CHIEF OF PUBLIC HEALTH (#PJ9 )

$76.37-$102.36 hourly / $13,237.00-$17,742.00 monthly / $158,849.60-$212,908.80 yearly

Under general direction, plan, organize and direct a broad range of local public health jurisdiction programs and services for Santa Cruz County; direct the enforcement of applicable State health laws and regulations; assist in program planning; and perform other duties as required.

This single position class reports to the Health Services Director, serves as the local Public Health Director, and is responsible for directing, through professional subordinate staff, a broad range of local public health programs such as Public Health Emergency Preparedness, , Community Health and Prevention, Communicable Disease Control, Child Health and Disability Prevention, California Children's Services, Field Public Health Nursing, Community Health Education, Oral Health, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Services, and HIV/AIDS Programs and Services.

This position differs from the classification of Medical Services Director/Health Officer in that the latter serves as the appointed local health officer authority with delegated responsibility for enforcement of public health laws and regulations as described in the Health and Safety Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, Federal Statutes, California Code of Regulations, and California Penal Code. The Medical Services Director/Health Officer classification requires a licensed physician and surgeon’s expertise and authority to make medical recommendations to staff and the public and to comply with statutory duties. This position also differs from the classification of Chief of Clinic Services in that the latter directs outpatient health care service programs of the department’s Federally Qualified Health Center, which provides individualized outpatient clinical services, while the Director of Public Health directs a broad range of public health policies and programs which serve the community.

The incumbent serves as an advisor and internal consultant to staff and the public-on-public health matters. The incumbent works with a high degree of independence and requires professional, scientific knowledge of public health principles and practices, as well as administrative and management skills.

Plans, organizes and directs the operation and activities of the Public Health Division of the Health Services Agency; engages in a broad range of community and public health programs across the Ten Essential Public Health Services and the Public Health spectrum of prevention; monitors and controls the various Public Health division budgets and grant and contract administration activities; consults with Medical Services Director/Health Officer on work programs, schedules, and departmental policy; works with the staff of other divisions, departments and agencies in the development of joint procedures, program planning, and resolution of administrative problems; oversees the design and development of new public health programs which include ordinances, policies and procedures, staffing, education and outreach; acts as an internal consultant and advisor to staff for public health and management issues; evaluates divisional or departmental policies, procedures, programs, organization and rules, and formulates improvements; initiates and develops new public health and divisional operation related policy statements and procedures; implements policies and procedures; ensures that applicable local, State and Federal regulations and the programs and policies of the Health Services Agency Director are effectively implemented; develops divisional position statements for presentation to the Board of Supervisors and other agencies; oversees the assessment of current community needs, anticipates future community requirements, and ensures that the public  health program meets current and anticipated community requirements; promotes desirable community health action based on departmental objectives, and provides technical advice and  consultation to committees, school personnel, and community groups; selects, assigns, trains and evaluates subordinate supervisors; handles difficult personnel problems; participates in departmental policy and program development with management staff; keeps Medical Services Director/Health Officer informed of changes and problems pertaining to various program or divisional operations; attends meetings and conferences; prepare reports and correspondence; directs divisional staff induction and in-service training activities; directs or participates in the collection and analysis of demographic data related to divisional operations; keeps abreast of legislative and technical changes in the public health field and recommends and implements changes in the program, as appropriate; coordinates public health division activities with other County, State and Federal agencies; advises and confers with State and local officials concerning public health methods, procedures and problems; reviews complex cases against violators which require court action, and testifies as an expert witness in court proceedings.

Knowledge of:

Thorough knowledge of:  

• Principles of public health administration.
• Principles, practices and methods of public health.
• Functions and services of local public health agencies.
• Federal and State laws and regulations governing public health and nursing services.
• Principles of personnel management, including supervision and training.

Working knowledge of:   

• Causes, treatment and prevention of communicable disease.
• Procedures involved in promoting maternal and child health and providing for health needs of children.

• Community resources available for assistance in public health programs.
• Sociological problems involved in public health programs.
• Governmental budgetary procedures and finance as they pertain to divisional operations.
• The interrelationships of services among local, public, private and voluntary public health agencies and organizations.
• General functions of the California Department of Health Care Services and California Department of Public Health.

Ability to:

• Plan, implement and direct through managers a broad range of Public Health services.
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity, and sound judgment in solving difficult administrative, technical and personnel problems.
• Define, develop, evaluate, and implement divisional policy and program practices.
• Coordinate divisional activities with other divisions, departments, and agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Select, train, and evaluate lead management staff.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and technical reports.
• Express ideas effectively in oral and written form.
• Collect and analyze demographic and other data as required.
• Interpret, analyze, explain, and apply laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.
• Develop, analyze, and monitor the division budget.
• Participate in the analysis, evaluation, planning, and implementation of public health programs.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Five years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public health related field including one year of experience in program development and evaluation. A Master's degree in nursing, public health, public administration, or a related field may be substituted for one of the five years of required administrative experience.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

• Valid California class C driver license.

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None
Bargaining Unit: 06
EEOC Job Category: 01
Occupational Grouping: 57
Workers' Comp Code: 290