Health Officer

Position Information

View our recruitment brochure here.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Sonoma County is seeking a skilled and dynamic physician who is passionate about community health improvement as its next Health Officer. Recognized for its commitment to innovation and collaboration, the County of Sonoma strives to be the healthiest county in California. The Health Officer plays a key leadership role in bringing this vision to reality.

SONOMA COUNTY

Nestled in the heart of Northern California Wine Country, Sonoma County is the largest county in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, covering over 1,600 square miles. It is located in the northernmost part of the Bay Area, about 30 miles north of San Francisco, and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Marin County and San Pablo Bay to the south, and Solano, Napa, and Lake Counties to the east. Sonoma County is known for amazing wines and legendary vineyards, as well as organic produce and sustainable farming. The County is also home to the scenic Russian River, a popular tourist destination where residents and visitors enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.

Encompassing nine cities and five federally recognized tribes, more than a third of Sonoma County’s almost 500,000 residents live in the City of Santa Rosa, the county seat, and a quarter live in unincorporated areas. Downtown areas such as Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, Healdsburg, and Guerneville offer a mix of historic architecture, boutique shopping, and gourmet dining, providing a small-town feel with modern amenities. Festivals, farmers’ markets, and cultural events celebrate local talent and traditions. The County enjoys a diverse economy that includes agriculture, a world-class wine region, technology, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, craft brewing, retail, and professional services.

While the latest census data shows that Sonoma County’s proportion of white residents remains higher than the national average, the share of residents who identify as Hispanic or Latino also ranks higher than the national average, making up more than a quarter of residents (29% in 2022). 37% of County residents identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Education levels in Sonoma County exceed the national average and the County’s public school system ranks considerably high within the state, including innovative charter schools and high-quality secondary education options at Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University. In 2022, the median household income in Sonoma County was $99,266. Although home prices reflect the value of living in an area that offers abundant amenities, the prices of Sonoma County homes remain among the more affordable in the greater Bay Area.

Visit http://www.sonomacounty.ca.gov and https://sonomacountyconnections.org for additional information about Sonoma County—the place to live, work, and build your career legacy.

THE HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the community's health and well-being. With over 700 staff members and numerous community partners, the department offers a broad range of programs and services to promote and sustain health for individuals, families, and communities. The Department is supported by an adopted budget of approximately $501.6 million for FY 2024-25, with departmental operating expenditures totaling $332.4 million. The department’s mission is to promote, protect, and ensure access to services supporting health, recovery, and well-being for all residents, guided by core values of equity, collaboration, and excellence. The Department of Health Services is composed of four Divisions:

• Executive Management & Administration: Provides leadership and administrative support, including compliance, finance, health policy planning and equity, legislative policy, health data and epidemiology, human resources, IT, and privacy and security.
• Behavioral Health: Offers mental health and substance use disorder services for all age groups, including those with Medi-Cal and the uninsured, directly and through community partnerships.
• Homelessness Services: Provides policy and funding guidance, staff support to the Homeless Coalition (Continuum of Care) Board, and care and outreach services to sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals.
• Public Health: Protects and promotes health through direct services and policy changes. Programs include Environmental Health and Safety, Family Health, WIC, Disease Control and Surveillance, Healthy Communities, Public Health Preparedness, Animal Services, the Regional Public Health Laboratory, and the Coastal Valleys Emergency Medical Services Agency.

THE POSITION

The Health Officer is a vital leader within Sonoma County’s Department of Health Services. Appointed by the Board of Supervisors and reporting to the Director of Health Services, the Health Officer plays a key role in protecting and promoting the health and safety of the community. This position provides expert medical oversight for public health programs and ensures compliance with public health regulations.

Working in partnership with the Director of Health Services, the Health Officer develops and refines medical policies and protocols that guide the department’s work. This individual also serves as a trusted advisor to elected officials, healthcare professionals, and the public, offering guidance on critical public health issues and strategies to address them.

