Public Health Coordinator

Job Overview

Description

The Public Health Coordinator performs tasks to achieve the Department’s mission in areas of core public and environmental health functions and essential services.

 

Job Duties

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Emergency Preparedness Coordination
  • Coordinate public health preparedness exercises and coalition meetings
  • As assigned, develop and update emergency response plans with staff and community partners
  • Attend regional public health emergency planning meetings
  • Plan for Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant deliverables and make recommendations for proper and full utilization of funds at the local level

• Community Assessment and Engagement
  • Support community health promotion, education, and outreach, including reporting and documentation
  • Participate in or guide coalition meetings and act as liaison to external agencies when needed
  • Contribute to developing and coordinating Community Health Assessments and Improvement Plans
  • Implement and manage state-level public health programs locally
  • Track and report on progress related to the department's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timely progress updates to leadership

• Environmental Health and Compliance Support 
  • Assist with private well water sampling and analysis including reporting and documenting
  • Authorize and oversee the permitting, installation, and inspection of private sewage disposal systems and private wells, ensuring compliance with applicable county ordinances and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations as needed
  • Review private sewage system inspection reports prior to property transfers and coordinate follow-up actions as needed
  • Assist in the investigation and follow-up of public health complaints, ensuring timely resolution and compliance with health regulations when needed

• Data Collection and Analysis
  • Collect and analyze public health data to identify trends and health outcomes
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of public health initiatives using measurable outcomes
  • Design and implement surveys and research studies

• Miscellaneous
  • Provide administrative support for departmental operations, including bank deposits, claims, invoicing, dog bite follow-up, water test reporting, and restocking of naloxone distribution machines and boxes as needed
  • Provide administrative support to other boards and commissions when needed
  • Assist with contract and grant management when needed
  • Serve on various committees as assigned
  • Any other duties as assigned or required by the Public Health Director or the Board of Health
  • Demonstrate flexibility to adjust duties and provide coverage as needed to meet shifting priorities

 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, public health, nursing, or another applicable field
• Candidates with experience in the field may receive priority consideration

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• National Incident Management System Certification for ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, and 800 within six months of hire.
• Obtain Water Proficiency Certification within six months of hire and maintain 12 CEUs to ensure compliance with water quality testing standards.
• Other certifications as may be identified.

 

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Qualifications:

In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential.

• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location to perform assigned tasks.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to provide service to the public in a professional manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with all levels of staff, outside agencies, and diverse public groups.
• Ability to proficiently utilize basic computer skills to perform word processing, electronic spreadsheet, or database tasks, and operate general office equipment.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Willing to work some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be proficient in using Word, Excel, Outlook Calendar, Microsoft Teams, and additional computer programs
• Prior experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or SAS) is a plus; willingness and ability to learn SPSS is essential
• Knowledge of public health laws and regulations is preferred; willingness and ability to learn is essential
• Must be comfortable performing site visits independently, including entering private homes when necessary

In evaluating candidates for this position, Dubuque County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.  

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, twisting, climbing, crawling and reaching motion, sometimes within a confined space etc
• Sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations
• Occasional lifting and moving up to 50 pounds
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain and manage significant inclines

Work Environment

• Performs work in the field, including visits to homes, businesses, and organizations, as well as work in an indoor office setting
• Occasional exposure to varied weather conditions
• May involve potential contact with infectious or communicable diseases
• May be required to work additional hours or to change hours with minimal notice

Equal Opportunity

Dubuque County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at (563) 589-4441.