Agency Marketing Statement

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $2 billion in state and federal funds, 7 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual serve as the Peoria Regional Health Officer who performs highly responsible managerial and administrative work in the operation of a Public Health Regional office in Peoria Illinois. The Regional Health Officer functions independently interpreting and implementing Department policy, provides leadership and direction to all Regional personnel responsible for carrying out varied Department programs within the Peoria Region, and directs and coordinates all regional program activities including maintaining and evaluating the effectiveness of the Department’s programs. The ideal candidate for this position will have a master’s in public health or public administration, excellent project management and organizational skills, strong oral communication skills, and at least 5 years of supervisory experience.

Job Responsibilities

1. Effectuates public health policy at the regional level.

• Conveys and expresses the Director’s vision for the Peoria region.
• Formulates and implements policies and procedures for the regional office.
• Interprets public health policy at the regional level.
• Serves as spokesperson for the Director and Assistant Director on inquiries from the legislature, press, consumers and/or interest groups at the regional level and commit the Department to specific courses of action.
• Travels to represent the Department and the Director in contacts with the general population, welfare councils, civic organizations, local agencies and other State agencies.
• Leads community engagement meetings as requested by the Director, Assistant Director or Chief of Staff.
• Serves as subject matter experts/ advisor to specific topics or program areas within internal Department meetings, as assigned by the supervisor.
• In coordination with Office of Policy, Planning and Statistics and local health departments assists with the development of regional health improvement plans (IPLAN) to ensure that the implementation of public health programs meet the diverse needs of the State.
• Provides technical assistance to grant applicants and grantees (community-based organizations and other providers) to support activities consistent with public health’s goal to eliminate health disparities.
• Reports regional activities to the Director’s Office.

2. Plans and executes policies and procedures to ensure effective program operation in the Peoria Regional Office.

• Communicates with Central Office program personnel and Central Management Services to coordinate the day-to day operation of the regional office, including addressing building maintenance issues, office space, office equipment and other administrative matters.
• Evaluates overall regional operations.
• In the event of an emergency, assumes command of all the Department’s staff in the region.

Job Responsibilities (cont)

• Collaborates with Deputy Directors, Division Chiefs and Regional supervisors who have staff located at regional office to ensure cohesive work environment within the regional office, including maintaining professional working relationships and appropriate administrative staff coverage.
• Serves as the liaison with Department’s property control unit for property located at the regional office; completes annual inventory of equipment, initiates and prepares appropriate paperwork for equipment transfers, tags new equipment.

3. Consults with local health department administrators in implementing local and state public health rules and regulations.

• Promotes and motivates the development, design and advancement of local health departments.
• Interacts with other state agencies, public health system providers (hospitals, coalitions, FQHCs, community health centers and other similar providers) and community partners to maintain effective and efficient service delivery systems.
• Develops a system for dissemination of information to community groups, local health departments and other appropriate entities.
• Confers with and develops responses in coordination with Division of Legislative Affairs and the Office of Communications in formulating their responses to inquiries from legislators, other elected officials and the media.

4. Serves as full-line supervisor:

• Assigns and reviews work
• Provides guidance and training to assigned staff
• Counsels staff regarding work performance
• Reassigns staff to meet day-to-day operating needs
• Establishes annual goals and objectives
• Approves time off
• Adjusts first level grievances
• Effectively recommends and imposes discipline up to and including discharge
• Prepares and signs performance evaluations
• Determines and recommends staffing needs

Job Responsibilities (cont)

5. Responds to constituent inquiries:

• Monitors and responds to constituent requests from the Peoria Region received by the Governor’s Office of Constituent Affairs.
• Responds to inquiries from members of the public, as needed.

6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college.
2. Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.

Preferred Qualifications

1. A Master of Public Health, Public Administration or other similar degree.
2. Thorough knowledge of agency programs and service objectives, activities and operational systems.
3. At least five years experience supervising clerical, administrative and programmatic staff of 15 or more people.
4. Excellent computer skills and work experience in word processing and spreadsheet applications (i.e., Word, Excel, Power-point).

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires ability to travel.
2. Requires a valid and current license.