Director of Health

Position Definition: Plans, organizes and directs a multi-service public health program whose mission is to prevent and control the spread of disease, promote a healthy environment, and protect the quality of life within a constantly changing community.

Example of Duties: Reports to the Mayor and receives policy guidance from the Board of Health. Organizes and leads periodic community health assessments (CHA) and develops, implements, and monitors community health improvement plans (CHIP). Organizes a group that includes the Board of Health and various staff and leads the development of a strategic plan that ties to the CHA, CHIP, and satisfies local and state mandates. Develops, implements and regularly reviews with key staff an operations plan to meet the goals and objectives set in the strategic plan. Regularly updates the Mayor, Board of Health, elected officials, and the community on the accomplishments, opportunities and challenges. Identifies opportunities to further the improvement of the public's health and develops strategies to move the agenda forward. Communicates via in-person presentations, print, on line news outlets, and web and social media on public health topics including emergent issues. Coordinates activities with other City departments in enforcing City and State Health Codes and advancing the public health agenda. Develops and/or participates in local, state and national networks to advance the department's agenda and to insure the department is on the cutting edge of public health practice. Supervises subordinate staff in general administration, IT and service delivery areas including environmental health, community health education, preventable diseases, laboratory services, and public health emergency preparedness. Participates in and is responsible for the overall supervision of the department's workforce development plan. Works with program supervisors to set performance expectations and provides overall supervision of the system to monitor outcomes. Advocates for sufficient funding to operate the department.  Prepares and defends the local annual revenue and expense budget.  Identifies and seeks external funding to support projects. Manages the health department building with minimal support from City property managers. Performs related work as assigned. 

 

Thorough knowledge of public health administration, policies and practices. Understanding of and experience in the administration of complex organizations. Ability to understand complex statistical data. Ability to prepare narrative and statistical reports of complexity in clear and concise terms. IT knowledge, at a minimum Electronic Health Records (EHR), inspection software, and social media. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to make presentation in public forums. Ability to deal effectively with City officials, the public, and the media. Knowledge of all aspects of budgeting. Ability to supervise, delegate responsibilities and hold staff accountable. Understanding of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Ability to keep abreast of developments, innovations and regulations pertaining to public health.

(1) Medical Doctor and hold a degree in public health from an accredited school, college, university or institution and (6) six years increasingly responsible experience in public health administration, including two years as head of a major unit within a public health program.  
(2) Masters Degree in Public Health, and (6) six years increasingly responsible experience in public health administration, including two years as head of a major unit within a public health program.

Motor Vehicle License preferred.

The City of Norwalk is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employeer