Position: Health Officer

St. Joseph County Department of Health

Opening Date: March 27, 2024

Closing Date: Until Filled

Salary: Up to $250,000/year

Location: 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601 – 8^th Floor

Status: Part Time or Full Time

Job Category: SO (Special Occupation)

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Health Officer is responsible for three critical functions:

• Fulfills legal requirements for a Health Officer as set forth in the Indiana Code.
• Works in coordination with state and local officials, the Board of Health, and community members to further public and environmental health in St. Joseph County.
• Administers St. Joseph County Department of Health and oversees Department of Health activities.

The ideal candidate would be responsible for the following:

Administration

• Provides leadership and supervision to Department of Health Unit Directors, Director of Operations, Director of Finance, and employees.
• Ensures policies and procedures for existing and new programs and services are developed, documented, maintained, and reviewed in a timely manner.
• Oversees and assists Director of Operations and Unit Directors in hiring Department of Health employees.
• Oversees and consults with appropriate Department of Health personnel and the St. Joseph County Human Resources Director before employee termination or any disciplinary action of employees involving probation, demotion, or violations of Department of Health or St. Joseph County employment policies and procedures.
• In role as Secretary of the Board of Health, oversees keeping minutes of all Board of Health meetings.
• Assures full and permanent records of public health work of the Department of Health are maintained, as required by statute.
• Oversees presentation of a monthly report of the work done by the Department of Health to the Board of Health.
• Oversees submission of reports of local Department of Health activities to the Indiana Department of Health, as required by statute and Indiana Department of Health rules.
• Attends meetings with the Indiana Department of Health, when requested by the Indiana Department of Health, for consultation concerning any matter of public health.
• Demonstrates knowledge of all financial aspects of Department of Health and St. Joseph County budgets, and works with Director of Finance and Unit Directors to develop annual budget.
• Works with Department of Health’s legal counsel to understand and adhere to relevant statutory law governing duties of the Health Officer and St. Joseph County Department of Health.
• Participates in the Board of Health’s Strategic Planning process and development of a Strategic Plan for the Department of Health.

Serving as Medical Expert and Advisor

• Enforces the health laws, ordinances, orders, rules, and regulations of the state and local boards of health as required by statute.
• Oversees the development of community educational programs on public health topics.
• Provides expertise in the development of new services and programs as required by statute, including reviewing the design of the proposed program or service.
• Leads the evaluation of the Department of Health’s programs and services, and makes recommendations for prioritization, modification, and upgrading as necessary.
• Communicates with and makes formal presentations to the Board of Health, Saint Joseph County’s governing bodies, community agencies, and the news media.
• Maintains required medical board certification and Indiana state licensure.
• Assists in setting and monitoring progress of goals and priorities for programs and services.
• Supervises clinical services offered at the St. Joseph County Department of Health or collaborative agency.

Planning, Promoting, and Conducting Performance Improvement

• Ensures a systematic approach to problem resolution.
• Assists Unit Directors in planning, conducting, and scheduling training and orientation to assure ongoing quality improvement.
• Attends and participates in workshops, seminars, and other continuing education as needed to maintain knowledge of changes and developments in public health.
• Maintains clear, positive, and transparent communication with the Board of Health and elected County officials, especially regarding Department of Health planning and operation.
• Promotes a positive organizational culture by fostering teamwork and mutual respect.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Unrestricted license to practice medicine in Indiana required.
• Administrative and grant development experience preferred.
• Demonstrates outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including ability to facilitate discussions.
• Demonstrates ability to identify and resolve barriers to delivering high quality services.
• Demonstrates strong commitment to developing, supporting, and accomplishing Department of Health’s vision and strategic goals.

Acts with proper decorum at all public meetings and when interacting with elected and appointed officials, employees, and members o

Interested candidates may apply at: https://sjc.ezhiregov.com/, If a certification or license is required, please be sure to attach the documents.