Environmental -Public Health Specialist

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
Under the general supervision of the Health Department Director, this position is responsible for promoting individual and population health by providing foundational public health services within a variety of settings. This position will serve in a lead role for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program, the Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection Agent program, and the WI Department of Natural Resources Transient Non-Community Well Water Testing program. This position reports to the Health Officer/ Director.

Responsibilities within the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program will include, but are not limited to, the maintenance of preparedness plans, the coordination of training and exercises, collaboration with internal and external partners, and the dissemination of information and notifications to the public and responders.

Responsibilities within the Agent Program and Well Water Testing Program will include, but are not limited to, a wide range of inspection services; identifying human health and environmental hazards; providing community education, ensuring compliance with a number of state and local ordinances, codes, laws, and policies; and providing technical assistance and information to individuals, families, and groups regarding public health and environmental issues.

The employee in this position is expected to complete assignments with a minimal level of supervision and may advise other public health staff in areas of programmatic expertise. The individual in this position works collaboratively on the core public health functions of assessment, policy development, and assurance.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
This list of duties is not to be construed as all-inclusive and may be modified as need requires. Special duty assignments will occur.
1. Utilizing environmental health expertise promotes and works to maintain the health of the community, families, and individuals.
a. Conducts routine/required inspections of licensed facilities, such as schools, restaurants, retail food establishments, hotels/motels, public swimming facilities, mobile home parks, campgrounds, and other licensed facilities to determine compliance with laws and regulations.
b. Conduct follow-up inspections as required to determine extent of compliance with laws and regulations and orders issued, in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
c. Assures that the delivery of environmental public health services is evidence-based and/or best practices and build the scientific basis of environmental public health.
d. Conducts pre-licensing inspections of public facilities in consultation with plumbers, contractors, building inspectors, and other appropriate disciplines.
e. Participates on response teams to prevent, minimize, and contain adverse health events and conditions resulting from communicable diseases; food-, water-, and vector-borne outbreaks; chronic diseases; environmental hazards; injuries; and health disparities.
f. Investigates air quality, nuisance, and human health hazards complaints, collects samples as appropriate, and recommends corrective actions, including the issuance of orders.
g. Collects samples, conducts field tests, collects and analyzes environmental public health data; interprets results and makes recommendations for corrective actions.
h. Under a contract with the Department of Natural Resources, collects water samples, inspects wells and plumbing systems, interprets results and issue repair/replacement orders as appropriate.
i. May act as an authorized designee of the Health Officer in matters of Pepin County ordinances.

2. Design, coordinate, and lead Pepin County public health emergency preparedness and response efforts.
a. Coordinate planning to establish a process for strategic leadership to ensure local readiness, interagency collaboration, and preparedness for all hazards, outbreaks of infectious disease, and any public health issues of concern.
b. Complete, evaluate, maintain, and update the public health emergency preparedness plans to align with Western Wisconsin Public Health Readiness Consortium plans.
c. Promote the adoption of department policies to align with the Western Wisconsin Public Health Readiness Consortium policies.
d. Provide ongoing assessments of risks by collaborating with partners to complete a hazard vulnerability assessment.
e. Coordinate and lead public health emergency response training and drills.
f. Monitor program activities to ensure quality and accuracy of state and federal grant outcomes.

3. Assists in assuring the effective and efficient management of programs and services that meet community needs.
a. Provides environmental and preparedness public health information, interpretation, technical assistance and regulatory compliance advice to individuals, groups, industry organizations, the general public and other agencies regarding local public health ordinances, regulations, policies, and identified problems.
b. Provides education and technical assistance related to compliance with local and state ordinances, codes, and laws.
c. Provides training and orientation for staff, students, and other professionals in the community regarding environmental and preparedness public health practices.
d. Coordinates environmental and prepared public health activities with other professionals and government agencies.
e. Contributes expertise for the community health improvement process.

4. Assures internal and external communication on key community health and organizational issues.
a. Responds to the need for regular and proactive public communication with media, stakeholders and the general public related to program topics.
b. Participates in appropriate and effective community outreach for department programs and services.
c. Participates in department and staff meetings and assures collaboration within the department.
d. Communicates program updates, opportunities, and challenges to the Director.
e. Carries out communication for programs and services that are culturally competent, considers health literacy and that communication is done with linguistic and cultural proficiency, e.g., using interpreters, age-appropriate materials, incorporating images.
f. Communicates competently in writing, orally, in person and through electronic means.
g. Conveys public health information using a variety of approaches (e.g., social networks, media) and incorporates strategies for interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

5. Act as the Registered Sanitarian for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Agent Program
a. Conduct all inspection, licensing and enforcement activities required by WI State Statute and Administrative Code.
b. Maintain all food safety and recreational licensing documentation, applications, permits, inspection reports and other correspondence.
c. Utilize the DATCP sponsored data collection and tracking system for all program information (i.e. HLC Notes/ Health Space).
d. Provide outreach and training for all licensees, employees and the community regarding food safety, foodborne outbreak prevention and other applicable information.

