Director of Public Health

Under the general administrative direction of the Assistant City Administrator, serves as the department head for the Public Health Department.
The incumbent is responsible for providing leadership and direction to all public health operations/services within the City and County by establishing goals and objectives within the policy directives set forth by the City Commission in guiding work of the management team in developing, recommending, and implementing procedures to accomplish departmental goals and objectives.
This position also directs staff in the enforcement of the health ordinances of the city, rules and regulations, and regulations of the county and state to ensure full compliance throughout the jurisdiction.
Advisement and recommendations are also provided by the Board of Health.
Scope of Responsibility: The Director of Public Health manages a staff of approximately 150 full and part-time employees with additional PRN and contract staff, and a department budget of approximately $15 million.
Department staff is located in three buildings within the City.
The department also contracts to provide services throughout Cass County and provides several programs on a regional level, as well as hiring contract staff to meet the needs during public health emergencies as necessary.
Primary Responsibilities Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information; Interaction with the public, vendors/ community partners or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work-related objective.
Responds to Public Health Emergencies.
Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job; Fulfills roles within the Department’s Emergency Operations Plan as determined by Emergency Preparedness and Management staff; During an actual emergency, is accessible 24/7 with an established family contingency plan in place.
Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work; When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
Provides training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; ensures that each employee: Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work; When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
Develops goals and objectives for the division of public health to ensure compliance with City Commission policy directives and all applicable local, state, or federal laws, rules, and regulations, as well as particular requirements of each grant.
Conducts informal assessments as needed and in depth five-year strategic planning efforts to determine programs to meet the needs of the community; and agency needs to support and develop staff; Provides guidance to supervisors in the development, recommendation and implementation of operating policies and procedures to accomplish departmental goals and objectives Shares the goals and objectives with staff to ensure understanding of the mission of public health; Maintains knowledge of current trends, technology, innovations, and best practices in the field; Ensure the use of science-based evidence in developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving policies, programs, and services; Utilizes public health performance management and quality improvement strategies throughout the agency; Receives advisement and/or recommendations from the Board of Health as needed, as well as from our liaison Commissioner.
Ensures compliance with city ordinances, rules and regulations, and state and federal laws and regulations while serving as the Department’s liaison to other local, state, and federal agencies.
Collaborates with legal counsel and coordinates with the City Attorney and States Attorney to assure compliance with public health and safety ordinances.
Demonstrates extensive knowledge of technical issues and awareness of public health and safety legislation; Evaluates health and safety related ordinances to assure that they are adequately current and consistent standards are applied and achieved; Provides technical guidance to attorneys and others regarding public health and safety issues; Draft primary language on new or revised public health and safety related ordinances; Appear in court if needed as an expert witness when prosecutions are being conducted.
Using independent judgment provides leadership and direction to all public health staff.
In cooperation with City Human Resources, is responsible for department personnel administration and the administration of personnel policies; Makes decisions on matters of hiring, transfer, suspension, lay off, recall, promotion, discharge, assignment, reward, adjusting grievances or disciplining employees under the span of control; Recommends levels of department staffing to the Assistant City Administrator for Commission consideration; Directs planning of the work schedule to meet department demands and to limit overtime costs to reasonable and necessary levels; Leads staff in maintaining a positive work environment and fostering effective performance; Conducts ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and timely formal reviews of performance for assigned employees; Ensures that subordinates complete performance reviews for their staff; Assesses staff development needs and directs the provision of staff training; Encourages employee growth and development by providing or encouraging learning opportunities; Regularly meet with department management staff to discuss ongoing department needs, goals and objectives; Ensures departmental and individual compliance with statutes, rules, and regulations, including but not limited to City policy, FLSA, ADA, Affirmative Action, EEOC, Drug and Alcohol Testing, COBRA, FMLA and HIPAA; Conducts internal investigations, as appropriate, into allegations of employee misconduct, infractions of statutes, policies, rules, and regulations to ensure compliance.
Manages the Health department budget.
Using independent judgment develops and directs others in development of department operating budgets for the next cycle and capital budgets for longer-term cycles; Provides informed input on matters relating to the annual operating and multi-year capital budgets; In collaboration with the FCPH Accountant, analyzes past expenditures, expected needs, future cost projections and sources of funding in order to develop detailed budgets; Reviews year-to-date spending reports and monitors performance against plan during the entire budget cycle, making or recommending adjustments as necessary to achieve a desired balance at the end of the cycle; Approves authorized expenditures for purposes and amounts that are within the budget; Works to ensure the most cost-effective alternatives are identified when planning expenditures; Prepares requests for annual funding and presents requests to decision makers for approval; Alerts staff to grant opportunities for department purposes and assists if needed in preparing applications to grant makers, along with approving signature; Works with finance department staff to account for grant fund uses.
