Director of Public Health Programs

Job DescriptionJob Description

Under the guidance of the Deputy Health Officer, provides oversight and direction of public health programs as assigned. Supervises and imparts leadership to a multi-disciplinary professional staff ensuring continuity of day-to-day operations in public health programs. Supervises and provides leadership to a multi-disciplinary professional staff ensuring continuity of day-to-day operations in public health programs. Assists and provides guidance to program coordinators with the management of home visiting staff and clinical coordination and scheduling.  This position is responsible for program compliance to local, state, and federal requirements ensuring policies, guidelines and grant funding obligations are met within the local county health department operating framework.

Employees must meet the minimum requirements, conditions of employment, and be able to perform successfully all essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

This position may require irregular hours. This position may require travel by the employee in the employee's own vehicle.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following)

• Administers community health programs, including establishing priorities, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of programs, and developing and implementing plans to improve services.
• Supervises public health staff while overseeing interviewing and selection of job applicants, training, and additional staffing needs as identified.
• Supervises a multidisciplinary team of home visitors working providing direct care to community members in the home, and clinical staff working in onsite clinics. 
• Gives direction to public health staff that is reflective of the Mission and Vision of the local health department and county.
• Collaborates with peers and public health administration to ensure a comprehensive delivery of public health services are achieved while identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
• Monitors program funding and budget with finance director, reviews and approves expenditures, and identifies additional sources of program funding.
• Participates in disciplinary decisions and actions; establishes and evaluates appropriate performance standards in accordance with Health Department and County objectives.
• Processes, compiles, researches and analyzes public health data and other information, prepares and verifies reports, and other documents utilizing applicable software, within established procedures.
• Assists in the review, development, and implementation of policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines in compliance under the supervision of the Health Officer, including developing and administering departmental procedures and county policies and internal controls conforming to state and local laws and statutes, and the goals and objectives of the County.
• Directs the evaluation and maintenance of proper documentation for grants and billable services; reviews related activity reports and program documentation prepared by internal staff.
• Researches, writes, and manages grants, including monitoring grant expenditures and preparing grant reports and applications. 
• Identifies and evaluates the need for new programs for maternal and child health; recommends and coordinates program operations to implement new programs or modify existing programs. 
• Assists with compiling requests for records (FOIA and legal) for maternal and child health programs.
• Serves as a liaison with County, and state agencies concerning public health and community related issues. Participates in a variety of committees, professional associations, and other related groups.
• Represents the department and County at a variety of community events and activities in support of positive public relations, initiatives, and develop liaison relationships in the community.

EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in nursing or public health- OR- Master's Degree in related field health services or related field (MPH, MSN, MS.) and bachelor's degree in nursing

Plus:

• Minimum of 5 years experience in supervision of staff, team and program management, and progressive responsible duties.
• At least 3 years of experience working in a public health department preferred 
• Appropriate licenses and certification as required by program assignment in the State of Michigan

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES:

• Requires a valid driver's license and personal vehicle insurance and must maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's Vehicle policy.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (minimum requirements - legal or contractual pre- employment obligations and/or requirements, such as drug testing, background check, etc.)

A background check may be required initially and periodically for an individual hired, transferred, reclassified, promoted, or currently working in this job. Appointment to or continued employment in this job is contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include but is not limited to confirmation of a persons’ identity; review of criminal conviction records; verification of educational degree, license, or certificate required for the position; review of Department of Motor Vehicles records; Department of Justice fingerprint scan; and/or drug and alcohol testing as required and allowable by law. A satisfactory background check is defined as the absence of a criminal history record which bears a demonstrable relationship to the applicant's or employee's suitability to perform the required duties and responsibilities of the position.

• May be required to serve in an “on-call” capacity

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Work involves the development of new guidelines and techniques, establishing criteria or developing new information where guidelines may not exist for all situations and considerable independent judgment, personal discretion, and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances, and to make decisions in major areas where there may be uncertainty in approach, methodology, and interpretation. Errors at this level could lead to extraordinary costs, major litigation, destruction of property, loss of funding, or failure of the agency to accomplish its mission and may require the intervention of the County’s senior executives to resolve or may not be resolvable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in an office environment.
• May be required to reach with hands and arms; sit; stand; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• May be required to lift/move up to 50 pounds (such as a box of paper)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, COMPETENCIES (minimum requirements)

• Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.
• Knowledge of generally accepted budgeting principles
• Specialized knowledge of personal and/or community health theory and practices
• Thorough knowledge of nursing theory and skills included in Public Health nursing
• Ability to use a personal computer to prepare reports, maintain records, search for and compile data
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies. 
• Knowledge of advanced supervisory and employee management principles and.
• Knowledge of applicable employee rights, protections and avenues of appeal
• Knowledge of applicable policies and procedures governing the hiring, employment and separation of employees
• Skill in assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
• Skill in mentoring and training employees with varying educational backgrounds and aptitudes
• Skill in anticipating potential personnel issues and taking appropriate action
• Ability to understand managerial policies and prioritize the needs of the unit.
• Skill in researching and resolving problems in order to ensure compliance
• Ability to interpret and effectively explain complex policies, processes, regulations, and applicable laws
• Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment
• Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity
• Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job
• Ability to facilitate meetings effectively and efficiently
• Ability to plan, implement and evaluate public health programs
• Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently

Company DescriptionGrand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community. We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government. We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full- time and part-time employees. Understanding the many challenges facing today’s professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.Company DescriptionGrand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community. We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government. We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full- time and part-time employees. Understanding the many challenges facing today’s professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.

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