Careers

Description:

Under direction of the Public Affairs and Policy Manager or designee, and in close collaboration with the Department Director and Health Officer, define public health equity policy issues, develop strategic direction, identify, and implement equity and social justice initiatives, and ensure progress towards goals both internally and externally to Snohomish County Communities. Incumbent is to center pro-equity and anti-racism in all efforts in order to build capacity at all levels of the department.

Individuals assigned to this position are expected to apply extensive knowledge of equity, inclusion, and belonging, public health, and policy analysis and development, to work situations that are varied and complex, including topics that have controversial, political and/or financial impacts. Incumbents will collaborate with Department staff, community agencies, local jurisdictions, and state and local officials to define needs, research best practices, and recommend policy solutions. Incumbents are required to develop and maintain collaborative, effective and productive working relationships both internal and external to the Department.  Professional judgment is exercised in providing consultation and recommendations to management to assist them in making sound policy decisions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Knowledge of applying research and analytical methods within the area of policy development.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public health and community development. 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of governmental budgeting. 
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of local government and the political process.
• Knowledge and use of effective public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of correct usage of English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. 
• Knowledge of experience in staffing and facilitating coalitions.
• Knowledge of workflow planning, development, and monitoring of goals and work plans.
• Knowledge of project management.
• Knowledge of role of local public health as community chief health strategist.
• Ability to work effectively and connect with partners and stakeholders including elected officials, agency directors, and diverse community leaders.
• Ability to work on several projects concurrently.
• Ability to work confidentially and with discretion.
• Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise initiative, tact, discretion, and judgment in carrying out position responsibilities.
• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with persons of various ages, positions, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems.
• Ability to effectively present information to groups including the Board of Health, various committees, co-workers or the public
• Ability to establish and maintain trust, confidence and effective working relationships with assigned staff, co-workers, Board of Health and the public.
• Skilled in reading, interpreting, applying, and explaining codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience Required:

Education:        Bachelor’s degree from accredited college in public health, health education, social sciences, communications or related field; and 

Experience:      Four (4) years of experience in public policy advocacy or policy research and writing.

Or:                   In place of the above requirement, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses, Certifications and Other:

• Master’s degree in public health, public policy or administration, or related field preferred
• Valid Washington State Driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire and a driving record which meets the requirements of Snohomish Health Department’s insurance carrier
• Background check pursuant to RCW 43.43.830

A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete. Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.