Director of Public Health and Human Services

Job Summary:

Lead and administer the Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) Department by organizing, planning, directing, managing, budgeting and evaluating all department operations. The director supervises and evaluates personnel; directs programs and services in public health, social services, economic assistance and health care programs. Recommend policy for Board passage and develop strategy, implementation and assessment of department programs to ensure the optimal delivery of department services in accordance with federal and state regulations and County Board policies.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Manages, plans, and supervises the activities of all department personnel directly or through other supervisors to include approval of all personnel actions, training activities, review of client case work and assignments.

2. Provides oversight for the 245G licensed outpatient substance use disorder treatment program and the 245D Licensed In Home Support Program.

3. Oversees the establishment and implementation of policies and guidelines governing the services and programs provided by PHHS. Assesses, evaluates and monitors existing programs to ensure programs meet laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.

4. Oversees department initiatives for the enhancement and improvement of service delivery, coordinates activities with other units of government, agencies, and other county departments. Researches, develops, and modifies new programs, secures sustainable funding and new sources of revenue and writes appropriate policies and procedures.

5. Directs the development, implementation and control of the PHHS annual budget, including the management and presentation of the budget to the County Board for approval. Monitors revenues and manages departmental expenses within budget guidelines.

6. Negotiates and manages agency contracts for purchased services. Designs new contractual agreements to meet new or existing services. Monitors records of contracted service providers' reports to ensure quality client services, adherence to policies, procedures and regulations.

7. Conducts regular department and program level meetings to enhance sharing of information and skills, staff input and service coordination.

8. Prepares board agendas, agency reports and makes presentations to the Public Health and Human Services board, County Board of Commissioners, Public Health and Human Services Advisory Council, Local Mental Health Advisory Council, state and regional Board and Councils and/or the legislature regarding programs and services, revenue and expenditures.

9. Conducts needs assessments and advises Board as to program, staffing and client services. Recommends efficient, cost effective and culturally appropriate modes of service delivery.

10. Interprets complex policy, rules and guidelines for all public health, economic assistance, health care and social service programs. Understands the impact of new laws on prevention, intervention and treatment practices and oversees implementation as appropriate.

11. Collaborates with other county departments such as the administration, human resources, county attorney's office, law enforcement, emergency management, and environmental health, to implement and monitor policies and procedures to assure consistency and meet departmental and community needs.

12. Builds collaborative relationships with the Grand Portage Band Tribal Government and health and human services departments to further joint goals for effective delivery of public health and human services.

13. Represents the department on joint powers entities such as the Community Health Board, North Shore Collaborative, and Arrowhead Health Alliance

14. Leads, participates and serves on committees in Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators (MACSSA), Local Public Health Association (LPHA), and Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC). Collaborates with other members in professional associations to plan and implement efforts to impact legislation affecting department programs and procedures. Participates in MN Department of Health, Department of Children Youth and Families, Direct Care and Treatment and Department of Human Services committees and attends related administrative trainings and seminars. Attends other professional meetings and conferences.

15. Participates in emergency response exercises and serves as member of the County Emergency Operations Center in most situations. Provides leadership and assures 24/7 staffing and resource availability such as shelter for evacuees during family crises, natural disasters and/or public health emergencies which may include such things as responding to pandemic and infectious disease outbreaks, and mass dispensing of treatment modalities.

16. Plans, facilitates and/or provides community education to explain agency policies, programs and services. Represents the agency on regional and state related committees, participates in other community health and social service programs to promote, enhance and develop services and/or resources that meet local client needs.

17. Serves as responsible data authority, data privacy officer and civil rights and limited English proficiency coordinator for the department.

Non-Essential Functions:

1. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience

· Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Public Health, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Plus eight (8) years of relevant experience including management level in nonprofit, public or private public health or human services agency.

· Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job. For example, a Master's degree in a related field and four years of management and administrative experience.

· Relevant fields of knowledge needed to perform the job include the following: personnel management, fiscal management, and community needs assessment, program development and evaluation, communication, budgeting, public health programs, human service programs and management information systems.

· Training in leadership and regional coordination, fostering community relations, collaboration, interpretation of state and local government responsibilities and laws is also required in this position.

· Knowledge of technological communication systems, electronic health recordkeeping systems and other data management systems.

Required Certifications/Licenses

· Must have a valid driver's license.

