County Health Officer

Working as a key member of the Health Services leadership team, the County Health Officer plans, organizes, and directs the Public Health Division. The Public Health Officer oversees the daily operations of Public Health, with 7 direct reports, including a Deputy Public Health Officer. Programs under his/her direction include, but are not limited to, California Children’s Services, Family and Children Services, Communicable Disease, TB and STD Control and Surveillance, Immunizations, Vital Records, Public Health laboratory, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Medical Services and health education programs.

The incumbent is responsible for assessing and protecting the County’s health status and enforcing relevant federal, state, and local health laws and regulations.

The County Health Officer is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and reports directly to the Director of Health Services, or designee, and is exempt from Civil Service. The incumbent is responsible for helping develop the strategic direction of the Department of Health Services, in coordination with the Director. The incumbent establishes policies and practices to ensure alignment across the service lines in the Department.

The incumbent works with partners to develop and maintain rapport with community hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Managed Care Plans, and Community-based Organizations. The incumbent provides a critical role bridging clinical expertise with executive strategy for the Department of Health Services. The incumbent is also responsible for planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating a variety of public health and primary care programs, and working with other local, state, and national agencies, and the local medical community to promote and protect public health.

• The equivalent of three years full-time paid experience serving as a Public Health Officer in a public health environment.
• The equivalent of five years full-time paid experience in planning, organizing, and coordination of local government-based and community public health programs. The equivalent of at least three years must include responsibility for program planning and evaluation, and overseeing clinical services.