Health Officer (Physician)

Physician Pivot; Maryland; On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Mary’s County Health Department seeks a Health Officer to serve as chief health strategist for the county. You will direct and manage SMCHD, guiding priorities, advocating for residents, and coordinating with partners to strengthen public health capabilities.

You will oversee operations, budgets, and programs, provide medical direction, and represent the department on local and state committees. Maryland licensure and leadership in public health are essential.

Qualifications

• MD degree and Maryland medical license.
• MPH preferred with two years in public health.
• Five years of public health experience may substitute for MPH and two years of public health work.

Responsibilities

• Leads community health assessment and policy development using local data and input.
• Ensures foundational public health services and coordinates interventions across programs.
• Directs department operations, budgets, grants, and staff development; oversees procurement and reporting.
• Monitors disease trends, directs outbreak investigations, and leads emergency preparedness.
• Provides physician leadership, clinical direction, and medical orders for departmental clinics and programs.
• Serves as the department's principal public spokesperson on health guidance and policy.

Skills

Leadership

Public health

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Medical degree

Maryland medical license

Master of Public Health

Job description

GRADE PHY0006

LOCATION OF POSITION MDH St. Mary's County Health Department, Leonardtown MD

Main Purpose of Job The Health Officer serves as chief health strategist for St. Mary's County and directs and manages the nationally-accredited St. Mary's County Health Department (SMCHD). The Health Officer guides countywide priorities for health and wellness, advocates for the public health needs of county residents, and builds the foundational public health capabilities needed to deliver essential services. The Health Officer brings together residents, healthcare providers, schools, government agencies, and community organizations to improve health and wellness across the county.

Maryland’s shared public health system contributes authority and funding from both state and local government to support locally led public health work in St. Mary’s County. The Health Officer exercises independent medical and public health judgment within the position’s statutory and delegated authority and works with state agencies to align policies and programs where doing so advances the health of county residents.

The Health Officer advocates for the county's health and wellness needs and represents SMCHD on local, state, and national committees.

Please note that although there are two postings for the Health Officer for St. Mary's County (Physician and Non-Physician), only one position is available to be filled.

POSITION DUTIES

• Leads community health assessment, health improvement planning, and policy development. Uses local data and resident input to identify health risks and inequities, set priorities, and measure progress. Works with community partners to carry out those priorities and reduce barriers to services.
• Ensures foundational public health services are available through department programs and partnerships. Oversees local public health interventions in areas such as communicable disease control, chronic disease and injury prevention, environmental public health, behavioral health, and maternal, child, and family health. Improves access to clinical care and connections to providers. Leads local behavioral health system management; the health department also serves as the county's local behavioral health authority.
• Directs department operations and administers budgets, grants, and state and local funds. Appoints, supervises, and develops staff. Oversees public health data systems, program performance, and quality improvement. Coordinates programs with local, state, and federal partners.
• Manages SMCHD’s budget of approximately $42 million. The budget combines federal, state, and local funds, including public grants and state and local core funding, with private grants, fees, and payments for health services. Oversees budget planning, spending, grant compliance, and financial reporting across funding sources with different requirements. Ensures purchasing and contracting follow local procurement policy and applicable funding requirements.
• Serves as executive officer and secretary of the County Board of Health and advises county leaders and representatives on public health policy. Represents and advocates for St. Mary’s County’s public health interests in matters involving the Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Department of the Environment, and other state agencies. Carries out statutory and delegated responsibilities, including enforcement of applicable public health and environmental health laws and regulations.
• Monitors disease trends and emerging health threats, directs outbreak investigations and control measures, and leads public health emergency preparedness and response. Provides medical direction and direct clinical care as needed during outbreaks and emergencies. Provides public health consultation and scientific expertise to local healthcare clinicians regarding the clinical management of public health threats.
• Provides physician leadership, scientific expertise, and clinical consultation for the department’s clinics, laboratories, and public health programs. Consults with department and community clinicians and issues patient-specific medical orders. Reviews, approves, and oversees standing medical orders under the Health Officer’s authority, including those used by St. Mary’s County Public Schools. Signs required clinical certifications, provides clinical coverage as needed for pediatric and adult health, and serves as Medical Director for the agency’s Vaccines for Children program.
• Serves as the department’s principal public spokesperson. Communicates health risks, prevention guidance, and recommended actions to residents, healthcare providers, elected officials, community partners, and the media.
• Maintains an active Maryland medical license. Board certification in family medicine or another primary care specialty is preferred.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Qualified candidates must possess a medical degree from an accredited college or university and be licensed by the Maryland Board of Physicians.

• A master’s degree in public health and two years of experience as a licensed physician working in public health.
• Five years of experience as a licensed physician working in public health may substitute for the master's degree and two years of experience working in the field of public health.

Board Certification in family medicine or another primary care specialty is preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Candidates for this classification must be licensed and currently registered with the Maryland Board of Physicians to practice medicine under Maryland State Law. A copy of the current license or license number an expiration date must accompany the application.

Benefits

In addition to the Maryland Department of Health's benefits, the St. Mary's County Government will consider a salary supplement for the Health Officer.

The Maryland Department Of Health Offers The Following Benefits

• Meaningful Work
• Excellent Health Benefits Package, including Medical, Vision, Prescription and Dental
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Reduced Child and Health Care)
• Generous Leave Benefits (6 Personal Days, 12 Regular Holidays, Annual Leave, 15 Sick Days)
• Retirement
• Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules (where applicable)
• Free Mass Transit (Baltimore metro area)

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.