Along with management team, monitors grant contracts to assure compliance with grant requirements.
Coordinates, oversees, and evaluates activities of all grants coming into the health department; Communicates with FCPH accountant throughout the process; Ensures that reporting requirements are met for all grant funds; Researches potential grant funding opportunities for public health nursing programs; Completes and submits grant applications; Monitors grant contracts to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
Works with area health care and community service providers to develop coordinated plans for the delivery of services and health promotion activities to the populations served.
Serves on various Health Department teams and committees.
Serves and/or leads various action groups, coalitions, and community committees; Participates on City of Fargo committees, along with other FCPH staff.
Receives updates from staff as appropriate; Represents the department at City Commission meetings; Serves as a liaison between the Department and state and federal agencies to ensure communication and compliance; Attends state meetings; Works with the PH Analyst to ensure the completion of a comprehensive Community Health Assessment (CHA) every 3-5 years in collaboration with community partners, as well as the development and implementation of a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) every 3-5 years in collaboration with community partners.
In cooperation with other area health care providers, county emergency preparedness personnel, and FCPH EPR staff ensures readiness to respond effectively to a public health crisis or other emergency situations.
Works with agency staff, community partners, regional and state public health agencies to develop detailed and coordinated plans for the delivery of services in emergency situations (i.
e.
, medical, natural disaster); Develops any needed supplementary internal department plans to align with applicable state plans for execution of emergency public health services such as ensuring appropriate staffing levels, planning for transporting, storing, and dispensing of vaccines and medications, or other missions needed dependent on the emergency; Serves as an incident commander for the department operations center during a public health emergency.
Provides information and reports to the Board of Health on specific public health activities, direction, and accomplishments.
Seeks feedback and/or recommendations as appropriate.
Works with the PH Analyst to monitor public policy activities, provides information to the City Commission on legislative issues, and works with the City Administration to provide information and support favorable legislation approved by the City Commission.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints that are not resolved at the division level or require a higher level of response.
Develops and monitors processes for handling complaints within the department.
Along with various FCPH staff, promotes the services and resources provided by the department through outreach, public speaking, and media contacts; prepares informational materials and articles for publication and public distribution.
Serves as a department spokesperson for media inquiries; Conducts presentations to community groups; Develops initiatives to provide services to the community with a focus on high-risk population.
Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications The job requires a master’s degree in public health, public administration, health administration or another health science related discipline, along with eight or more years of progressively responsible experience working in a public health setting, including five years of management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
A valid driver’s license is also required.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities include: Knowledge of principles and practices of public health, particularly as they relate to specific diseases and social/environmental conditions; Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, regulations, programs, and services relating to public health nursing; Knowledge of human resource management practices such as training, delegation, discipline, etc.
; Knowledge of community programs and resources; Knowledge of the core functions of public health along with essential services.
Knowledge of the principles of public health performance management and quality improvement Knowledge and skill in government budgeting and funding and grant procedures and administration; Excellent communication, listening, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and clients; Strong public relations and media relations skills; Strong leadership skills that are consistent and conducive to a healthy environment for all team members; Advanced skills in written and oral communication/presentation; Skill in cross cultural communication and health equity strategies; Skill in networking and forming effective collaborative relationships; Skill in supervision to effectively manage the performance of staff; Skill in organization, prioritizing work, and maintaining records; Skill in using Microsoft Office applications; Skill in written English sufficient to read technical manuals, instructions, care plans and to write complex reports and complete documentation, etc.
; Ability to use discretion in dealing with confidential information; Ability to work effectively across cultures and socio-economic levels; Ability to work as part of a team, and support and motivate team members.
Physical Demands Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Most work is performed in a normal office environment.
Work is generally light with considerable variety.
Daily work involves extensive computer and phone use, moving between buildings and rooms.
Driving is required weekly.
Occasional overnight travel may be required.
The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue.
There is regular exposure to potential hazards such as body fluids, contagious diseases, and environmental hazards.
Activities include stooping, standing, walking, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.
Light Work: Physical demands are normally those associated with light work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.
To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.
The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
The City of Fargo offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System.