DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND WELFARE

Code: 06558 Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, plans and administers a comprehensive public health program including environmental sanitation, communicable disease control, child and adult health and health education, and so forth; administers laws and ordinances relating to relief of the needy including the furnishing of all forms of municipal public assistance to needy persons who are eligible for such assistance; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Administers and enforces local health ordinances. Serves as local Registrar of Vital Statistics. Supervises and has charge of the work of the entire organization. Prepares and directs the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative financial and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Performs inspections of food establishments, sampling and testing food, milk, and water. Makes court appearances when so required. Investigates new applications for public assistance. Makes the determination concerning the status for assistance and does the referral to other agencies when so required. Maintains a liaison with community councils, religious and civic organizations, and social agencies. Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Possession of a valid Health Officer License issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services may be required. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the particular problems involved in the administration of varied types of financial assistance and public health programs. Knowledge of health laws of New Jersey and pertinent articles of the Federal Social Security Act. Knowledge of rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures of the Division of Family Development of the Department of Human Services, the Department of Health and Senior Services, and regulations of county and municipal welfare agencies and their application to specific cases in accord with prescribed procedures. Knowledge of public social case work theory and practices. Ability to plan, develop, organize, install, and supervise various programs of public health and financial assistance. Ability to give assignments and instructions to professional, clerical, and other employees of the agency and to supervise the performance of their work. Ability to direct a staff engaged in receiving and reviewing applications for assistance of varied types, in making social, financial, and other investigations, in determining eligibility for assistance, in providing welfare services to individuals and families receiving grants of assistance, and in providing public health services. Ability to direct the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. CODES: LG - CAH 5/14/97 This job specification is for local government use only.

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of professional experience in a large public or private social, health, or educational agency embracing a wide experience with social and health problems, five (5) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-referenced professional supervisory experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in Sociology, Social Work, and/or Psychology from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of supervisory professional experience in a large public or private social, health, or educational agency embracing a wide experience with social and health problems. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.