HEALTH OFFICER - ST. MARY'S COUNTY (Non-Physician) ((Program Manager Senior II))

Maryland; Leonardtown (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful Work

Excellent Health Benefits Package

Flexible Spending Accounts

Generous Leave Benefits

Retirement

Paid Parental Leave

Free Mass Transit

Job summary

Maryland Department of Health seeks a Health Officer to lead St. Mary’s County Health Department in Leonardtown, MD. The role shapes county health priorities, advocates for residents, and builds essential public health capabilities.

The Health Officer supervises a Deputy Health Officer and collaborates with partners across government and healthcare sectors. The position involves directing budgets, programs, and staff, while representing the department to state and national entities.

Qualifications

• Public health leadership and policy development experience.
• Ability to coordinate across government, healthcare, schools and community groups.
• Strong data-driven approach to monitoring health indicators.

Responsibilities

• Leads community health assessment, health improvement planning, and policy development.
• Oversees program operations, budgeting, grants, and procurement with multiple funding streams.
• Represents SMCHD on local, state, and national committees and serves as spokesperson.
• Directs department clinics and public health programs, ensuring access to care.
• Manages budget of approximately $42 million and ensures compliance across funding sources.

Education

Master's degree in Public Health

Bachelor's degree in Public Health or related field

Job description

GRADE

STD0024

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 brings together 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 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 represents SMCHD on local, state, and national committees.

The Health Officer supervises a qualified physician Deputy Health Officer, who provides medical direction and carries out the department’s physician-specific responsibilities.

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 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 through SMCHD’s role 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, the 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. Advises local healthcare and emergency response partners on public health measures. The physician Deputy Health Officer provides clinical guidance, medical direction, and direct patient care as needed during outbreaks and emergencies.

Oversees the operations of the department’s clinics, laboratories, and clinical public health programs. The physician Deputy Health Officer provides clinical oversight and consultation, issues patient-specific medical orders, and reviews, approves, and oversees standing medical orders, including applicable orders used by St. Mary’s County Public Schools. The physician Deputy also signs required clinical certifications, provides pediatric and adult clinical coverage as needed, 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, health care providers, elected officials, community partners, and the media.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Public Health from an accredited college or university and a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in the field of public health OR possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of five (5) years of work experience in the field of public health.

SELECTION PROCESS

This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. A resume is required and must be uploaded to your application. While cover letters are not mandatory, if you choose to include one, please upload it together with your resume as a single file.

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

BENEFITS

In addition to the Maryland Department of Health 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)

For a full list of the benefits of working for the State of Maryland, please click the link below:

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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