Human Resources

Public Health Director

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is a high level administrative position involving responsibility for the management or assisting in the management of a local, county health department.  A Public Health Director is responsible for coordinating the various technical/professional services provided under the auspices of the department.  Medical consultation is provided by a medical professional.  Administrative supervision is exercised over the work of all professional, technical, and other support staff.  Does related work, as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Administers, and/or oversees the administration of all local, county health programs;
Reports departmental activities to the local board of health, and recommends appropriate actions when necessary;
Establishes and carries out departmental policies in consultation with the local board of health, the health officer, the State Department of Health, and the professional staff of the Department;
Acts as liaison between the local board of health and other local municipal officials;
Interprets and implements the policies of the State Department of Health;
Authorizes and supervises departmental expenditures;
Prepares annual budget and makes fiscal recommendations to the local board of health and the local legislative body;
Speaks before civic groups and community organizations concerning the functions and activities of the agency;
Prepares and issues public relations material regarding health agency activities, including newspaper articles, and radio and television programming;
Prepares reports as required by local board of health and State Health Department.

The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and terminology of public health administration; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of management; familiarity with local government operations; ability to direct and evaluate the programs of a public health agency; ability to deal with the public on projects related to public health; ability to prepare and analyze various types of technical and statistical reports; ability to provide leadership and to secure the cooperation of others; tact and courtesy; integrity; good judgment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is required to walk, talk and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND EITHER:

  1. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a master's degree in public health, or related field, and three years of satisfactory full-time, public health administrative experience;
    OR:
  2. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (1) above.

SPECIAL NOTE: All appointments to the position of Public Health Director are subject to the approval of the State Commissioner of Health.  Candidates claiming an equivalent combination of education and experience must have such combination deemed equivalent by the State Commissioner of Health.