Public Health Administrator

Job Summary:

The Public Health Administrator is responsible for the development and efficient delivery of public health services and programs throughout Benton and Franklin Counties. The Public Health Administrator 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, and managing a dynamic department to equitably address public health issues in a rapidly changing community environment.

Definition:

CLASS SPECIFICATION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER RCW 70.05.050 "The local health officer shall act as executive secretary to, and administrative officer for the local board of health and shall also be empowered to employ such technical and other personnel as approved by the local board of health except where the local board of health has appointed an administrative officer under RCW 70.05.040."

Working at the direction of the Board of Health, the Administrative Officer responsibilities include the enforcement of local and State public health laws and providing leadership to the staff.

Reports to and Evaluated Annually by:

Benton-Franklin Health District Board of Health.

Authority, Responsibility and Typical Duties:

Works at the direction of the board to develop plans, goals, budget and objectives of the district, and oversees the implementation of those plans to achieve the objectives of the board. Provides overall leadership for the successful operation of the Benton-Franklin Health District, including the establishment and implementation of public health policies and programs to promote and protect the health of the citizens of Benton and Franklin Counties.

Directly Supervises:

The Administrator directly supervises all staff assigned to the position as noted in the Benton-Franklin Organizational Chart.

Essential Duties may include but are not limited to:

The Administrator performs and oversees the performance of the following functions, with the benefit of professional advice and counsel from the Health Officer, Benton-Franklin Health Board, and district management and staff:

• The Administrator is responsible for the financial and administrative operations of the district; and informs and confers with Benton-Franklin Health Board, management team, Health Officer, and the community on district-wide health concerns and issues.
• In concert with the Health Officer and Branch Senior Managers, plans, organizes and directs the operation, administration, policy development, personnel and business management of the Benton-Franklin Health District.
• Assures and measures compliance with the Public Health Standards in Washington State. Works with the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials to achieve the standards as adopted by the state and local public heath officials.
• Provides overall leadership for the successful operation of program areas which include, but are not limited to, community health assessment, environmental health, community/family health, health promotion, communicable disease prevention and response, emergency preparedness and response, vital statistics, support and administrative services.
• Directs district operations to achieve approved goals within budget funds and available personnel; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments, reviews progress, directs changes in priorities and schedules as needed to assure work is completed in an efficient and timely manner.
• Provides managerial leadership and directs the selection, supervision and evaluation of staff. Conducts or oversees performance evaluations, and initiates and implements disciplinary actions, as warranted. Resolves grievances and other sensitive personnel matters. Provides training and motivation to make full use of individual capabilities and to meet changing system demands. Conducts and participates in staff meetings.
• Establishes policies, procedures, work rules, and performance standards to assure the efficient and effective provision of services in compliance with the Department of Health standards and federal, state, and local laws.
• Prepares and administers the district budget and contracts based on staffing and resource requirements, cost estimates, and objectives and goals. Monitors and documents expenditures assuring compliance with approved budget and staffing levels.
• Directs applications for public funds, grants, and contracts. Executes and oversees contracts with State and local subcontractors; assures proper monitoring of grants, contracts and programs.
• Provides planning leadership and direction, and develops short- and long-range plans, goals, and objectives for the Health District.
• 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.
• Reviews, interprets, and prepares data to analyze and make recommendations about which programs and/or major project proposals should be initiated, modified, or discontinued.
• Develops and maintains systems and records that provide for proper evaluation, control and documentation of assigned operations.
• Directs the resolution of inquires, complaints, or problems, or emergencies affecting the availability or quality of services. Responds to the most sensitive or complex inquiries or service complaints.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Performs general emergency duties and other duties as assigned by supervisor. This includes, but is not limited to, duties to support agency emergency response efforts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and procedures of public and environmental health.
• Principles, practices and procedures of emergency preparedness and response, including Incident Command System.
• Management and supervision principles and practices.
• Fiscal management, including budget preparation, expenditure control and record keeping.
• Human resource management and law.
• Public contract and funding application procedures and practices and contract negotiation.
• Legal requirements, regulations, and laws applicable to area of assignment.
• Working knowledge of county government.

Abilities:

• Ability to develop, implement, evaluate and take corrective actions as needed to achieve district goals and objectives.
• Ability to plan, organize and oversee assigned work programs, including monitoring work schedules and evaluating the work of others.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups regarding complex or sensitive issues or regulations.
• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Requires a Bachelor's Degree with major study in nursing, environmental health, health education, public health, public administration, or related field, with (5) five years of progressively responsible experience in public health administration, including at least (3) three years at the management level; OR, an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. A Masters Degree in Public Health or Public Administration is preferred.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Valid Washington State driver's license and driving record that meets agency standards.

Applicants may be subject to a background check pursuant to RCW 43.43.83.

Working Conditions:

Working environment includes activities in multiple district venues. Physical abilities required for this position are those typically related to office operations. May sit and stand for extended periods of time. Able to lift up to 20 pounds. Occasional travel is required.

Statement of Understanding:

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

BENTON-FRANKLIN HEALTH DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Criminal Background Check required upon candidate selection.