ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - Health - Health & Community ServicesDocuSign Envelope ID: 2FDDBA3C-03A1-4020-8F85-4626E489EB5E
WHATCOM COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Assistant Director - Health and Community RANGE: 14
Services
DEPARTMENT: Health and Community Services FLSA: E
REPORTS TO: Director EEO: 1
SUMMARY
The Assistant Director is a highly -responsible position of leadership and support for Division
Managers delivering and improving the services provided by Health and Community Services.
The incumbent reports to the Health and Community Services Director, overseeing department -
wide initiatives, ensuring excellent inter -divisional communication, resolving personnel and
administrative matters, and providing clear and effective leadership alongside the Director. The
Assistant Director is immediately responsible for supervision of staff in the Administration
Division, while leadership and support responsibilities span all Health and Community Services
Divisions and program areas. Assists in the administration of Health and Community Services.
Directs Health and Community Services internal services and operations, and manages shared
work with Administrative Services. Acts on behalf of the Director, as assigned. Ensures
compliance with policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements and legal
requirements. Manages assigned programs and staff in a manner that ensures expenditures and
revenues remain within approved budget. Leads with exceptional personal character. Develops
relationships with staff, other departments and individuals outside county government that
encourage participation, teamwork, respect, a work culture of equity and inclusion, effective
relationships and use of resources. Exercises a high level of independent judgment and discretion.
Represents Whatcom County by maintaining a professional approach and demeanor in all
activities.
Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform some or all of the following duties,
which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this position.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Supervises Administrative Supervisor and administrative staff within the Department. Develops,
directs and coordinates internal services integration to include areas such as facilities, technology,
fleet, financial services, records management, customer service, employment processes, and
employee and labor relations.
Manages operational initiatives and serves as primary contact to Administrative Services
Departments including Facilities, Human Resources, and IT, and on projects that include space
planning, equipment and software purchases, employee hiring and new position development, new
program development, and cross -divisional projects and programs.
Assists the Director in providing planning leadership and direction. Develops recommendations
and implements strategic short- and long-range plans, programs, goals and objectives for assigned
areas and oversees planning efforts for entire department. Facilitates and coordinates cooperative
planning among divisions and with other departments, external governmental agencies, and
community partners. Reviews and updates planning and budgetary recommendations. Directs
assigned activities with available personnel and in compliance with guidelines, procedures and
regulations. Promotes teamwork within the department and the County. Identifies trends and
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2FDDBA3C-03A1-4020-8F85-4626E489EB5E
problems hindering progress, makes recommendations for problem resolution with staff and higher
level management, and implements resolutions as assigned.
Participates in the selection of new employees. Determines individual employee needs for training
to meet changing system or program demands. Assigns, supervises and evaluates work consistent
with assigned job description. Conducts and/or reviews performance evaluations to guide the
development of employees, provide a record of performance and ensure consistent evaluations and
regular feedback throughout assigned areas. Interprets and applies collective bargaining
agreements and personnel policies. Makes recommendations regarding employment actions.
Initiates, documents and implements disciplinary actions as approved. Responds to or provides
input on disciplinary actions and grievances, as assigned.
Reviews, interprets and prepares data to analyze and makes recommendations about which
programs and/or major project proposals should be initiated, modified or dropped. Interprets,
explains and ensures the enforcement of ordinances, state and federal rules and regulations,
policies and procedures and makes administrative recommendations, as assigned.
Identifies and addresses customer needs. Responds to or supervises the resolution of the most
complex inquiries, complaints, emergencies or requests for information from other departments
and the public in a courteous manner. Emphasizes public accountability and a positive public
service approach with assigned staff.
On behalf of the Director, Division Managers and Health Officers; assists the County Executive
and other County departments in the establishment and implementation of various county policies,
procedures, and regulations relating to the area of assignment.
Acts as County's and Director's representative at meetings and conferences with local, state and
federal agencies, civic and professional groups and media representatives.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
Assumes overall responsibility of the department in the Director's absence, as assigned.
Performs special projects that may be outside the normal area of assignment, as directed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requires a Master's degree in business, public administration, public health, social work or a
closely related field AND five years of progressively responsible experience in public health
leadership, operations, planning, or project management INCLUDING three years of
management/supervisory experience.
At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience,
certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Requires knowledge of
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of
responsibility as illustrated by example in this job description.
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Organizational dynamics and principles and practices of management and supervision,
including planning, staffing, selection, training, coaching, directing, coordinating and
evaluating.
Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related
to the areas of assignment.
Computer operation, network administration, and a variety of software including word
processing, spreadsheet, database and other applications specific to the area of assignment
Safety hazards, precautions, standards, policies and procedures pertinent to the area of
assignment.
Requires the ability to:
Promote a respectful work culture of equity and inclusion.
Strategically plan, prioritize, train, direct, coach, coordinate, organize, and evaluate staffing
and services. Administer and change plans, policies and work programs.
Use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain the cooperation of
others and establish and maintain effective teams and working relationships and rapport
with public officials, representatives of other entities, department heads, co-workers,
employees and diverse members of the public.
Prepare accurate and complete consolidated financial statements such as balance sheets,
profit and loss statements and statement of changes in financial position from accounting
data. Be attentive to detail, calculate numerical data accurately, and recognize exceptions
or inconsistencies in numerical relationships. Estimate and analyze costs and effectiveness
of programs. Monitor and interpret fiscal and statistical information.
Assure that absolute confidentiality is maintained as required and sensitive information is
handled appropriately.
Apply sound judgment and problem -solving techniques to make reasoned, timely and
consistent decisions and to facilitate the effective resolution of problems, grievances and
complaints.
Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals
and groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed,
including preparing and making public presentations which can be understood by non-
technical listeners and preparing and/or directing preparation of comprehensive written
reports, materials and correspondence.
Promote the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public, intra- and inter-
departmental customer service.
Provide leadership and maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity.
Work effectively in a multi -task environment, take appropriate initiative and effectively
delegate responsibility and authority.
Read, understand, interpret, analyze and provide direction to assure appropriate application
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of policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations.
Promote staff and team development and high performance by assuring regular, effective
and consistent feedback and evaluation.
Develop ways to identify, improve and promote efficient systems and processes.
Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping
technical skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity.
Work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time
of hire and throughout employment.
Background check must meet County criteria.
Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six (6) months of employment and maintain throughout
employment.
Must pass job -related tests.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Works in an office or meeting room setting. Sits or stands for long periods of time. May
occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds. Attends meetings or perform duties
outside of normal office hours. Moves throughout the County's facilities. Periodically drives
motor vehicle to perform duties at other sites or travel out of the County. Possibility of exposure
to hostile and offensive language from the public. Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows
established safety policies, practices and procedures.
The statements contained herein reflect, as of the date signed, general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level
of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.
Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work
periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
Whatcom County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military service, genetics, and any other legally protected class.
Whatcom County also complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
Employee Status: This is an FLSA-exempt position and, as such, is not entitled to overtime.
The position is also subject to an "employee at will' doctrine.
Qnad Oy:
VA.6tL 3/23/2024
Signature Date
Whatcom County Health and Community Services Core Competencies
A Public Health Tier 3 - Senior Management/Executive Level
B. Behavior Expectations — Whatcom County Health and Community Services values for all
positions:
• Equity
• Collaboration
• Compassion
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Transparency
• Innovation
• Service
C. This position is aligned with the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals:
• Analytical Assessment Skills: 1C1, 1C2, 1C3,1C4, 106, 1C7, 1C8, 1C9, 1C10
• Policy Development/Program Planning Skills: 2C3, 2C4, 2C5, 2C9, 2C 11, 2C 12, 2C 13,
2C14
• Communication Skills: 3C2, 3C5, 3C7, 3C8
• Cultural Competency Skills: 4C1, 4C2, 4C4, 4C5, 4C7, 4C8.
• Community Dimensions of Practice Skills: 5C1, 5C4, 5C5, 5C6, 5C7, 5C9.
• Public Health Sciences Skills: 6C4, 6C6, 6C7, 6C8.
■ Financial Planning and Management Skills: 7C3, 7C4, 7C6, 7C7, 7C8, 7C9, 7C10, 7C11,
7C12, 7C13, 7C14, 7C15, 7C16
• Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills: 8C1, 8C5, 8C6, 8C7, 8C8, 8C9,
I Administrative Use Lmmm�
JDE Job Entry JDE Special Requirements
Job Code: A777 Reason for Change: Security: Level 2 Medical Privacy: Y
Job Group: SUPV Department changes Driving: Periodically Physical Capacity: N
W/C Code: CDL: N Physical: N
Group: 1501 BBP: N Polygraph: N
Cash Handling: Y Psychological: N
Assistant Director- Health and Community Serviees.BA 0312J24