Acting Medical Officer of Health (NU 28.21)
Norfolk County, Canada

• Reporting to the General Manager, Health and Social Services and under statute, reporting to the Provincial Medical Officer of Health, the Medical Officer of Health provides community leadership for the execution of public health legislation.
• The Medical Officer of Health is the medical authority and expert across the range of public health issues, providing evidence informed information, advice and/or direction.
• The Medical Officer of Health works very closely and in conjunction with the General Manager, Health and Social Services and Director, Public Health.
• The Medical Officer of Health will act as a member of the Emergency Control Groups (Haldimand and Norfolk Counties).
• The Medical Officer of Health is required to provide services to other Health Units consistent with the position and prescribed by the HPPA.

• Monitor and assess the health status of the community and ensure that local public health needs are met through the provision of programs and services in accordance with the Ontario Public Health Standards and Organizational Standards.

• Ensure all programs and services under his/her jurisdiction complies with relevant legislation.

• Provides strategic leadership and direction to the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit as the Public Health Consultant in the delivery of community programs and services while ensuring adherence to the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
• Work proactively and collaboratively with the community, the Provincial Ministries, Councils, Agencies, Staff and the Public to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships and to assist in addressing health related issues.
• Participate and contribute to advancing Quality Improvement (QI) programs and initiatives consistent with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s vision, values and strategic directions
• Foster open communication with others, choosing the communication method, messages and timing in a strategic manner.
• Evaluating, monitoring and assessing situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generating possible solutions, and resolving the problem, or making recommendations to the General Manager that are aligned with the vision and values of the organization
• Assessing situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks; making clear decisions in a timely manner and in the best interests of the community; and taking accountability for these decisions in keeping within operational needs and limits
• Influencing and supporting informed decision making regarding a range of issues including establishing policy, service levels and others.
• Ensuring all medical directives are fulfilled within legislative mandates.

Requirements

• Possess a medical degree acceptable in Canada
• Must be registered member and be in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
• Working knowledge of the provincial health care system and numerous pieces of legislation (Acts, Regulations, Standards, etc.) and policies that affect public health.
• Comprehensive knowledge of emergency measures, municipal governance, establishing and maintaining an emergency communications operations, hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA), emergency assessments and exercise design.

• Demonstrated experience in strategic thinking and planning, development, implementation and evaluation of Public Health programs and in health promotion and disease prevention; and providing progressive and innovative approaches to public health issues
• Demonstrated business acumen to develop credibility, earn the respect of, and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote and protect health and prevent disease through Haldimand-Norfolk Counties.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present well in front of the Ministry, Council, the general public and the media.
• Demonstrated success of working collaboratively and developing strong relationships with municipal, provincial and federal governments, industry associations and other organizations
• Superior judgement and political expertise, as well as a strong understanding of the essence and subtleties of communication, to relay sensitive information and effectively persuade and negotiate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience building networks and connecting with local primary care physicians and engaging them in priority areas for development to meet local needs
• Demonstrated ability to support Managers and employees in new and/or difficult medical/legislative situations, and facilitates conflict resolution with oth

Job Rewards and Benefits