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Position Information
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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 County of Sonoma Department of Health Services seeks a public health professional to join our leadership team as a Deputy Public Health Officer. This position will report directly to the Public Health Division Director while also working under the guidance and direction of the County Health Officer. This position oversees public health-related functions with a specific focus on Special Clinical Services and the Public Health Laboratory. Responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with the Public Health Division Director and the Health Officer to develop and implement policies, procedures, and public health orders
- Leading the response to urgent public health threats, including epidemics, hazards, and public health emergencies by coordinating resources and implementing effective protocols and communication strategies
- Directly supervising personnel including the Public Health Laboratory Director and Clinical Services Program Managers
- Collaborating with Section Managers and the Public Health Division Director to review budgets and ensure resources are allocated efficiently and effectively across various public health units
- Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with community groups, medical professionals, and other stakeholders to evaluate public health needs and recommend cost-effective solutions
- Representing the Department of Health Services on various boards and committees, advocating for public health interests while collaborating on key initiatives aimed at improving community health outcomes
- Participating in professional gatherings including conferences, workshops, and task forces, to stay informed on emerging trends and foster cross-sector collaboration
- In the absence of the Health Officer, serve as the Interim Health Officer, ensuring continuity in decision-making and assuming full responsibilities of the Health Officer
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
- Proven ability to demonstrate positivity, empathy, initiative, motivation, persistence, and the courage to take on challenges
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 will 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 are 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.
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Minimum Qualifications
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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.
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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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.
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Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
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- 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 may be scored using position-specific criteria. 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 and therefore may not be scored. The selection procedure will consist of the following examination: An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
Additional Information
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to the 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. 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
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