Executive Director – Health Officer, Tooele County

Under broad policy guidance and direction from the Tooele County Board of Health, The Local Health Department Director / Health Officer is responsible for leading the countys public health efforts by planning, managing, and evaluating health policies, programs, and services. This role requires ensuring compliance with public health laws, responding to health crises, and promoting community well-being through partnerships and evidence-based practices. The Local Health Officer acts as a key advisor to government leaders and serves as a liaison between public health and the community.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general direction of the Board of Health.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises administrative and technical supervision over department personnel, volunteers, students, and contracting parties, including departmental supervisors and coordinators.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Administration

– Develop and implement county-wide public health policies, programs, and regulations in line with federal and state guidelines.
– Manage the county health department, including staff supervision, budget administration, and resource allocation.
– Represent the department in community meetings, with the media, and in interactions with local, state, and federal officia

1. Community Health Assessment & Planning

– Lead the assessment of local health needs by analyzing data and collaborating with stakeholders to identify public health issues and priorities.
– Develop and implement strategic plans, including the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), to address identified health needs.
– Monitor health trends and emerging issues, such as infectious disease outbreaks, and develop timely response strategies.

1. Public Health Policy & Enforcement

– Enforce local health laws, ordinances, and regulations, providing leadership in the development and interpretation of public health policies.
– Advocate for public health initiatives and policies that address social determinants of health and improve overall health outcomes in the county.
– Communicate health policies and decisions to the public, and local leaders ensuring transparency and understanding.

1. Public Health Programs & Services

– Oversee and evaluate the delivery of public health services, such as communicable disease prevention, maternal and child health, environmental health, WIC, Aging Services, and health promotion/prevention.
– Ensure all health programs comply with state and federal mandates and are culturally competent and equitable.
– Engage in quality improvement efforts to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency.

1. Emergency Preparedness & Response

– Lead the countys public health emergency preparedness and response efforts, including planning, training, and mobilizing resources for potential health emergencies like natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or bioterrorism.
– Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate public health emergency response activities.
– Serve as a spokesperson during public health emergencies, providing accurate and timely information to the public and stakeholders.

1. Community Engagement & Partnerships

– Build and maintain partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance public health efforts.
– Engage with diverse communities to promote health equity and address health disparities.
– Provide education and resources to the public to raise awareness and promote healthy behaviors.

        Data Analysis & Reporting

– Oversee data collection, analysis, and dissemination to guide public health programming and policy development.
– Utilize public health data to identify trends, make informed decisions, and evaluate the impact of programs and services.
– Prepare and present reports to the Board of Health, policymakers, and the public o the status of community health and department initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

– Education: Have successfully completed a masters degree in public health, nursing or other discipline related to public health or public administration or business administration from an accredited school.
– Experience: Have at least five years of professional full-time public health experience, of which at least three years were in a senior level administrative capacity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

– Comprehensive understanding of public health principles, epidemiology, health equity, and health systems.
– Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
– Ability to interpret and apply public health laws, regulations, and policies.
– Proven problem-solving skills and ability to respond effectively to health emergencies.
– Experience in budget development, financial management, and resource allocation.

Preferred Qualifications

– Experience working with diverse communities and addressing social determinants of health.
– Familiarity with emergency preparedness and response operations.
– Strong advocacy skills and ability to communicate complex health information clearly.
– Knowledge of data analysis tools and evidence-based program planning.

Working Conditions & Requirements

– Work Environment: Office-based with frequent community visits, meetings, and fieldwork.
– Travel: Occasional travel within the county and potential statewide travel for training and conferences.
– Hours: Flexible scheduling may be required, with availability to respond to public health emergencies outside normal working hours.