.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Formulates and administers comprehensive public health programs based on needs and available resources. Makes recommendations to and consults with the board of supervisors on general policies and procedures, goals, and proposals and methods of service delivery for public health and clinical care programs.
• Determines the types and levels of services to be provided and the standards by which delivery will be evaluated; directs the preparation of annual budgets, health care plans, and funding applications; monitors and evaluates delivery, performance, and expenditures.
• Disseminates, interprets, and implements policies, laws, and regulations of state/federal directives regarding medical and public health issues to physicians, department staff and representatives of hospitals, nursing homes, medical clinics, and schools.
• Develops positions on legislation and advocates the countys position before state and federal agencies and community groups.
• Consults and coordinates with federal and state health officials and representatives of local public and private health agencies in the enforcement of health laws and the development of programs to meet public health needs.
• Directs searches for new funding sources and oversees grant application preparation and negotiation; coordinates public healthcare activities with related services provided by other county departments including social services, mental health, and environmental health.
• Makes public presentations and meets privately with physicians and administrators of health and social service agencies. Secures and maintains community support for public health programs.
• Performs other duties as required.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices and interagency responsibilities involved in contemporary public health.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing the services and work of local public health programs.
• Knowledge of the organization and the purpose of federal and state health departments.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of managing physicians and other medical professionals and other managers; effective public and community relations practices.
• Knowledge of public information practices and techniques; practices of health service advocacy; principles and practices of determining and serving community health needs.
• Knowledge of fiscal management, budget administration and control, program budgeting, principles and practices of personnel, and information systems organizational management.

Education and Experience:

• Progressively responsible high-level executive health care related administrative experience, preferably in a public health setting.
• Experience should include working with community health care agencies and responsibility for community contact; or
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.