6. Act as the Environmental Specialist for the Department of Natural Resources Transient Non-Community program.
a. Perform work functions designed to assure compliance with total coliform monitoring requirements according to State Statute NR and Administrative Code.
b. Collect and have analyzed at least one nitrate routine compliance sample at each entry point per year in accordance with requirements of State Statute NR and Administrative Code.
c. Support Seasonal System Start-up and report certification through a system/ report provided by the DNR.
d. Conduct Sanitary Surveys in accordance with the DNR Sanitary Survey Guidance, providing documentation via DNR required reporting.
e. Participate in annual training and joint inspections as required by the DNR.
f. Provide outreach and training for all TNC wells and the community regarding water testing and safety.

7. Act as the lead for Radon Testing and Education
a. Coordinate access to short term and long-term testing resources with the Western Region Radon Information Center.
b. Provide outreach and education to the local community, realtors, contractors, and insurance agencies related to the risks associated with radon exposure, testing, and mitigation.
c. Utilize Nightingale Notes to track test kit inventory, test results and follow up.

8. Other Duties as Assigned.
a. Contributes to work environment where continuous quality improvements in service and professional practice are pursued.
b. Meet HIPAA privacy standards for maintaining confidentiality of privileged information in accordance with WI Statute.
c. Use individual and organizational learning opportunities for personal and professional development.
d. Arranges work area to reduce physical stress and increase productivity/efficiency, uses good judgment to act in a manner that is safe for themselves and their coworkers, and follows safety procedures.
e. Under the direction of the Director, this position may be required to work overtime hours or shifts.
f. All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of foundational public health services and capabilities for public health.
2. Knowledge of applicable professional guidelines for Registered Sanitarians and environmental health specialists along with related state and federal laws and regulations for the State of WI.
3. Knowledge of program management, implementation, and evaluation.
4. Knowledge of project management, grant writing and management.
5. Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with individuals and groups from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and experiences.
6. Ability to facilitate planning processes with diverse groups.
7. Knowledge of advanced computer skills including using/ creating databases, spreadsheets, reports, presentation software and internet searches.
8. Ability to provide excellence in written and oral communication.
9. Knowledge of basic principles and practices of office procedures and use of office equipment including multi-line phone system, scanners, fax machines, and computer and audio-visual equipment.
10. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft products, Adobe products and web-based applications.
11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, professional groups, and the public.
12. Ability to use independent judgement, initiative, and discretion in performing duties without direct supervision.
13. Ability to establish priorities and maintain current knowledge over a broad range of subject matters.
14. Communication skills:
a. Requires the ability to communicate with individuals to exchange basic information and situation status.
b. Requires the skills and abilities of conflict resolution and effective listening with handling irate people and stressful situations.
15. Confidentiality:
a. Ability to professionally handle confidential information.
b. Public sensitivity for working with citizens and businesses affected by controversial public health issues.

QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent training and/or experience, in public health, health education, health planning and promotion, epidemiology, environmental health, or another related field. Certification as a Registered Sanitarian is preferred but can be obtained during the first six months of employment.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills; the ability to work independently and interdependently; and skills to plan, implement and evaluate services for individuals, families, and groups.

Requires travel throughout Pepin County and the State of Wisconsin in all types of weather conditions; possession of a valid state issued driver’s license is required as well as reliable transportation and proof of current insurance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to feel, finger or handle objects, tools, or controls; and reach with the hands and arms. Duties require sufficient mobility to work in normal office setting and community environments; use of standard office equipment including a computer and selected software; vision to read printed materials, and to view a computer screen; hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the phone. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work performed involves standing, sitting, walking, and feeling. Over 90% of the time is spent inside, while 10% of the time is spent working outside. Working in very low or very high temperatures only occurs in unusual situations. The risk of physical attack or injury and working in adverse atmospheric conditions is present only in unusual conditions.

https://www.co.pepin.wi.us/index.asp?SEC=4EB620E2-D0B9-477F-87C8-48D9363EB289&Type=B_JOB

Deadline Note: Applications and the current job description may be obtained: online at: www.co.pepin.wi.us or contact the Pepin County Personnel Office, 740 7th Avenue West, P.O. Box 39, Durand, WI 54736, Phone: 715-672-8704. Completed applications can be emailed to mweiss@co.pepin.wi.us. If an applicant is interested in two open part-time positions, please contact the personnel office to discuss. Position will remain open until filled Pepin County is an equal opportunity employer