Deputy Public Health Officer

Position Information

The Department of Health Services seeks a community-focused Deputy Public Health Officer to join the County of Sonoma!

Starting salary up to $143.45/hour ($299,397/year) and a competitive total compensation package*, PLUS a $25,000 signing bonus**!

PLEASE NOTE: The Deputy Public Health Officer position requires possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California.

About the Position

The Deputy Public Health Officer is an integral role with the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services. This position oversees the Public Health Protection Section, including units such as Health Care Coordination, Disease Control, Medical Therapy, Special Clinical Services, and the Public Health Lab. Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with the County Health Officer to develop and implement medical policies, protocols, and public health orders for the County
• Leading the response to urgent public health threats, including epidemics and other hazards
• Directly supervising personnel including the Director of Nursing, Public Health Laboratory Director, and Special Clinical Services Program Manager
• Managing program budgets and ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and effectively across various public health units
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with community groups, medical professionals, and other stakeholders to evaluate public health needs and propose cost-effective solutions
• Representing the Department of Health Services on various boards and committees, advocating for public health interests, and collaborating on initiatives
• Acting as Interim Health Officer in their absence, providing continuity in decision-making and leadership within the Public Health Division

As the ideal candidate for this position, you will have a passion for health equity and environmental justice. In addition, you will possess many of the following:

• Commitment to community service and improving public health outcomes
• Strong understanding of modern medical practices, including an understanding of infectious diseases
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation abilities
• Experience and comfort in delivering presentations to large audiences, giving interviews, and developing and publicizing health advisories
• Ability to simplify complex medical concepts for the general public both verbally and in writing
• Effective communication with a diverse customer base
• Experience in staff management and achieving high organizational performance
• Demonstrated qualities of positivity, empathy, initiative, drive, persistence, and courage

The Public Health Division

The Public Health Division promotes optimal health and quality of life for the people of Sonoma County through service, science, leadership, and community action. We monitor the health of the population, track infectious diseases, provide health care services, educate about disease and injury prevention, assure environmental health and safety, and advance personal and population-based health programs and policies. This Division prioritizes and centers its work around the achievement of health equity and eliminating disparities that result from systemic racism and structural injustices. We envision a future in which every resident of the county, regardless of who they are or where they come from, has the opportunity to thrive.

The Department of Health Services

DHS is one of the County's largest and most complex departments. DHS consists of the Administration, Behavioral Health, Public Health, and Homelessness Services Divisions and is driven by its mission to promote, protect, and ensure access to services that support the health, recovery, and well-being of all in Sonoma County. These ideas are the basis for how DHS operates and delivers services:

• Excellence - Strive to create a culture of learning, innovation, and data-driven practices to guide internal operations, improve performance, and build staff expertise
• Collaboration - Engage and work collaboratively with partners, communities, and staff to maximize its impact across the County
• Equity - Work to reduce disparities and ensure fairness, compassion, and social justice

For more information regarding the department, its programs, services, and partnerships, visit the DHS website .

The County of Sonoma

The County of Sonoma is the place to live, grow, and build your career legacy. When you join the County of Sonoma, you'll have the freedom to explore the beauty of our county - its picturesque coastline, majestic redwoods, historic towns, fine dining, award-winning wineries, and a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities.

For additional information about the beauty of our community and the valuable services and support that the County provides our communities, please visit sonomacounty.ca.gov and sonomacountyconnections.org .

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hiring Incentive** - (Prorated based on FTE) The Department of Health Services is currently offering a $25,000 signing bonus paid over three installments during the first two years of service
• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory .

This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Deputy Public Health Officer position in the Department of Health Services. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Any combination of experience, which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally three years of directly related experience managing a full service public health organization, or large division of such an organization, would provide such an opportunity. Other work environments that could provide appropriate experience may include community clinics and other health-related community-based organizations.

Education: Any combination of education and training which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, graduation from an accredited medical school would provide the necessary education. Possession of Master's degree in Public Health or additional course work and/or training in Public Health Administration, disease control and epidemiology and human resources and fiscal management is highly desirable. Successful completion of residency training in a primary care specialty, and Board certification in a primary care specialty is highly desirable.

License: Possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California. Eligibility to obtain a Controlled Substances Registration Certificate issued by the United States Department of Justice. Eligibility to obtain Medicare and Medi-Cal provider licenses from program fiscal intermediaries.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of: the principles and practices of modern medicine, including preventive medicine; the medical protocols associated with the management of public health and environmental health problems; the principles and practices of emergency medical services, including advanced life support; laws, ordinances and regulations relating to public health, environmental health, hazardous materials and emergency medical services.

Considerable knowledge of: modern management principles and practices; organizational dynamics, conflict resolution and behavior and performance management; principles of public health service administration laws, regulations, and policies governing operations of a public health service agency; current developments in the fields of Public Health or similar health services; federal, state, and local funding sources and requirements for public health services programs; methods and techniques of analyzing administrative systems and procedures in efficiency and effectiveness; public health problems and related programs and the principles and methods of public programs along with the utilization of community resources; principles of human resources administration, supervision, evaluation and employee development; research methods and techniques; principles and practices of supervision, organization, and administration; federal, state and local programs and their supporting legislation.

Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Director of Health Services, Health Officer, County Administrator, the Board of Supervisors, other County managers, subordinates, community groups, other public health agencies, medical professionals. the general public, and others who have an interest in public health issues; evaluate and define community public health needs and develop cost effective proposals to need defined needs; manage the resources of the Public Health Division to provide efficient cost effective services to the citizens of the county; direct the establishment and maintenance of modern systems of record keeping, information retrieval and statistical analysis of public health data; speak and write effectively and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports; plan, organize, and provide leadership in the development of public health medical programs; develop and monitor budgets; provide diagnoses, treatment, and medical services; apply principles and techniques of modern medicine to public health issues; supervise professional and support staff; work effectively within a team concept; analyze emergency situations and take prompt and appropriate action; represent department with tact and diplomacy; maintain confidentiality; respect patients' rights; plan, organize and direct the work of a large staff through subordinate supervisors; analyze administrative and/or fiscal problems and make appropriate recommendations, budgeting, staffing and administrative organization; and understand, interpret and evaluate legislation, department policy, programs, practices, rules, regulations; interpret and apply federal, state and county laws, regulations and policies in the evaluation of public health programs; utilize and coordinate local resources and work cooperatively with community agencies; act as a liaison to advise or resolve differences with individual, groups and agencies; speak effectively before groups; prioritize work, coordinating multiple projects and meeting critical deadlines; write accurate, concise and effective reports, policies, procedures, correspondence and other materials; maintain accurate records and files.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination(weight 100%).Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: SZ
HR Technician: RR

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off :Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan :Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generousCounty contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement :Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan :Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical :County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief :County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• County of Sonoma

• 707-565-8059

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