County Health Director

Position: COUNTY HEALTH DIRECTOR

Job Title

COUNTY HEALTH DIRECTOR

Join to apply for the COUNTY HEALTH DIRECTOR role at La Crosse County

Overview

FLSA:
Exempt. This is a high-level professional administrative position responsible to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of the County Health Department. Employee in this class is appointed by the County Administrator. Employee works under minimal supervision and within guidelines established by the Health and Human Services Board, State Department of Health and the County Board in directing the activities and services provided in a County Health Department.

Employee exercises considerable amount of independent judgment in decision‑making and resolving complex health problems requiring professional insight in a wide range of public health and related services.

Essential Leadership Functions Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team‑minded thinking
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Incorporate community perspectives into decision‑making processes
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

• Show self‑awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

• Analytical/Assessment Skills
• Policy Development/Program Planning Skills
• Communication Skills
• Cultural Competency
• Community Dimensions of Practice Skills
• Public Health Sciences Skills
• Financial Planning and Management Skills
• Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills

Supervises and directs the activities of the Environmental Health, Laboratory, Public Health Nursing, Nutrition, and Health Education Divisions as well as manages the Mosquito and Animal Control programs including contracts and services of the County Health Department.

Oversees hiring, supervision, training, motivation, evaluation, discipline, scheduling and layout of work of departmental personnel.

Enforces ordinances and codes adopted by the County Board. Enforces State Public Health Statutes and regulations as applicable.

Determines priorities for Departmental budget. Assists fiscal team with preparing, monitoring, implementing, tracking, and reporting on the Department's budget. Assures expenditures are within budgetary limits and provides rationale for budgetary changes as necessary. Promotes and maintains various health programs within budget limitations.

Directs the Health Department Leadership Team including bi‑weekly planning and communication meetings. Meets regularly…