Public Health Director

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Human Services (DHS)  is seeking a Public Health Director to lead the development and implementation of Countywide public health policies, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local regulations. The Public Health Director will be responsible for developing, managing and implementing public health policy and emergency preparedness and response (EP&R); managing population-level medical epidemiology work with an understanding of how social determinants of health impact population health. Additionally this position will lead the enforcement of health-related Virginia Code; and serving as the primary County spokesperson for public health matters, especially in times of health emergencies. This position represents Arlington's health district for the Virginia Department of Health.  

Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs. 

Specific duties include:

• Conducting risk assessments and recommending mitigation strategies for communicable diseases, environmental health threats, and other public health hazards; 
• Directing emergency preparedness and response efforts, serving as Incident Commander during public health emergencies; 
• Overseeing epidemiological investigations and data analysis to track disease trends and inform policy decisions; 
• Ensuring compliance with Virginia health codes and enforcement of public health laws in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health;
• Supervising key personnel, including the Medical Director, Assistant Division Director for Public Health Protection, Preparedness & Response, and the Nurse Manager; 
• Providing medical consultation and guidance for public health programs, including immunization clinics, family planning services, and school health initiatives; 
• Collaborating with state and regional health officials, as well as the community and external stakeholders, to develop and implement public health initiatives; engaging in public health planning, including conducting community health assessments and contributing to strategic health improvement plans; 
• Reviewing and approving clinical protocols, treatment guidelines, and public health interventions to ensure best practices are followed;
• Advising the County Manager and DHS leadership on public health threats, resource allocation, and emergency response strategies; 
• Monitoring and ensuring the quality and effectiveness of public health services through performance management and continuous improvement initiatives;
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with hospitals, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and community organizations to strengthen public health programs; and
• Providing oversight on occupational health policies affecting County employees and ensuring workplace health and safety standards are met.

Minimum: 

• Completion of the requirements for graduation with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited college or university. 
• Significant and progressively responsible experience leading or directing a public health organization to include considerable experience working with local, state or federal government officials.
• Completion of an approved residency in preventive medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or family practice.

Desirables: Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following 

• Master of Public Health or equivalent in public health or healthcare administration from an accredited university. 
• Certification in Public Health (CPH) or Board Certification in preventative medicine

Licenses/Certifications: 

• Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia medical license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: c