Public Health Director

Job Summary

Performs professional, supervisory, and administrative duties in the management of the Public Health Department. Primary responsibility for monitoring, evaluating, and initiating change in program goals and services in Public Health, including disease prevention and control, emergency preparedness, and family health. Interprets, implements, and enforces County Board policies and federal and state statutes and rules. Monitors, evaluates, and initiates changes in program goals and services. Coordinates programs and services with related regional and state-wide partners, community organizations, and other county departments. Selects, supervises, and evaluates staff. Work is performed in and out of the office in multiple settings. This position is designated as the Board's Agents Under the Local Public Health Act pursuant to MN Stat. 145A.04, subd. 2, with respect to public health issues.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides leadership in establishing a vision for the Public Health department, which includes analyzing, evaluating, modifying, and recommending activities and programming to ensure that program outcomes and objectives are achieved.
• Manages, coordinates, and directs the activities of Public Health including disease prevention and control, emergency preparedness, and family health.
• Supervises programs/services which assure and maintain the public health of Scott County residents, including assigning/delegating work responsibilities, supervision of staff and supervisors, and evaluation of unit staff performance and outcomes of public health interventions. 
• Prepares and justifies budget proposals in addition to monitoring revenue and expenditures for Public Health. 
• Maintains records, monitors budgets, and prepares reports and plans as needed for various program activities, contracts, and grant awards. 
• Interprets, develops, and implements policies and procedures; ensure compliance with nursing practices, county policy, state and federal laws, while maintaining program integrity. 
• Supervises decisions regarding the hiring, evaluation, and disciplining of staff in Public Health.
• Serves as Community Health Board (CHB) Administrator for the purpose of submitting a county-wide community health plan and providing leadership and program implementation on behalf of the CHB.
• Evaluates programs to determine staffing needs and the most effective allocation of resources.
• Prepares and presents information to County Board, state and community groups, local legislators, or other stakeholders.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with other community, governmental, and professional organizations representing the department in various forums and committees as required.
• Supports or leads objectives and strategies related to the Health and Human Services Division Business Plan or County Strategic Plan.
• Responsible for supporting an inclusive environment focused on equitable outcomes 
• Provides 24/7 coverage as one of the Health Alert Networks (HAN) contact for health alerts and for the Center for Disease Control and Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response. 
• Provides consultation on Public Health concerns and best practices to the County Board, other county departments and community agencies. 
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Master's Degree in a Public Health related discipline and six years' experience administering, supervising, or overseeing public health services or programs per MN Rules. MN Public Health Nurse certification is highly preferred. Strong preference also given for MPH or Master's in Nursing. Public Health supervisory and management experience is highly desired. Strong preference given for nursing management experience. The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Health and Social Services Director. The employee must use independent judgment, initiative and discretion in performing the duties of the position.  Work is reviewed through written reports and conferences.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of public health nursing, of public health laws and regulations, and of measures and techniques used in the prevention of communicable diseases.
• Knowledge of public health nursing administration, organization of programs, current trends in health care services, and delivery of public health nursing services.
• Knowledge of functions of related health and social service agencies and other resources available for meeting health problems.
• Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.
• Knowledge and understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.
• Ability to supervise and evaluate unit staff performance and outcomes of public health interventions.
• Ability to effectively participate in collaborative initiatives in an integrated service environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate program objectives/outcomes and provide leadership and direction to employees to achieve program goals.
• Ability to develop and manage public health unit budget and contracts with vendor agencies for provision of contracted services.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff members, representatives of other agencies, clients, and the general public.
• Ability to make independent decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services. Incumbent may be exposed to various atmospheric conditions such as odors, pests, dusts, pets, poor ventilation, fumes, etc. when working in clients' residences. Incumbent may be exposed to uncooperative, angry, and sometimes hostile clients. Some evening or weekend hours may be required. 

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.