Director of Environmental Programs/Emergency Preparedness

JOB TITLE:  DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PRGMS/EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

RESPONSIBLE TO: PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for the planning, implementation, operation, and monitoring of the following programs: Food Safety & Inspection, Sewer, Water, Vector, Lead, Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities, Tanning, Nuisance, Vital Records, Animal Control, Summer Food, Emergency Preparedness, and the Cities Readiness Initiative. 

This position participates as a key member of upper-level management staff to support the agency in providing core public health functions and essential services to East Side Health District.  Directs and is responsible for the operations of the Environmental Health Division and Emergency Preparedness programs and activities.  This includes assigning, reviewing and directing work, evaluating employee performance, supervision and monitoring of contractual workers, hiring and disciplining employees, preparing, writing and submission of grants, developing and overseeing program budgets, developing innovative policies and plans, assuring compliance with all rules, regulations, and timeframes. 

Development of short and long term goals, strategic plans, and is responsible for the professional development needs of program staff.  The position will require coordination and communication with other upper-level management staff and frequent supervision and guidance to East Side Health District employees working in job roles not covered under Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness.

This position will also conduct field inspections and investigations as required.
Please Note: Position is contingent upon continued grant funding

Required Skills, Education & Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of at least five years of experience in Environmental Health and prefers a Master’s degree in science or related field.
• Five years’ experience in a supervisory role including planning, budgeting, and staffing duties. 
• Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner (LEHP) active license required, or acquire within one year of employment.
• Licensed Pesticide Applicator, or acquire within one year of employment.
• Licensed Lead Risk Assessor, or acquire within one year of employment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with the media and public.
• Excellent problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking skills.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects at one time.
• Ability to perform complex and varied tasks requiring independent knowledge and judgment.
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• The ability to work necessary hours to meet the position requirements, including evenings, nontraditional hours, and/or weekends as assigned.
• Knowledge and experience in program planning, evaluation, and experience with policy development.
• Demonstrate communication skills both verbal and written.
• Negotiate independent contracts for all direct service programs.
• Knowledge in the areas of public health theory practice, public health statutes, and administrative rules.
• Grant writing.
• Ability to integrate local, state, and national systems in the public sector to advance public health programs.
• Lead and direct the Incident Commander, public health officer, and the primary liaison officer under the emergency operations plan.
• Demonstrate success in establishing and sustaining collaborative relationships with diverse public health system partners in the government, public, and private sectors.
• Community and staff team and consensus-building and negotiation skills; ability to integrate diversity of individuals and groups with program and policy development; and financial management.
• Demonstrate experience in developing and delivering training programs to educate the public, professional disciplines, and public health workforce on current and emerging issues that influence the public’s health.
• Provides leadership, management, and direction for the local health department’s staff.
• Guide Program Managers and Division Directors in assuring quantitative and quality assurance.
• Acts as a resource person for in-service, focus groups, and training programs at the District.
• Coordinates activities with other clinics regarding Bioterrorism drills to assure personnel such as Family Planning, Case Management, WIC, Ryan White Medical Case Management, Nursing functions to assure that the client receives all resources and services available to meet their needs.
• Assess community needs and assist in formulating plans to meet those needs.
• Make recommendations regarding training sessions to assist in increasing and developing skills and knowledge.
• Participate in group discussions, workshops, etc., as requested by the IDPH, IPHA, IPHI, and the community.
• Must own a dependable, properly insured automobile and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Drug-Free Environment.
• Drug screening required.
• Will accept other duties as assigned by East Side Health D.