This position is responsible for providing leadership to the Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Immunization Section (CD-Imms) in close collaboration with the Department Health Officer, the Section Deputy Chief, and Section managers, including: providing direction to and oversight of planning, implementation, prioritization, and evaluation of Public Health’s communicable disease epidemiology and immunization activities, and aligning these activities with national and state guidance and best practices to ensure equitable access. Organizationally, this position is in the Prevention Division and reports to the Division Director.
The CD-Imms Section Chief is expected to demonstrate thorough knowledge of communicable diseases, infectious disease epidemiology, immunizations, and relevant public health program activities, policies, laws, and regulations including relevant sections of the Washington Administrative Code and Revised Code of Washington.
The Section Chief is responsible to monitor communicable disease epidemiological trends and relevant immunization data and identify corresponding program priorities and emerging program needs to direct Section strategy, planning, and response activities, including bio-emergency and pandemic response planning and response.
The Section Chief will be committed to, and a leader in dismantling systemic racism, ensuring the Section identifies, reports on, and develops strategies to reduce, health disparities associated with communicable diseases. The Section Chief will maintain accountability to communities most impacted by racism and other oppressions by partnering with community to co-develop program priorities and inform policy decisions. The Section Chief will also collaborate with staff with equity and social justice expertise and support section efforts to transform the work culture and workforce that reflects King County demographics.
The Section Chief should have a record of scholarly work and will lead and facilitate academic partnerships, reports, and publications, in the Section related to communicable diseases of public health significance, including collaborations with outside partners (i.e., CDC, University of Washington, and public health professional associations).
The Section Chief represents the CD-Imms Section at national, state and local forums and provides relevant and medically and scientifically accurate information to the King County Board of Health, Department staff, the local medical community, local, state, tribal and federal public health partners, the media, and the public. In coordination with Department Communications personnel and the Health Officer, the position will be available to serve as a spokesperson, help prepare responses to media inquiries and conduct media interviews on behalf of the Department. The Section Chief will work closely, actively collaborate, and communicate regularly, with the King County health professionals and organizations, national, state, and local public health partners, and other community groups, to build and sustain relationships that advance the health of the community and public health priorities.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity
Education Requirements:
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
(New) Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
As of October 18, 2021, most* King County employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by October 18th. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation. This directive applies to employees in the Executive branch*, the Assessor’s Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Executive Office.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Who May Apply
This position is open to all qualified candidates. We are currently recruiting for a full time Appointed or Career Service position depending on qualifications.. This position is open continuous until filled. First review date will be on 4/7/22.
Application Process:
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
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King County
Seattle, WA