Download Public Health Director-Health Officer

County of Nevada, CA
February, 2009
PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR / HEALTH OFFICER
DEFINITION
Under administrative direction of the Director of Health and Human Services Agency (HSSA),
performs the duties of Public Health Department Director and County Health Officer (set forth in
California Health and Safety Code Sections 101,000 et seq.) While under administrative
direction of the Director of HHSA, the incumbent is appointed by, and serves at the will and
pleasure of, the Board of Supervisors.
The Public Health Director/Health Officer provides services and oversees activities for Nevada
County including planning, organizing and directing the programs and personnel of the Public
Health Department. This position, as a licensed physician, also provides direction, consultation,
and direct patient care as needed. Directs the enforcement of Federal, State and County health
and sanitation laws and regulations; directs the work of combating and preventing the spread of
communicable diseases; oversees the development and administration of emergency
preparedness plans related to bioterrorism and pandemic flu and performs related work as
required.
CLASS CHARACTERISICS
This is a single position classification with overall responsibilities for the managing, planning,
organizing and administration of countywide Public Health Department Services as set forth in
the California Health and Safety Code.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Essential:
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Provides overall direction and oversight to all department programs including
communicable disease, clinics, emergency preparedness, health and wellness, vital
records, California Children’s Services, Child Health and Disability Prevention, maternal
child health, HIV/AIDS, tobacco control, children’s dental health, immunizations and lead
poisoning prevention.
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Takes appropriate measures to prevent and control epidemics; enforces orders, rules
and regulations for quarantine or isolation required by the State Department of Health
Services; takes measures to prevent the spread of diseases or any other contagious,
infectious or communicable disease made reportable by regulation to the State
Department of Health Services
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Responsible for the detection and control of communicable diseases, sexually
transmitted diseases and tuberculosis; consults with physicians and staff in the
diagnosis and investigation of suspected communicable disease cases
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Responsible for the clinical supervision of medical staff and medical services
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Provides direct patient care in all Public Health clinics, establishes and maintains
medical standards and protocols for medical staff
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Evaluates clients to determine medical needs; develops treatment plans; interprets and
communicates test results to patients; prescribes and administers medications; meets
quality assurance requirements
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Public Health Director/Health Officer
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Maintains medical records of services and patient conditions; maintains confidentiality of
patient records in accordance with California Law
Participates in case conferences and consulting with clinical staff and is available at
private practice and residence for telephone consultations with public and environmental
health staff
Oversees the development and administration of emergency preparedness plans related
to bioterrorism and pandemic flu
Provides expert testimony in court proceedings as required by County for services
provided
Contributes in the planning and development of department policy and procedures in
clinical matters; participates in clinical meetings with staff and/or other agencies.
Adheres to Medicare, Medi-Cal and other federal and state regulations of publicly funded
health programs and all County Public Health Department policies and procedures;
completes documentation requirements in a timely manner
Investigates health and sanitary conditions and performs medical audits of the County's
jails and other County facilities and conducts other reviews and investigations as
required by State law
Advises and cooperates with the County's Environmental Health Department in
preventive measures to protect and preserve the public from public hazards, including
hazardous wastes posing a threat to the public health; takes actions necessary to abate
health emergencies or protect persons affected
Acts in an advisory capacity for the Department's health education and medical referral
programs
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
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Environmental and Public Health medical science and its application
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Federal, State and local laws governing public health, environmental health and pollution
control
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Principles, techniques, and practices of effective business and public health
administration
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Administrative techniques necessary for effective functioning of various grant programs
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Methods of effective public relations
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Medical-clinical skills
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Principles, methods, and techniques of effective employee development, training and
motivation
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The operating policies and general functions of the State Department of Health Services
Skill in:
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Planning, organizing, and administering countywide Public Health Clinic Services
Establishing and maintaining cooperative relations with groups and organizations,
employees and officials
Providing sound medical direction to an agency representing several different
professional disciplines
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Public Health Director/Health Officer
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Working with County, State, Federal, and local government officials in the establishment
of coordinated and effective program of services to health clients
Education and Experience:
Graduation from a medical school of recognized standing with a Doctor of Medicine or
Doctor of Osteopathy degree and two years' experience functioning as a Public Health
Officer or administering a public health program with responsibility for administration,
supervision, and effective functioning of the program. Additional graduate level course
work from an accredited college or university in public health, environmental health, or a
closely related field can be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year
basis. Possession of a Master's Degree in Public Health from an accredited college or
university program is desirable.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid California driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Possession of a valid license to practice as an osteopathic physician, or physician and
surgeon, in at least one of the United States.
Possession of a valid license to practice as an osteopathic physician, issued by the
Osteopathic Medical Board of California; or as a physician and surgeon, issued by the
California State Board of Medical Examiners, within 90 days of hire.
Enrollment in the Nevada County Community Leadership Institute with completion within
one year of date of hire.
Enrollment in the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Senior Executive
Credential Program with completion within 2 years of hire date.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Mobility to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and
attend off-site meetings. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies
and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (binders,
manuals, etc.). Vision to read handwritten and printed material and a computer screen,
hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone.
Willingness and ability to accept assignments in various cultural, physical, behavioral
and environmental settings.
Some accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified
individuals who require and request such accommodations.
Other Requirements:
This class description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not allinclusive. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Incumbents may
be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document
and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
FLSA: E