Public Health Administrator / Director / County Health Officer

Department: Public Health
Position Title: Public Health Administrator / Director / County Health Officer
Grade: 6
Employment Category: Full Time
Status: Exempt
Reports to: County Counselor / Administrator / Board of Health

Position Summary

Barton County Health Department believes that all interactions must follow the Trauma Informed Systems of Care approach. All people, staff and clients, are to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their socio-economic status, race, religion, or gender affiliation.

As the local health officer, the Director leads the Health Department in carrying out its mission to promote and protect the health of Barton County residents. The duties of the local Health Officer are authorized by State law (K.S.A. 65-202) as well as local resolutions. The Director plans and establishes Health Department programs and services, reviews all agency activities, works cooperatively with staff from various local and State agencies, ensures compliance with public health statutes and regulations, and performs complex professional and administrative work. This position works with established policies and procedures with supervisory oversight from the Board of County Commissioners and County Counselor / Administrator.

Fundamental Job Duties

- Provides administrative support to the Board of County Commissioners so that they can effectively fulfill their responsibilities as the Board of Public Health.
- Assists the Board with developing a strategic plan that includes a prioritization of public health program offerings, measurable program outcomes and Health Department capacity building strategies.
- Collects data and information about the health needs of all segments of the County.
- Proposes solutions for adaptations of current services or proposes new programs to meet identified and anticipated health needs.
- Informs the Board about financial status, service delivery, program developments and circumstances/factors that may influence the welfare of the Health Department.
- Ensures that the duties of Health Officer as authorized by Kansas State law and local resolutions are carried out.
- Plans programs and services of the Health Department and directs all Department activities.
- Oversees budget and financial management and maintains financial reporting systems.
- Ensures accountability and compliance with grants and contracts.
- Collaborates and coordinates with agencies and groups providing health related services.
- Regularly communicates information regarding public health and the mission of the Health Department to the public through publications, meetings and the media.
- Ensures compliance with statutes and regulations pertaining to public health.
- Represents public health needs to State agencies/organizations, State legislators and National organizations.
- Responsible for public health emergencies and works in incident command structure with other emergency response partners and the Board of County Commissioners.
- Provides for on-call response to public health emergencies at all times.
- Acts as Liaison for the Barton County Health Advisory Committee.

Business and Finance

- Develops an annual balanced budget and presents it to the Board of County Commissioners.
- Develops fee schedules, billing and collection practices within Board policy.
- Maintains a clear and transparent audit trail.
- Seeks and secures funding from diversified sources including Federal and State grants, local government appropriations and private sector partnerships.
- Ensures proper administration and coordination of grant funded programs and activities.
- Ensures grant reports are accurate, completed and submitted according to funder requirements.

Managerial, Professional and Leadership Skills

- Provides administrative oversight of the Health Department.
- Establishes the Department's administrative policies and procedures.
- Develops and implements Board approved succession plans and cross training opportunities for all employees.
- Actively engages Staff in problem solving, planning and policy development.
- Pursues ongoing professional development for self and encourages and provides the same for Staff.
- Attends and participates in local, State and National conferences and meetings.
- Responsible for all aspects of employee supervision including hiring, development, evaluation, disciplinary actions and termination.

Public Relationships

- Represents the Health Department in a professional and positive manner.
- Establishes relationships and strong lines of communication with Administrators/Directors of other local and State level health-related agencies and governmental entities.
- Identifies and seeks out opportunities to collaborate with representatives from State and Federal government regarding public health initiatives.
- Solicits input from various groups and organizations regarding health concerns of the community.
- Develops and implements a comprehensive public relations and marketing plan.

Education

1. A Bachelor's Degree in business, public administration or finance preferred. Preference will be given to a Bachelor's Degree in public health, biological sciences or related health field such as nursing from an accredited college or university.
2. Strong preference will be given to a Master's Degree in public health, public administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be accepted.

Experience / Skills

1. Five (5) years progressively more responsible experience in administration of public health programs and policy. Two (2) years' experience in government fiscal operations.
2. A thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of public health theory and administration.
3. A thorough understanding of ethical and legal issues associated with public health administration.
4. A thorough knowledge of community health problems and community resources.
5. A demonstrated knowledge of information technology and data management.
6. A working knowledge of insurance, Medicare and Medicaid regulations and third party reimbursement.
7. A working knowledge of the principles and practices of financial and managerial accounting.
8. A working knowledge of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and medical records.
9. Must have CPR Certification.

Physical Requirements / Mental Functions

- Ability to read and comprehend written material of a highly technical nature.
- Ability to organize and effectively retrieve data.
- Excellent verbal, written, analytical and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts.
- Ability to understand and retain detailed information pertaining to State and Federal laws.
- Ability to perform data entry and statistical analysis.
- Ability to prepare highly technical and complex worksheets and reports.
- Able to analyze issues and think logically when presented with unexpected questions or circumstances.