Public Health Director

Job Description

The Director of Public Health is responsible for the development and efficient delivery of public health services and programs throughout Island County. The Public Health Director is expected to have a full working knowledge of local public health programs, laws and regulations. This position requires innovative leadership and active collaboration with a diverse range of departments, agencies and community partners while also managing a dynamic department to equitably address public health issues in a rapidly changing community environment.

Job Duties:

Act as executive secretary and administrative officer for the local board of health and shall be responsible for administering the operation of the board of health including such other administrative duties required by the local health board, except for duties assigned to the health officer as enumerated in RCW 70.05.070 and other applicable laws.
Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs all operations of the department including strategic planning, training, exercises and develops and implements strategic short and long-range plans, programs, goals and objectives in alignment with the Board of County Commissioners’ mission, vision and values.
Prepares and submits the annual department budget; prepares and/or supervises the preparation of departmental program plans, goals and objectives in alignment with the BOCC’s vision, mission, values and funding requests; and administers the approved departmental budget.
Fosters and leads a collaborative, caring work environment that empowers staff to thrive and work to their fullest potential. Leads and mentors the leadership team and staff to work with compassion, honesty and integrity.
Responsible for building and strengthening the leadership skills of all staff to develop strong community-based partnerships.
Motivates team to achieve organizational goals, delegates and holds staff accountable.
Negotiates and manages contracts for services and local government agreements between the department and outside entities in accordance with Island County Code and policy.
Assures grant and contract compliance, and oversees administration for all grants received through the department.
Establishes performance standards. Initiates, documents and implements disciplinary actions.
Makes administrative decisions. Reviews, interprets and prepares data to analyze and make recommendations about which programs and/or major project proposals should be initiated, modified or discontinued.
Recommends and implements changes in staffing and structure consistent with changing public health roles and department goals and objectives.
Formulates and administers comprehensive public health programs based on needs and available resources.
Responsible for overseeing environmental health initiatives and natural resource preservation programs.  Plays a leading role in the County’s climate change mitigation and adaptation program development and implementation.
Makes recommendations to and consults with the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Board of Health (BOH) on general policies, procedures, goals, proposals and methods of service delivery for public health programs. Serves as a key advisor, along with Health Officer, to BOCC on Public Health-related matters.
Coordinates departmental operation with other County departments, the BOH, outside jurisdictions, agencies and community partners; confers with and advises the BOCC on various issues and challenges concerning the department.
Ensures enforcement of ordinances, state and federal rules and regulations, policies, procedures and appropriate utilization of revenue generated through permit, application and enforcement fees.
Represents the health department as appropriate on committees/task forces and associations. Serves on various health department and other governmental management teams and related community-wide committees as directed by the BOCC.
Provides high-level public health leadership and perspective regarding a wide range of issues.
Performs special projects that may be outside the usual areas of assignment, as directed. May be tasked with performing related duties which are those that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the classification of work.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of principles and practices of public health, environmental health, natural resource preservation, social determinants of health and health equity, including current trends in policy, research, treatment, prevention, education and related issues.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Proficiency in department-level fiscal management and budget administration including demonstrated ability to analyze, prepare and manage a departmental budget.
Understanding of grant and contract compliance with ability to oversee grant administration for grants received by the department.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills which will be used to clearly communicate the policies and strategic vision to staff and citizens in a clear and concise manner. Trauma-informed communication, management and supervision.
Values diversity, equity and belonging and contributes to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead, plan, organize, coordinate and manage the personnel and programs of a large and diversified organization.
Evaluates programs for efficiencies and prioritizes equity in service models.
Has the political acumen and sensitivity to be effective within a broad range of public health interests.
Establish and maintain professional working relationships with elected officials, department heads, County employees and the public.
Ability to work with the BOCC to build achievable goals that will take the department to the next level of service.
Ability to anticipate trends and upcoming changes in the political or regulatory environment that would affect public health.
Ensure future-focused strategic planning is in place through the utilization of data-driven decisions. Develop and administer plans, policies and work plans.
Uses tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain the support and cooperation of others.
Demonstrates cultural competency, interact sensitively, effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic and professional backgrounds, age, orientation and identity.
Provide leadership and maintain a high level of personal and professional ethics, integrity and honesty.

Education, Experience & Certifications:

Minimum Bachelor of Science degree in public health, public administration, health services management/administration or other closely related field. Master’s degree preferred in the identified fields of study and may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Minimum five (5) years of management level experience is required. Prefer if three (3) years of experience be in a supervisory capacity. Any equivalent combination of training and/or expertise that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License.

*ISLAND COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*