HomeMy WebLinkAboutHealth OfficerJEFFERSON COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: HEALTH OFFICER FLSA: Exempt
Department: Jefferson County Public Health UNION: Exempt
Annual Hours Worked: Exempt Contract Adopted: March, 2013
Exempt Salary Grade: Exempt Contract Approved by: �ct rti�c �tf
1.0 MAJOR FUNCTION AND PURPOSE
1.1 This position serves as the Health Officer for Jefferson County, is appointed by
the Jefferson County Board of Health, and is responsible for oversight of all
programs of Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) and performance of the
powers and duties of the local health officer as outlined in RCW 70.05.070. As a
member of the management team, the Health Officer has responsibility for the
development of an efficient system for the delivery of public health services by
JCPH. This position requires an advanced knowledge of public health principles,
including epidemiology, communicable disease control, and environmental
health, in addition to competency in general and preventive medicine. Guidance
and direction regarding work schedule, activities, priorities, and deadlines is
provided by the Director of Public Health and the Board of Health. Duties require
innovative leadership and active collaboration with a wide range of strategic
partners and stakeholders, and managing a dynamic organization to address
public health issues in a rapidly changing community and health care system
environment.
2.0 SUPERVISION RECEIVED
2.1 Persons in this position receive policy direction and supervision from the Board of
Health. The Board of Health meets on a monthly basis at which time policy is
developed, specific direction is given to the Health Officer, and performance
measures for various JCPH programs are reviewed. The Health Officer is given
significant discretion and independence in the performance of duties.
3.0 SUPERVISION EXERCISED
3.1 The Health Officer provides clinical supervision of JCPH licensed health care
providers and registered nurses providing direct patient care services and
carrying out statutory public health services such as communicable disease
control.
Jefferson County Job Description: Health Officer
4.0 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES
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4.1 Is responsible for implementation of all policies and regulations of the Jefferson
County Board of Health and the policies and operations of JCPH.
4.2 Enforce the public health statutes of the State of Washington, rules and
regulations of the State Board of Health and the Department of Health and all
local public health rules, regulations and ordinances within Jefferson County.
4.3 Plans and recommends changes in procedures and organization to increase
agency efficiency and address new public health challenges and priorities.
4.4 Attends Health Board meetings and advises on public health needs in the
community and makes recommendations to the Board on policies, regulations,
and programs.
4.5 Ensures the provision of expert public health advice and leadership to support
and inform an evidence -based approach to planning, developing and delivering
public health services and programs.
4.6 Lead the development of programs and forge partnerships and networks with
partner agencies to improve health and reduce health inequities.
4.7 Represents JCPH on/at state, county, community, and other committees/task
forces, associations, and meetings. Coordinates JCPH programs with other
service providers at the state, county, and community level.
4.8 Develops and maintains effective working relationships with the public,
legislators, community organizations, health providers, and other officials from all
levels of government, and represents the District in these relationships.
4.9 Medical supervision of clinical/medical staff. Is responsible for the development
of all medical policies, protocols, and procedures.
4.10 Performs physical examinations, diagnosis, and treatments for communicable
diseases and other clinical services provided by JCPH.
4.11 Works with the management team for the preparation and publication of health
data and the evaluation of JCPH programs and services.
4.12 Review state, federal and medical research to make orders for JCPH staff to
follow clinically. Consult with health department staff engaged in the provision of
medical services to program clients and citizens.
4.13 Keeps current on and complies with HIPAA and other privacy regulations.
Jefferson County Job Description: Health Officer
4.14 Responds to public health emergencies.
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4.15 Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with co-
workers, other department employees, and the general public using principles of
good customer service.
4.16 Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
4.17 Performs other duties as assigned.
5.0 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
5.1 Has knowledge and understanding of preventive medicine, epidemiological
theory and practice, general medicine, communicable disease control, maternal
and child health, environmental health, substance abuse treatment, health
program planning and evaluation, and public health emergency preparedness.
6.0 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
6.1 A valid license to practice medicine in the State of Washington and a Master's
Degree in public health or its equivalent.
6.2 Performance of job duties requires driving on a regular basis, a valid Washington
State driver's license, the use of the incumbent's personal motor vehicle, and
proof of appropriate auto insurance.
7.0 DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES
7.1 Board certification in Preventive Medicine and Public Health is a desired
qualification as is 5 or more years of post graduate experience in a primary care
medical specialty.
8.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
8.1 Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
8.2 Performs other duties as assigned.
8.3 Work is performed primarily indoors in an office environment, with frequent travel
to provide medical services, and to attend meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.
8.4 Requires the ability to communicate with others orally, face to face and by
telephone.
Jefferson County Job Description: Health Officer
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8.5 Requires manual and finger dexterity and hand -eye -arm coordination to write and
to operate computers and a variety of general office equipment. Requires
mobility to accomplish other desktop work, retrieve files, and to move to various
department locations.
8.6 Essential duties may involve occasional kneeling, squatting, crouching, stooping,
crawling, standing, bending, climbing (to stack, store or retrieve supplies or
various office equipment).
8.7 Good health and good physical condition appropriate to the position. The
employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
requirements include: clear vision, color vision, distance vision, and the ability to
adjust focus.
8.8 May be assigned to provide on-call coverage, which may include evenings,
weekends and holidays.
8.9 Duties require carrying a cell phone or other electronic device as well as being
available to work as needed to meet department needs, which may include
evenings, weekends and holidays.
8.10 This is an overtime -exempt position, which may require working beyond the
normally scheduled workweek, modifying existing work schedules, or flexing
hours.
8.11 Duties require carrying a cell phone of other electronic device as well as being on
call on a 7/24 -hours basis for Regional Duty Officer (RDO) assigned shifts.
8.12 Prevent, control or abate nuisances which are detrimental to public health.
8.13 Frequently required to perform work in confidence and under pressure for
deadlines, and to maintain professional composure and tact, patience and
courtesy at all times.
8.14 May be required to stay at or return to work during public health incidents and/or
emergencies to perform duties specific to this classification or to perform other
duties as requested in an assigned response position. This may require working
a non-traditional work schedule or working outside normal assigned duties during
the incident and/or emergency.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the
employer and employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the employer
requirements of the job change.