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Director, Health Protection

This position directs or manages multiple Public Health statewide Health Protection programs and key management staff to include Emergency Preparedness and Response, Healthcare Preparedness, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Trauma, Injury Prevention, Low TCH Oil Program.  


Who we are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.

 What we offer. As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact.  No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can:
  • Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play
  • Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia Residents
  • Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team– Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengths 
  • Achieve Career Longevity – Countless opportunities for continuous learning/development that support a long-term career
  • Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role
  • Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like you
As a Director, Health Protection at the Georgia Department of Public Health, you will join a dedicated group of public health professionals that help support the overall mission and vision of protecting lives of Georgian residents in a variety of ways. Under general direction from the Commissioner to plan, staff, direct, and modify the programs and manage the affairs of the division.

Requirements

Under broad supervision, serves as the senior leader within the Division of Health Protection. Directs or manages multiple Public Health statewide Health Protection programs and key management staff to include Emergency Preparedness and Response, Healthcare Preparedness, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Trauma, Injury Prevention, Low TCH Oil Program.  The Director oversees the strategic development of programs' goals, objectives, policies and procedures to accomplish the mission of the Agency. Assures that all programs are working collaboratively, and strategically aligned, to ensure a statewide public health system of programs and services accountable for outcomes.  May represent the department on various committees and workgroups.

Responsibilities/Duties:
The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.  The director shall:

  • Ensure that programs under the Health Protection Division are operating according to program policies, government regulations, organizational goals, and evidence-based best practices. 
  • Participate in administrative and managerial decision making that involves the direction and policy operations for the entire division in consultation with leadership.
  • Interact, consult, and collaborate with members of the Executive team and local public health leaders on program operations, strategic planning, and emerging issues/concerns.
  • Lead in the formulation, review, and direction of policies, as well as quality assurance components of all operations.
  • Oversee the strategic planning of goals, objectives, program development, performance measures, and evaluation of program services.
  • Manage Health Protection program directors/coordinators, establishing performance expectations and evaluating employee performance; interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures; making hiring and /or termination decisions in consultation with Human Resources; assessing training needs, monitoring program performance; and evaluating the effectiveness of services.
  • Maintain fiscal and administrative oversight of the Health Protection Division.
  • Direct and coordinate overall development and administration of the division consistent with the objectives and resources to the Agency with maximum use of staff and other resources.
  • Establish program priorities based on needs assessments, key indicators, and stakeholders' input.
  • Communicate with staff and stakeholders in policy making, problem solving and interpreting new regulations and procedures; develop and/or implements procedures to carry out established policy. 
  • Attend and participate in meetings with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate.
  • Promote positive community awareness regarding services available. 
  • Identify community health needs, deficiencies in service and planning for correction or improvement. 
  • Perform related duties as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the division.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, supervising, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Public Health or related field with 5 years of experience managing professional staff
OR
Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Six years experience managing professional level staff
OR
Ten years of related professional experience AND Six years managing at the level equivalent to area of assignment

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 5 or more years of public health experience
  • 5 or more years of emergency preparedness and response experience
  • 5 or more years of administrative and management experience i.e. grants managemnet, staff supervision, budget management, performance management
Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner and leaders encourages all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. 

The use of wellness breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in wellness activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.
Employment Information
Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board rules regarding salary.
DPH accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.
The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.
As an employee of DPH, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.
If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov.
DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.
Date Posted
04/02/2024
Job Reference
2023-07127
Organization
Commissioner's Office
Location
West Tower, 200 Piedmont Ave. SE Atlanta, GA
Category
Executive
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