Director of Public Health

Description

The Director of Public Health is responsible for the professional, administrative, and technical leadership, management, and oversight of the Health Department. The Director plans, develops, implements, and administers a comprehensive range of public health and environmental health programs, services, and regulatory activities designed to protect and promote the health, safety, and quality of life of West Springfield residents. The Director serves as the chief public health official for the Town and is responsible for interpreting, implementing, and enforcing applicable local, state, and federal public health laws, regulations, and policies, including those of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other regulatory agencies. The Director provides expert guidance and leadership in public health matters, advises Town officials and boards, promotes community health initiatives, and ensures the effective delivery of public health services.  The Director exercises independent judgment and initiative in managing departmental operations, supervising professional and support staff, developing policies and procedures, preparing and administering the departmental budget, and representing the Town in public health matters with external agencies, organizations, and the general public. The employee performs all other related duties as required.

Examples of Duties

• Oversees and implements a wide range of public health, sanitation and environmental-related services.
• Oversees the administration and enforcement of public health permitting and licensing programs, including but not limited to food establishments, temporary events, housing, pools, camps, tobacco sales, body art, funeral services, and special events.
• Provides public health oversight for large-scale events and mass gatherings, including coordinating inspections, staffing, interagency collaboration, and regulatory compliance for temporary food establishments, animal exhibits, and public health risk mitigation.
• Conducts a wide range of public health inspections in accordance with local and state regulations including sanitation, septage, hazardous waste, food service establishments and housing.
• Oversees the Town’s animal control and animal health programs and serves as one of the Town’s official MA Animal Inspectors, including regulatory enforcement, administration of sheltering contracts, rabies control activities, animal inspections, and coordination with veterinary providers, rescue organizations, and state agencies.
• Coordinates and collaborates with regional, state, and intergovernmental public health and emergency preparedness organizations, coalitions, and advisory bodies.
• Provides professional and administrative support to the Board of Health, including preparing agendas, ensuring compliance with Open Meeting Law requirements, implementing Board decisions, and serving as the primary liaison between the Board and Town administration.
• Oversees public health communications, including community outreach, health advisories, risk communication, and dissemination of public health guidance to residents, businesses, and partner agencies and interacts with the public concerning events and incidents arising from public health programs and services.
• Confers with responsible officials of state, federal, municipal, and community health and human services agencies to develop programs and services and to address community health needs and concerns.
• Manages procurement and administration of professional service contracts and vendor agreements in accordance with municipal procurement laws and policies.
• Oversees public health data systems, reporting platforms, and regulatory databases, and ensures accurate reporting to state agencies and compliance with statutory reporting requirements.
• Develops and monitors quality assurance indicators which include evaluating structure, process and outcome of services provided.
• Develops and administers the department’s operating budget.
• Identifies funding opportunities and applies for, administers, and oversees grants in support of departmental programs and operations.
• On behalf of the Town, serves as an advocate of public health programs and related services.
• Prepares and submits various administrative and programmatic reports as requested.
• Conducts market analysis to ensure that programs meet the consumer’s needs.
• Recommends the adoption and implementation of new public health regulations.
• Responsible for assisting in emergency preparedness activities, with responsibility for public health emergency planning, shelter operations (including medical and co-sheltering), and coordination of public health response during emergencies and disasters.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduate of a four year college with a Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration or a related field and three to five- (3-5) years of related work experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.        

Special Requirements: 

• Possession of a valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License is required.
• The following certifications are preferred at the time of hire but must be obtained within two (2) years of appointment as a condition of continued employment:
  • Massachusetts DEP Certified Title V System Inspector
  • Massachusetts DEP Certified Soil Evaluator
  • Certified Food Protection Manager
  • Certified Pool Operator
  • Massachusetts DEP Lead Determination Inspector Certification