Health Officer

Barry-Eaton District Health Department
Health Officer, Full-Time

Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) is seeking a Health Officer.

We are a nationally accredited public health service agency for Barry and Eaton counties.

We protect and improve the health of Barry and Eaton counties through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and implementation of effective policies and programs for individuals, families, businesses, and communities.

Our vision is a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a long, healthy, and active life.

 

Michigan law creates the position of Health Officer as the chief administrative officer of the Health Department, charged with the responsibility of acting to protect the public health and prevent disease, and carrying out the legal functions of the Health Department.

Under PA 368 of 1978, the Health Officer is a statutory position with significant responsibility, s/he is empowered to act independently, significant statutory and legal authority rests with the Health Officer.

The Health Officer is appointed by the District Board of Health, with the appointment requiring approval of the Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health.

 Because the BEDHD is a district health department, the Health Officer must adeptly manage different constituencies in the two counties and balance their perspectives and needs with the public health generally through transparent communication and collaboration with the Board of Health.

The Health Officer must maintain effective relationships with elected and un-elected governmental officials and entities, and with the leaders in the business, labor and medical communities.

These relationships are necessary to carry out the legal responsibilities of the Health Officer and the Board of Health to protect and promote public health.

These duties are implemented either by the direct provision of services by the local public health and community health operations of the Department, and through the influence of other agencies and individuals in the community.

This position will be based in the BEDHD's Charlotte, MI office, but will be expected to work throughout Barry and Eaton counties as job requirements dictate, including spending significant time at the BEDHD's Hastings, MI office.

The Health Officer leads a team of nearly 50 employees and manages a budget of over $7 million, overseeing a wide range of public health programs and initiatives with local, regional, and national scope.

Requirements

•    Must meet the qualifications described in Michigan's Public Health Code and be approved by MDHHS.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and interact in a positive and professional manner
•    Masters of Public Health and three years full-time public health administrative experience; or
•    Related graduate degree and five years full-time public health administrative experience.
•    Dynamic leaders...