Environmental Health Specialist II

Recruitment #111422-MDAA02-350500

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

An incumbent in this class reports to a technical superior and is responsible for conducting complex on-site inspections to identify, assess and control actual and potential environmental health hazards within such programs as Food Service Establishments, Mobile Food Establishments, and Temporary Food Establishments regulated by the Delaware Food Code, Public Swimming Pools, Recreational Camps, Migrant Field Worker Camps, Body Art Establishments, and Ice Manufacturers. Work in this class includes consulting with public and establishment staff, and the public concerning rules and regulations, procedures, results and methods of abatement for specific health hazards and providing technical assistance to other staff. Additional duties include assisting in the planning and reviewing of new construction and renovations of eating establishments and enforcing compliance of facilities requiring corrective action as well as responding to and investigating complaints.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Performs complex health risk assessment in one or more health project areas, using appropriate testing instruments and equipment. Performs routine and emergency sampling and testing of water and food.
     
  • Provides consultation for owners of business or industry concerning applicable environmental regulations and assists in developing plans for abatement and compliance.
     
  • Promotes a variety of environmental health issues to consumers, community organizations, State and Federal agencies and industry. May speak at public meetings.
     
  • Trains co-workers and subordinates in area of specialty. Provides technical assistance as needed.
     
  • Reviews past reports and submitted plans for alteration or construction of eating establishments to ensure completeness of application before it goes through entire plan review process.
     
  • Enforces compliance of facilities requiring corrective action by reinspecting, writing violation letters and initiating legal action.
     
  • Investigates consumer complaints and accidents involving hazardous substances.  Initiates enforcement of laws and regulations.
     
  • Writes routine reports. Keeps accurate logs and records.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Environmental Health Specialist II
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher.
  2. Six months experience in conducting on-site inspections to identify, assess and control actual or potential environmental health risks.
  3. Six months experience in enforcing compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
  4. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
  5. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

Due to a new requirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the following mandate is effective January 27, 2022: As a condition of employment, employees providing health care services and/or support services in covered facilities must show proof that they have received the dose of a single J&J dose or the 1st dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine effective date January 27, 2022, and proof of the single J&J dose or the 2nd dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine by February. 28, 2022. Employees may not provide any care, treatment, or other services until proof is provided.  Based on CMS guidance, the date for compliance may extend into March due to the health care facilities high vaccination rate of staff.  If you accept a position with the facility, your Human Resources representative can provide more guidance.  The only exception to these requirements is for those employees granted medical or religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which may require weekly COVID-19 testing. This will be in effect until further notice.  More information can be found here

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.