Public Health Director

Job Description

Summary:

Reporting directly to the Board of Lincoln County Commissioners and Lincoln County Board of Health, this position is responsible for overseeing and directing the implementation of public health programs for the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD).  This work is in support of the mission and vision for Lincoln County Public Health (LCPH) in conformance with our strategic plan and values.   The director is responsible for developing and guiding public health programs, aligning agency activities with community needs, and ensuring the effective delivery of public health programs throughout Lincoln County.   This includes developing and fostering collaborative relationships with community partners to define collective impact strategies.  The director is expected to have full working knowledge of local public health programs, laws, and regulations.  This position requires innovative leadership and active collaboration supporting a diverse range of departments, agencies, and community partners.

The director is responsible for implementing the Lincoln County Board of Health (LCBOH) policies and for directing the department team to fulfil the public health expectations established by the LCBOH under the Revised Code of Washington 70.05.040.  This work is done in partnership with the Lincoln County Health Officer who is authorized to enforce the public health statutes of the state of Washington RCW 70.05.070.

The director is responsible for the operations of the department and performs complex professional and administrative work.  This includes supervising approximately 15 department team members in cooperation with program directors.  Currently, the director is responsible for an annual budget of approximately $2 million.

Major Responsibilities/Activities

40% Management

·         Directs, manages, coordinates, and evaluates the day-to-day operations of the department to effectively identify and address the needs of diverse populations in Lincoln County.

·         Oversees tasks related to effective administration of the department, including human resources, fiscal and facilities management, efficient use of information technology, legal compliance, professional education and training, and timely execution of programs.

·         Provides strategic direction with the Board of Health around key financial and budgetary policies and program activities

·         Develops and manages the department budget to ensure adequate staff, equipment, resources, and other materials to perform the functions necessary for the department.

·         Oversees staff, which includes the completion of employee evaluations, interviewing, hiring, and recommending reclassifications or discipline/terminations.

·         Ensures continuity of operations during emergencies that affect staff, facilities, information technology, or other critical business infrastructure.

·         Attends all Board of Health meetings and performs other tasks as directed by the board.

·         Regularly communicates the operational, regulatory, and financial status of the department to the Board of Health, Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, local and state officials, and other community members.

·         Recommends policy strategies for consideration based on local issues of public health importance, and implements decisions and direction provided by the board.

35% Leadership

·         Collaboratively develops and implements short- and long-term strategic plans, programs, and objectives, and ensures they are clearly communicated and integrated into department operations to strengthen and sustain the LCPH culture across staff and programs.

·         Promotes a culture of teamwork and collaboration within the department.  Identifies trends and problems hindering progress and develops and implements recommendations for problem resolution.

·         Attends staff meetings, in-service functions, education sessions, and mandatory training.

·         Participates in local, state, and national committees related to a wide variety of public health issues and topics.

·         Facilitates and maintains a collaborative relationship with local community partners.

·         Develops collaborative strategies to support healthier communities in Lincoln County by guiding partnerships that advance systems, policies, and environmental changes and promote public health approaches addressing the social determinants of health.

·         Recommends and implements staffing and organizational structure changes to align with evolving public health roles, funding requirements, and department goals.

20% Compliance

·         Ensures compliance with state and federal laws and regulations regarding fiscal, human resources, and safety of the department.

·         Assures the department complies with all local, state, and federal laws and standards, including conducting periodic community health assessments to evaluate and communicate health impacts in Lincoln County.

·         Ensures the Department adheres to HIPAA, ADA, and record retention standards.

·         Guarantees timely collection, accounting, and reporting of all fees established by the State and local Board of Health, including those for inspections, licenses, and permits.

·         Manages financial controls and maintains auditing compliance.

·         May complete other duties and special projects as assigned.

5% Culture

·         Fosters a collaborative, employee-focused culture where staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best.

·         Promotes and displays open, candid, and productive communication.

Job Qualifications

Required:

·         Bachelor’s degree in health, public health, public administration, business administration, leadership, or a related field relevant to the department.

·         Minimum of three years of progressive executive management experience in health, public health, business, or leadership-related fields, including supervision of diverse technical, professional, and administrative staff.

·         Valid driver’s license.

Preferred:

·         Master’s degree in health, public health, public administration, business administration, leadership, communications, or a related field relevant to the department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (required to meet the minimum qualifications of this position):

·         Knowledge of principles of health planning, budgeting, personnel management, and labor relations; ability to effectively administer a variety of public health programs.

·         Ability to supervise, mentor, and coach staff; maintain effective working relationships; and gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.

·         Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to the audience you are communicating with.

·         Demonstrates professionalism and courtesy when interacting with the Board, the public, community partners, and state and federal stakeholders.

·         Knowledge of and ability to maintain the highest standards of ethical behavior.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

·         Indoors, sedentary up to 8 hours per day sitting or standing.

·         Outdoors, up to 4 hours per day walking, standing, or driving.

·         Up to 8 hours per day of computer keyboarding or typing.

·         Ability to drive in various climates (rain, snow, wind, sun, mud, varied air quality levels, extreme temperatures, heat/cold, etc.).

·         Ability to occasionally navigate sites (uneven ground, climbing up/downstairs, etc.).

·         Communication skills to interact effectively with people.

·         Comprehend and process verbal communication.

·         Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.

·         Visual acuity to read and write.

·         Ability to discern colors, odors, and sounds.

·         Ability to bend, twist, and stoop on a regular basis.

·         Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.

·         Ability to type, file, and complete forms.

Work Schedule:

This position is exempt and is not overtime eligible based on the provisions listed in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The regular workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This is an at-will position reporting to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

Travel:

·         Travel, primarily within the jurisdiction of LCHD and within the state, is required to attend meetings, conferences, and seminars.

·         An LCHD vehicle will be provided for use. However, as a condition of employment, employees may be required to utilize their private vehicles in the performance of their duties but will be reimbursed for mileage.

Emergencies:

During public health emergencies, you may be assigned duties outside your regular job description, including work at nights or on weekends, and possible deployment to locations beyond the department’s regular location(s).

Necessary Special Requirements:

·         The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check.

·         Ability to obtain or provide documentation of required immunizations.

·         Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory training on time.

Application Process:

Candidates who wish to be considered for this position must complete the application on our website at www.HealthyLinCoWa.com/Jobs and include the below items:

·         Cover letter

·         Resume

·         Complete application form

·         Any relevant supporting documents

For more information about the application process or the position please contact Ed Dzedzy, Public Health Director, at edzedzy@co.lincoln.wa.us   or 509-215-1023.

Application materials can be emailed to: edzedzy@co.lincoln.wa.us

Or mailed to:        Ed Dzedzy, Director

Lincoln County Health Department

90 Nicholls

Davenport, WA  99122