Director of Public Health

The Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System (SCVHHS), County of Santa Clara, is seeking an innovative, dynamic Director of Public Health.  The Public Health Department (PH) has a long history of leadership and creativity in improving the community’s health. 

 

Recent examples include:  Bioterrorism and all hazard preparedness, where PH very early on developed sophisticated and effective planning, including mass prophylaxis, influenza care centers, dealing with mass casualties, and engaging and developing community health providers in preparing for a response.  Materials have been broadly requested and emulated, by the CDC, the State and others lead agencies.  The Public Health Department has been designated as an “Advanced Practice Center” because of this work and leadership.  Developed a Public Health laboratory that is a California LRN (Laboratory Response Network) Reference (Level B) Laboratory which provides clinical and reference testing in the areas of bacteriology, mycology, parasitology and virology as well as environmental testing.  The lab received a full two-year CLIA recertification by the State of California with zero deficiencies.  First county in California where Emergency Medical Services took the lead to establish a specialized system of care for stroke victims, aimed at reducing the likelihood of permanent disability or death. Currently in the process of developing a similar cardiac care system.

 

The Position

The Director of Public Health is an Executive Management position which may be filled by a physician or non physician.  A non-physician incumbent would be responsible for the management of the Public Health Department including general responsibility for code requirements, which will be carried out by a physician Health Officer.  Management responsibilities include Providing vision and leadership to help the Department further innovate; planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the operations, activities and programs of the Public Health Department; Establishing and maintaining goals, objectives and plans for carrying out functions of the Department, consistent with over-all County and SCVHHS goals and community needs; Formulating and maintaining policies and procedures, controls and reporting systems for the effective administration and implementation of services; Managing the enforcement of applicable Federal, State and County laws and regulations governing public health protection and functions; Developing and recommending the annual budget and capital improvement programs and may assist in presenting these to the Board of Supervisors; Representing the County before boards, commissions, political bodies and the general public;  Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective relationships with professionals in the health community, consumer and community groups, administrators and officials of State and Federal health and related agencies; Selecting personnel and evaluating their performance in meeting program and individual goals and objectives. 

 

A physician incumbent may be appointed as the County Health Officer and in addition, perform duties under California Codes including working closely with physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of communicable diseases and direct the inspection, examination and quarantine of persons, places and things within the County necessary to protect the public.



 

The Ideal Candidate

The next Director of Public Health will build on all that has been accomplished and move the Department forward in addressing public health issues – in ways that fit within the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley.  SCVHHS generally faces significant financial challenges at the same time as demand for services continues to escalate, thus the Director needs to be very creative in developing new ways to improve the community’s health status, through developing strategic partnerships and new sources of funding.  Opportunities include:  further collaborating across SCVHHS to develop service synergies and efficiencies; seeking and developing grant funding to support community and Department priorities; and developing new partnerships with community stakeholders that have the interest and means to address various health issues.  For example, numerous innovative, internationally focused companies are headquartered in Silicon Valley and could be partners in addressing a variety of public health issues that are of mutual interest.  

 

The ideal candidate for the Director of Public Health is a motivated leader who translates vision into action, while inspiring staff and the community.  Given the relationship of the Departments within the Health and Hospital System, candidates must also be able to collaborate within the Agency. 

 

Candidates should possess considerable knowledge and managerial or administrative experience, which demonstrates possession and application of the knowledge and abilities.  Candidates must have a degree from an accredited college or university with major work in public health, public administration, human services or a closely related field.Physicians who have five years of broad and extensive administrative/management experience involving the planning, organization, management and coordination of community health programs may also be candidates for the position. Possession of a master's degree may substitute for one year of the required experience.

 Candidates should also have demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of public health and health care administration; Principles and practices of program development and management in a comprehensive multi-service agency; Federal, State and local laws governing public health programs; current developments in local public health programs; principles of governmental organization, administration, public financing and budgeting; Principles and practices of personnel management, training and supervision. In addition, candidates should have demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate and direct a comprehensive public health service;Plan and direct the work of subordinate staff; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, the health community, consumer and community groups, State and Federal health and related agencies; Prepare and implement a comprehensive budget for the Department and control expenditures; work effectively with the news media; speak and write effectively.

 

County Government

Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley,” is unique because of its combination of geographic attractiveness and social diversity.  With its numerous natural amenities and one of the highest standards of living in the country, it has long been considered one of the best areas in the United States to live and work.  The County’s population of 1.7 million is the largest in northern California, one of the State’s most heterogeneous, rich in ethnic and cultural diversity, and enjoying access to all of the attractions of the San Francisco Bay Area. There are 15 cities within the County’s boundaries: Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara,  Saratoga, and Sunnyvale.

 

The elected five-member Board of Supervisors establishes policies to address issues that affect the day-to-day operation of County government and is responsible for an annual operating and capital improvement budget of more than $3.8 billion.  It adopts ordinances that affect the unincorporated communities and oversees the budget.  The County operates under a “charter” form of government, which gives the County more responsibility and authority.  Under this charter, the Board appoints a County Executive to administer County government.

 

Compensation and Benefits

The County provides a generous Executive Management benefit package that includes:

 County contribution to the Public Employees’ Retirement System for the 2.5% at 55 Plan Payment by the County of the employee’s regular contribution to PERS of approximately 7% Health Insurance: Single Premium – Fully paid on all health plans;  Family Premium – Fully paid depending on plan selected Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC) to PERS is considered as special compensation for calculation of retirement benefits Administrative Leave: In lieu of personal leave, education leave, bereavement leave, etc.  $200,000 Double Indemnity Term Life Insurance coverage paid by the County PERS retirement benefit calculation based on Single Highest Year Dental/Vision Insurance: Single and family premiums fully paid Annual Leave: 39 days per fiscal year/12 paid holidays per calendar year Annual Leave “Cash-Out” Program Deferred Compensation Program available

 

 

All qualified applications will be subject to a preliminary competitive rating to identify those candidates to be invited to the oral interview process.  It is critical for applicants to submit an application, resume, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. 



 

If you have any questions please contact Executive Services at (408) 299-5897.

 

 To apply online please go to:

 www.sccjobs.org

Applications can be obtained from and returned to

 

70 West Hedding Street, 8th Floor

 

ESA—Executive Services

 

San Jose, CA  95110