County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under appointment by the Board of Supervisors and reporting through the County Administrator, to provide leadership and plan, organize, coordinate, direct, and review the policies, programs, activities, and operations of the Alameda County Health (AC Health) agency; to enlist and foster community interest in and support of the objectives of health care services; to represent the County of Alameda’s (County) interest before legislative bodies and committees on health matters; and to perform other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Director of AC Health is responsible for advising the Board of Supervisors through the County Administrator in all matters that affect the County’s medical, mental health, community health, and substance abuse services. This position has overall AC Health agency administrative oversight, which includes reviewing and developing policies and priorities with respect to AC Health agency programs and organization of the various health services.  It is further distinguished from Assistant Director of Alameda County Health positions, which are delegated overall responsibility for making routine service delivery, operational, and administrative decisions for the various major service areas.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. The employee in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1.  Directs the planning, development, organization, and coordination of all programs and operations of the AC Health agency to meet changing community health service needs.

2.  Develops AC Health agency policies in consultation with and under the direction of the Board of Supervisors through the County Administrator; determines operational policies, procedures, lines of authority and responsibility, and functional assignments; and determines AC Health programs, services, budget and organizational structure.

3.  Directs the ongoing review and evaluation of service programs and operations to identify opportunities for continuous improvement; and consults with the Assistant Directors in charge of the various functional service areas on a regular basis concerning AC Health matters, including programs, services, budget and organization.

4.  Acts as technical and policy advisor to the Board of Supervisors; advises the Board on proposed health care legislation; and when appropriate, attends Board sessions and other policy forums to present and justify AC Health proposals requiring action.

5.  Confers with the County Administrator’s Office concerning budgetary and organizational programs and services; directs the preparation of the AC Health budget; and administers and monitors the budget to ensure accomplishment of AC Health objectives within budget constraints.  

6.  Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with other County departments, community organizations and individuals concerned with health care services; and serves on AC Health committees and boards concerned with health care services.

7.  Keeps informed of current trends and new developments in the field of health care; reads professional literature; and actively participates in professional organizations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I: 

Current employment as an agency or department head with the County of Alameda.  

Or II:  

Current employment as an Assistant Director in the AC Health Agency.

  
Or III:  

Education:   Possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, public policy, health care administration, health sciences, social sciences or a closely related field. 

And

Experience:   The equivalent of five (5) years of increasingly responsible administrative experience, three (3) years of which must have been as an administrator or principal assistant administrator of a large and diverse program or organization associated with the delivery of health care services to the public.  

Or IV:  

Any combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to one of the patterns listed above and will provide the required knowledge and abilities.    

NOTE:   The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of health care policy and administration including modern trends in health care services, planning, and program evaluation.
• Principles and techniques of modern public administration, governmental organization, management, public relations, and personnel administration.
• Pertinent local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing the health field.
• County, state and federal legislative processes and developments applicable to contemporary health issues. 
• Community resources and current trends in the health field.
• Principles of financial administration including public sector budgeting concepts, alternative financing methods, and other diverse community funding sources.  

Abilities:

• Plan, organize, and direct the execution of short and long-range administrative programs, operations, and activities for a large and diverse health organization.
• Advise governing bodies and oversee complex administrative and executive activities.
• Properly interpret and make sound decisions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Develop, control and administer the AC Health budget and expenditures.
• Stimulate and foster community interest in and support of the objectives of the AC Health agency.
• Establish and maintain good internal and public relations.
• Write and speak effectively.
• Work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the County’s Mission, Credo and Goals.
• Lead in a manner that is visionary, strategic and innovative when working towards change.
• Collaborate with other Agencies and Departments to meet overall county-wide needs while leveraging financial and other resources.
• Use business acumen to build a strong organization which delivers results.
• Provide the highest level of service delivery to diverse customers.
• Use interpersonal skills to communicate effectively.
• Promote personal and professional growth for self and others.
• Work effectively as a member and leader of diverse teams.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RSS:lm-h
1/83
Old document:  0126H
New document:  Jobspecs/5050
ys/6/01
CSC Date:  2/2/83
RE Dept. Head Project 3/2012

BENEFITS

The County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall wellbeing.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1st United Services Credit Union

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three (3) days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to eight (8) days of management paid leave.