Public Health Officer

Public Health Officer - Extra Help: $200/Hour

The Del Norte County Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a qualified candidate to fill one (1) vacancy for the position of Public Health Officer (Extra Help). This position is classified as Temporary/Extra Help.

The Extra Help Public Health Officer serves as the County’s medical/public health authority to enforce local health orders, ordinances, and statutes to assure the effectiveness of mandated health protection functions in the absence of the incumbent Public Health Officer.

Under general administrative policy and general direction of the Director of Health and Human Services, the Extra Help Public Health Officer will serve as a key figure in maintaining the continuity of public health services during critical times, ensuring the well‑being of the community. This position requires an individual with an understanding of public health policies, emergency response, and the ability to make critical decisions in a dynamic environment.

It requires familiarity with authorizing statutes and the ability to fill in and perform the duties of the Health Officer on a temporary basis, as needed.

• Fill in and assume the duties of the Public Health Officer as needed on a temporary basis.
• Assume leadership in the absence of the Health Officer to manage public health emergencies, outbreaks, and crises effectively.
• Coordinate or integrate the resources of health care institutions, social service agencies, public safety workers, or other organizations to improve community health.
• Review, interpret, and apply public health policies and regulations to guide decision‑making and compliance during the Health Officer’s absence.
• Stay updated on state and federal guidelines to ensure adherence to current best practices.
• Monitor and analyze public health data to identify trends, potential outbreaks, and emerging health threats.
• Identify populations at risk for specific preventable diseases, injuries, or hazards.
• Develop or implement interventions to address behavioral causes of diseases.
• Interface with the professional medical community to assure knowledge of ongoing and emerging public health threats, current and new developments in standards or care, mandatory reporting requirements and appropriate interventions to reduce transmission of communicable disease.
• Work with governmental, public, and private agencies in programs concerning public health.
• Act as a consultant to professional staff members and members of the medical profession on matters concerning public health.
• Provide professional supervision to public health nurses and staff.

• In accordance with Section 454 of the California Health and Safety Code, must be a graduate of a medical school in good standing and repute.
• Must possess a valid license to practice medicine in the State of California issued by the Board of Medical Quality Assurance.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Knowledge of public health theories, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of disease prevention, health promotion, and epidemiological methods.
• Understanding of social determinants of health and the ability to address health disparities.
• Knowledge of emergency response planning and execution.
• Experience working with healthcare professionals, emergency responders, community leaders, and government agencies.
• Understanding of ethical considerations and the ability to make decisions that prioritize public health and community well‑being.
• Ability to communicate effectively during crisis situations, ensuring accurate and timely information reaches the public, stakeholders, and relevant authorities.