Public Health Director

Pay Range: 

$3,938.31 - $4,633.31 Bi-weekly (DOE)  

MONTROSE COUNTY BENEFIT INFORMATION: 

2025 Montrose County Benefit Information

Closing Date: Friday, April 18, 2025

General Statement of Duties:  This position oversees the planning, development and implementation of public health services, and administers and enforces Public Health laws, orders, rules and standards set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the County. Assesses and monitors health factors in Montrose County and develops strategies to effectively communicate health issues to the public. Provides oversight, evaluation and program management for the Public Health Division. Responsible for the Public Health budget. Provides leadership and support for public health improvement activities.

Supervision Received:  Receives general direction from the Board of Health and exercises wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments.

Supervision Exercised:  Is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Public Health Division. Exercises indirect supervision of all of the Public Health staff. Directly supervises the WIC supervisor.

Essential Functions:  Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class. 

• Provides oversight, program evaluation and budget management for all Public Health programs. Works with WIC supervisor and Public Health staff to develop and implement program objectives, and analyze services and programs.  Determines goals, content, staffing needs and budget requirements for new and existing public health programs.
• Drafts and revises operating policies as necessary.
• Ensures all assigned programs meet applicable local, state and federal guidelines.
• Administers and enforces the public health laws of the State of Colorado; the orders, rules, regulations and standards of the State Board of Health, Air Quality Control Commission, Water Quality Control Commission and the orders, rules and regulations of the local Board of Health along with resolutions of the Board of County Commissioners. Prepares proposed local orders, rules and regulations for consideration by the local Board of Health.
• Acts as the local registrar of vital statistics, or contracts out the responsibility.
• Prepares and manages Public Health budget and strategic plan. Provides budgeting recommendations and participates in the planning and preparation of the budget for department programs. Authorizes and monitors expenditures to ensure they are within budget limits and guidelines.
• Works with staff and supervisors to develop and write grant requests and project proposals. Seeks alternative sources of funding for program services that align with the Public Health Division’s strategic vision. Maintains positive relationships with grantor agencies. Has primary responsibility for managing the program(s) to meet contractual guidelines. Oversees the completion of requirements for grants, assuring compliance to meet goals, tracking, and evaluation. Assists with necessary re-application for continued funding or new applications to grant sources to secure continued funding for public health efforts.
• Oversees collection and reporting of Medicaid - reimbursable outreach activities for the entire Health Division.
• Works with staff to monitor and analyze community health risks. Provides leadership and support for public health improvement activities and strategies. Develops relationships with individuals and organizations in order to establish improvement strategies and activities.
• Advises local Board of Health, County Commissioners and other officials and voluntary agencies on issues relevant to public health. Meets and collaborates with numerous groups for the purpose of improving the Public Health Division’s operations. Examples include but are not limited to Montrose County’s Human Services Director, other county agencies, Montrose County Board of County Commissioners and Board of Health, the State department of Public Health, health care providers, state and federal officials, foundation officers and the general public.
• Manages staff both directly and through subordinate supervisors. Has personnel oversight for areas such as interviewing, training, evaluating staff performance and all employee relation issues. Develops, oversees and participates in staff development. Ensures adequate professional development and in-service training for all staff.
• Responsible for the collection and analysis of statistical data, reports and information. Research methods include conducting studies and surveys, often in collaboration with other organizations. Oversees the proper handling, access and storage of division data and records.
• Ensures that data and records are accessed and secured in compliance with departmental, local, state and federal guidelines.
• Participates in emergency management drills, exercises and preparations. Acts to protect the public health during natural disasters or enemy attack. Investigates and controls epidemic diseases, or arranges for such professional services, and coordinates with the CDPHE.
• Prepares public information presentations, press releases and other media information in coordination with the Media Relations Manager.
• Acts as the Montrose County’s HIPAA Privacy Officer or delegates the responsibility.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education and Experience:  In accordance with the Minimum Qualifications for Public Health Director rule, 6 CCR 1014-6, county or district public health agency directors are required to possess a minimum of five years of administrative experience in public health within the past ten years AND either have a master’s degree in a public health discipline (e.g., environmental health, health education, epidemiology, nursing, health administration, biostatistics) or be a physician. The county or district board of health may substitute year for year professional public health work experience for academic requirements or academic preparation for experience requirements.

For public health director candidates who do not have experience or academic preparation to substitute for the minimum qualifications, the county or district board of health may waive the minimum qualifications if:

• There are factors inherent to the jurisdiction that limit its ability to recruit a qualified public health director
• The public health director candidate will seek to obtain additional public health education and experience within five years of the waiver
• The county or district board of health has explored joining with a county or establishing a district public health agency with a qualified public health director

If the Public Health Director is not a licensed physician, a licensed physician (volunteer or employed by Montrose County) will be contracted to advise the Public Health Director on medical decisions.

Required Knowledge:  Ability to interpret and implement statutes and regulations and develop policies and procedures to implement public health programs.   A thorough knowledge of the organization, structure, funding and functions of both state and local governments, including budget and finance, with particular reference to their implications on the county level.  Skills in supervision.  Collaborative management and leadership within a large organization and with external organizations.  Thorough knowledge of Public Health regulations, polices and statutes and the ability to interpret and implement.  Knowledge of current federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, memoranda, agency letters, journals, internet web-sites, conferences, staff meetings, newspapers, etc.  Should include general knowledge of current social and economic problems and their impact on individuals and families.   Knowledge of programs of other state agencies that might benefit the department and/or the individuals and families that it serves.  Knowledge of community resources.

Language Skills:  Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in a variety of written formats. Must be able to interpret, apply, explain and enforce all applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures to a wide range of audiences and levels of knowledge. Ability to assemble, organize and present statistical, financial and technical information derived from a variety of sources. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex and technical documents including contracts, maps, and complex management and financial reports and respond to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to read, comprehend and translate information relayed in written or graphic format. Must be able to write policies, procedures, correspondences and other types of documents. Must have the ability to write speeches, articles and manuals and create presentations using original and innovative techniques and styles.  Must have the ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups and organizations and/or board of directors. Ability to prepare industry specific technical reports and budgeting information. Ability to effectively communicate with the public, federal, state and county officials, employees, community agencies and the public.

Interpersonal Skills:  Must possess the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with fellow employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations and members of the community. Work with the media to maintain a positive image of the County to the community.  Interact professionally and diplomatically with County employees, other agencies and organizations and members of the community and manage difficult or emotional customer situations. Possess the ability to recognize when confidentiality is required and maintain strict confidentiality. Must be able to diffuse the most intense situation with diplomacy and professionalism. Must have the acumen to navigate political waters of the County and other outside agencies and organizations. Demonstrate a commitment to the County’s mission, values and core beliefs. Provide leadership, guidance and feedback to ensure continual quality improvement and respect the experience, cultural and overall diversity of those you lead and interact with.

Mathematical Skills:  Ability to work with complex mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, budgeting, risk analysis. Work with bidding and review. Must have extensive proficiency in statistical analysis including inferences and  probability.  Work with bidding and review. Must have extensive proficiency in transactional accounting, budget analysis and conduct cost analysis and produce critical path schedules. Must have extensive knowledge of governmental accounting, financial reporting and budgeting

Reasoning Skills:  Must be able make rational decisions through sound logical and deductive processes and make sound judgments, decision making, problem solving, while planning directing and monitoring the work of the agency. Must be able to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and recommend or implement best options in support of strategic goals and objectives. Consider concrete and abstract variables. Must have the ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerned in difficult and complex cases and present material in a clear and logical form, including oral and written presentations, briefs, opinions, orders or decisions. Must be able to successfully manage multiple projects and complete work under pressure pursuant to deadlines.

Office Technology/Computer Skills:  Must be able make rational decisions through sound logical and deductive processes and make sound judgments, decision making, problem solving, while planning directing and monitoring the work of the agency. Must be able to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and recommend or implement best options in support of strategic goals and objectives. Consider concrete and abstract variables. Must have the ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerned in difficult and complex cases and present material in a clear and logical form, including oral and written presentations, briefs, opinions, orders or decisions. Must be able to successfully manage multiple projects and complete work under pressure pursuant to deadlines.

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and stand for long periods of time; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands or arms. The employee is required to stand, walk, climb or balance, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must be able to respond to the customers’ needs and perform tasks requiring extensive hand and eye coordination.  Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and other devices and objects. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to smell to distinguish between normal odors or controlled substances.  Physical ability and mobility to drive a motor vehicle to and from field and meetings.   Ability to navigate uneven terrain.   Ability to work extended shifts and attend training and meetings outside of regularly scheduled hours and the ability to work in stressful situations.

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.  Ability to tolerate and be productive in a quiet to moderate noise level in the work place.  The individual is exposed to hazards associated with a public health environment. The employee is occasionally exposed airborne particles, body fluids, feces, blood-borne pathogens and other infectious materials in the course of duties. Employee will have periodic exposure to hazards in the field such as driving and inclement weather. May be exposed to potential communicable health conditions and angry, hostile, frustrated individuals and those with behavioral and/or cognitive challenges. May travel to rural areas.

Special Requirements:  Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record.  Ability to work evenings or weekends on an as needed basis.  Successful completion of NIMS 700, ICS 100, 200, 300, 400 and 800 emergency management classes within one year of being hired.

Other Duties:  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary : $3,938 - $4,633