While the Director of Health Services manages the department’s overall operations, budget, and programmatic functions, the Health Officer focuses on medical leadership, shaping the County’s public health approach, and fostering a healthy, thriving community. Key responsibilities include:

• Monitor and Assess Community Health: Evaluate the health needs of the community using epidemiological surveys and statistical methods. Provide insights to inform public health policies and design impactful health interventions.
• Enforce Public Health Regulations: Ensure compliance with local health orders, ordinances, and regulations set by state and federal agencies to safeguard the community’s well-being.
• Represent and Collaborate: Act as a representative of the Department of Health Services in meetings with professional, medical, community, and government organizations at local, state, and national levels. Build partnerships with agencies, community organizations, and County officials to align efforts and advance public health goals.
• Engage with the Public and Media: Serve as a trusted source of information on public health issues, responding to media inquiries and offering guidance to community agencies on pressing health matters.
• Lead Emergency Preparedness: Collaborate with the department’s Emergency Medical Services Program Administrator to oversee disaster and emergency preparedness efforts and lead public health responses during crises.
• Oversee Vital Records: Manage the registration of births and deaths in Sonoma County and ensure proper oversight of the disposition of human remains.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is passionate about serving the public and finding collaborative solutions to complex health challenges. Trustworthy, approachable, flexible, and decisive, this individual will bring strong leadership and a forward-thinking mindset to the role. They will:

• Think Strategically: Develop and implement innovative strategies that advance the health goals of the community and identify opportunities for meaningful engagement.
• Lead with Expertise: Provide forward-thinking leadership in community health, preventive medicine, environmental health, emergency medical services, and integrated behavioral health.
• Be Results-Oriented: Drive actions that improve social factors influencing health outcomes, with hands-on experience in community health practice and a commitment to achieving measurable results.
• Innovate and Initiate: Identify new opportunities to combine resources and partnerships, advancing impactful community health policies and initiatives.
• Build Strong Relationships: Foster collaboration with County departments, community partners, and healthcare organizations, leveraging their strengths and roles to promote a shared vision for a healthier community.
• Communicate Effectively: Demonstrate exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver compelling presentations that inspire engagement and action.
• Work Independently and Collaboratively: Excel in independent decision-making while thriving in team environments that support the Department of Health Services’ Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Sonoma County provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. The salary for this role is $270,240 - $328,470, with specific placement within the range dependent on qualifications and experience. In addition, a 4% cost of living adjustment is scheduled for March 2025. Key elements of the County’s benefits program include:

$25,000 Hiring Incentive: Requires a three-year commitment and is paid over the first two years.

Hybrid, flexible work-schedule

Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and generous sick leave accruals.

Health Benefits: A range of health plans with several options, in which the premium benefits cover 100% of the employee’s cost; dental, vision, disability, life insurance, wellness and professional development, and more.

Retirement: County Employees Retirement Law of 1937, which has reciprocity with other public retirement systems. Retirement is fully integrated with Social Security. New employees, as defined and eligible, will be PEPRA plan members and receive a 2.5% at 67 formula, or those individuals who meet certain criteria, including establishing reciprocity eligibility, will be Legacy plan members and receive 3% at 60. For more information about reciprocity, please visit Sonoma County Employees’ Retirement Association website at: https://scretire.org/

Incentive Retirement Saving Plan: A defined contribution 401(a) plan; a 3% County “foundation” contribution and voluntary IRS 457 plan Pre-Tax employee contribution up to IRS annual maximum, plus a 100% County match of employee contribution deposit into the 401(a) account (up to 1% of base salary).

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

Relocation Reimbursement: Reimbursement may be authorized for the successful candidate.

Cell Phone Stipend: Optional monthly stipend of $50/month, if not assigned a County-issued phone.

Additional details on employment for management employees may be found in the Salary Resolution here .

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training and experience which would likely provide the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally this would include:

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited medical school with a Doctor of Medicine degree and a minimum of three years of responsible work in a public health service that included both clinical and managerial experience. Training in Family Practice, Pediatrics or Internal Medicine is desirable.

License/Certification: 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 Medi Care and Medi Cal provider licenses from program fiscal intermediaries.

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 principles and 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; public health administration; principles and practices of personnel management.

Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Director of Health Services, 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 meet defined needs; establish and maintain 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.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

The information contained in the application and responses to the supplemental questions will be evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the employment process. Applicants should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of the application and be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions. Candidates must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this job announcement to be considered; please also upload/attach a resume and cover letter which articulates your experience, responsibilities, pertinent accomplishments, and why you are interested in the position to your application.

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

This recruitment currently has a continuous filing period. A first review is scheduled for January 31, 2025, but it 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. To be considered for this position, interested candidates must complete an online job application, and submit a cover letter and résumé. This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100

Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail.

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.

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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