Internal/External Relationships:

· Frequent contact with County Commissioners and to provide information regarding PHHS

policy, respond to questions regarding Board documentation and to respond to concerns

of constituents; with County Administrator to confer on countywide objectives, respond to

questions/concerns, confer on policy-making and strategy; and with citizens and

community groups to explain PHHS policy, resolve problems, receive input and elicit

opinions on practices.

· Regular contact with PHHS staff to gather information and to provide direction and

coordination in problem solving; officials and other County directors to participate in

planning, analysis and exchange of information and problem solving; local and regional

service providers, private agencies, foundations and businesses to share information and

coordinate services.

· Periodic contact with the state Commissioner, Deputy and Assistant Commissioners of

Health and Human Services for problem resolution and to provide input to proposed rules

and regulations; foundations and businesses to share information and coordinate services.

· Treat all persons and agencies with respect, dignity, sensitivity, and tact.

· Must demonstrate the ability to work positively in a team environment and function

constructively during conflict resolution.

· Fully support the core values and mission of Cook County PHHS.

· Continuously promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.

Impact on Services / Operations

· Work performance impacts the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of PHHS through the ability to establish policy, allocate resources and manage operations.

· Ineffective performance of responsibilities may: damage State, County and PHHS reputation in the state and local community; reduce the amount and quality of services available to residents; substantially contribute to fiscal sanctions; and negatively impact working relationships with Federal Officials, State Commissioners, Tribal government and program leaders, County Board, County Administrator, other County departments and local healthcare and social service providers.

· This position is responsible for management of an annual budget in excess of $5,600,000 and over 20 purchase of service contracts with private, governmental and non-profit service organizations which together impact the flow of over $14,000,000 into the local community. The efficient and effective management of these resources determines the type, extent and quality of services available to the residents of Cook County.

· The Director position requires negotiation and coordination with individuals and groups. The Director has general responsibility to the community in identifying and assessing serious public health and social problems that adversely affect residents.

· At the County level, the Director provides contributions to County policy in cooperation with the County Administrator and within assigned committees.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Required at Entry:

· Knowledge of the practice of public health and human services programs and services.

· Knowledge of the principles and practice of leadership, management and administration.

· Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills applied to diverse

audiences inside and outside the organization.

· Skill in the use of technology.

· Skill in community and organizational development.

· Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the County Board, County

Administrator's Office, other Cook County departments, other counties, community

organizations, foundations and state and federal offices.

· Ability to analyze and communicate complex data and program information.

· Ability to maintain communication with persons of influence involving considerable tact,

discretion and persuasion to negotiate important agreements or elicit desired behaviors.

· Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.

· Ability to handle unpredictable situations in public interactions. Ability to resolve

complaints with tact and diplomacy .

· Ability to interpret complex regulations and policies and to make independent decisions in

stressful situations.

Required at Full Performance:

· Knowledge of federal, state and county laws, rules and regulations

· Knowledge of procedures which are particular to this department and/or Cook County, and changing details on laws, rules and regulations.

· Ability to understand the political climate within which the Department operates.

· Knowledge of the principles and practices of all functions within the department.

· Knowledge of particular programs and services and the availability and relationships of funding sources.

Working Environment:

· Duties are performed in a regular office environment and remote work sites.

· Requires local, regional, state and national travel.

Physical Requirements Of This Position:

• In this position, the employee will be exposed to adverse conditions such as challenging behaviors or hazardous materials on an infrequent basis.
• Sit or stand at a desk for extended periods of time to perform work at a computer or talk on the phone.
• Hear and speak effectively to communicate in person and over the phone with contacts listed under Internal/External Relationships above.
• Visual acuity to read computer screens and printed documents and to see to drive a motor vehicle.
• Apply physical coordination in order to safely drive an automobile throughout the county and state under various road and weather conditions.
• Physical ability to move about the office and to traverse the various work sites.
• Manual dexterity to:
• Type on a keyboard and calculator and use a computer mouse;
• Perform manual tasks such as handwriting, searching through documents and compiling material.
• Office work may include reaching for documents and supplies, standing or kneeling to search through file cabinets, fingering to find files, grasping documents, and repetitive motions such as typing and sorting/compiling material.
• Lift and carry files and boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.

"This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer"

Cook County MN will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or status about public assistance. We take affirmative steps to ensure that all our county's employment practices are free of discrimination.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $57.69 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $58