PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT DIRECTOR, M.D. 42216

07/01/94 A

This class is the first management level in the Public Health Physician series. Positions in this class function within the Community Health Operations area and are primarily responsible for the effective and efficient administration and operation of a health district. The principal duties include the supervision of all health care programs, fiscal and environmental operations in a health district, and the maintenance of effective working relationships with state and local governmental bodies, other agencies, the media, and the general public. This class is distinguished from the Public Health Physician Supervisor by its responsibility for managing all operations within a district, including supervisory authority over a district nurse and an Environmental Health Manager. This class is distinguished from the State Health Operations Director class which has supervisory authority over multiple Public Health District Directors.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable complexity in developing policies for a health district and assuring that the health services are appropriate to meet the needs of the population being served. This class oversees the joint acquisition of resources with state and local authorities; conducts or reviews epidemiological studies; develops and implements responses to outbreaks of diseases; approves district budgets, staffing requests and facility acquisitions; coordinates the administrative, medical, and environmental operations within the district; and may provide direct patient treatment.

Supervision Given: In a district, this class supervises Public Health Physicians, Public Health Physician Specialists, Public Health Physicians Supervisors, Business Managers B, Public Health Nurse Managers, Sanitarian Managers, and other professional and support staff.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction from a State Health Operations Director.

Scope: Responsible for all clinical, environmental, and administrative operations in the health district.

Impact of Actions: Actions by positions in this class affect the public's health, the credibility of the Department, and may result in substantial financial costs.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with other health professionals, media, agencies, organizations, elected officials, and citizens are required in order to coordinate services among related health, environmental, and administrative services.

Knowledge: This class requires considerable knowledge of medical practices including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients; working knowledge of environmental health issues and management practices, including human resource management, financial management, and planning. Knowledge of health statistics and epidemiological principles.

Skills: Working skill with all medical instruments and equipment necessary to provide quality medical care.

Abilities: Ability to manage a complex health organization by coordinating a broad range of public health operations, motivate and supervise staff, and communicate orally and in writing. Ability to assess public health and financial needs of a community.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: Licensed or eligible to be licensed to practice medicine in Virginia.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited medical school. Satisfactory completion of approved postgraduate training in accordance with Code of Virginia, Section 54-274. Master's degree in Public Health or equivalent and Board Certification in Preventive Medicine preferred.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in supervision of multiple operations preferred.

Newly established class which replaces the Public Health Officer B class and abolishes the Public Health Officer A class.