Job Summary
The Deputy Health Officer participates in and provides leadership across a wide range of public health activities through the regional health officer program. The primary purpose of the position is to provide consultation, public health and clinical leadership and technical direction to Clark County Public Health and as needed, several other regional local health departments in Washington State. This is an appointed position with major responsibility for control and prevention of communicable disease, chronic disease and environmental exposures, planning for and response to public health emergencies; and providing oversight in the development of all clinical policies, procedures, and standing orders. The Deputy Health Officer serves the Clark County Public Health Department, and as needed, the Health Departments for Pacific County, Skamania County and Wahkiakum County, as needed, as a member of the Pacific, Skamania and Wahkiakum County Public Health Departments’ senior management teams. The Deputy Health Officer plays a critical role in department activities through relationships with key entities within the region, particularly the local medical communities; local Boards of Health; local, state and federal public health partners; the media; and the public. Additionally, the Deputy Health Officer is required to help identify priorities and emerging trends and communicate health data and information in a variety of settings. The Deputy Health Officer will also interact with clinical staff, providing clinical consultation and direction for Infectious Disease Program case management and/or investigations; ongoing clinical mentorship to TB case managers; and clear direction to TB case managers when developing plans of care.
Our department values our community’s diversity and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. Our department also encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
This is a full-time non-represented exempt position.
This position has the option of a remote/hybrid work schedule possibility. However, the candidate selected must reside in OR or WA. No Exceptions.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
The position requires the possession of or ability to obtain a license to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in the state of Washington plus a Master’s degree in Public Health or equivalent degree, and three years of increasingly responsible experience in public health, epidemiology, preventive medicine, or a related area. The degree must have been conferred by an institution of higher education and have National Recognition of Accrediting Agencies by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and official transcripts will be required at the time of hire. Persons with three years of experience who do not possess a Master of Public Health or equivalent can qualify for a provisional term, subject to public health in-service orientation and periodic personal review by the Secretary of Health or his or her designee. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience. Course work and training in public health administration, public administration or a related field is desirable, but not required.
A valid driver’s license is required. Finalists for the position must submit a current Abstract of Driving Record and submit to a criminal background check as required by RCW 43.43.830.
The ideal candidate will have the following strengths:
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and delegate responsibility
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and policymakers
- Ability to understand, interpret and apply public health law and regulations
Examples of Duties
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Serves as a member of the regional counties’ health department senior management teams and participates in planning, goal setting, problem solving, policy formulation and review, and budget preparation.
- Under direction of the Health Officer, acts as spokesperson for public health in the contracted counties.
- Guides community health assessments.
- Provides up-to-date public health alerts, information, training and leadership to the medical community.
- Provides medical/clinical oversight in the investigation of reported or suspected cases or perceived clusters of diseases or conditions considered a threat to public health.
- Determines appropriate action including initiating disease prevention and infection control.
- Provides technical assistance and direction in surveillance activities and on unusual or particularly sensitive cases.
- Designs and performs studies of potential threats to public health and presents findings and recommendations to the Department Directors and Boards of Health.
- Writes, reviews, and/or revises standing orders and protocols for Departments’ nursing staff.
- Provides clinical advice to department nursing staff.
- Encourages department staff professional development, technical competence, high morale and good public relations.
- Enforces public health statutes, rules and regulations of the State Board of Health and State Department of Health and local health rules, regulations and ordinances. Emphasis is on communicable disease control and environmental health.
- Participates in the development of policies and programs to implement community health promotion and prevention priorities.
- Plans for and provides in-service training and evaluates continuing education needs of Department professional staff.
- In consultation with the Health Officer, provides medical direction during public health emergencies; assures public is protected from diseases; assures isolation, quarantine and other control measures are ordered and implemented in accordance with statutes and administrative code.
- Participates in the Infectious Disease Advisory Committee for community physicians, nurses, infection control practitioners, Health Department staff and other providers for the purpose of enhancing surveillance of communicable disease and optimizing timely response.
- Coordinates debriefing of communicable disease response between environmental health specialists and communicable disease/epidemiology team.
Public Relations Involvement:
- Makes presentations to professional, civic and lay groups to promote community awareness of public health issues, such as emerging infectious diseases and emergency preparedness.
- Provides advice to schools and state and local agencies in developing public health policies.
- Works with staff in responding to medical questions concerning outbreaks of communicable disease.
Salary Grade
M2.501
Salary Range
$12,555.00 - $18,205.00- per month
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Recruiter
Irene Catherine Chrest
Email: Irene.Chrest@clark.wa.gov
Equal Opportunity Employer
Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.
Employee Benefits and Additional Compensation
Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.
Retirement Information
All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF). Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.
For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/.
If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.
For more information about Clark County or our Screening Process, click on READ MORE.
With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and businesses. We welcome those who visit and settle here, providing fresh perspectives, growing diversity and vibrant energy.
Our forward-looking community is framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west. The area is a picturesque place to work, play, and live.
Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Today, more than 467,000 people call Clark County home.
Clark County government works to enhance the quality of life for all of our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability. We are one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of rewarding careers for about 1,570 people.
You can get more information about job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.
Screening Process
Candidates will be evaluated based on the content of their applications and those deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.
Some recruitments may require the following:
Assessment, Cover Letter, Practical Exam, Evidence of a valid driver’s license, Criminal Background Check or other requirements.
Oral Interviews are conducted with a panel of interviewers. If you are selected for an interview you will be contacted by the hiring department.
Employment References may be conducted for the final candidates, including verification of education.
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