Health Officer

Starting salary up to $308,643 annually, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month, and a comprehensive benefits package, plus a $25,000 signing bonus.

About the Role

Sonoma County is seeking a skilled and dynamic physician passionate about community health improvement as its next Health Officer. The Health Officer plays a key leadership role in advancing the County’s vision of becoming the healthiest county in California. Appointed by the Board of Supervisors and reporting to the Director of Health Services, this position provides leadership on public health priorities, collaborates with community partners, and champions a "Health in All Policies" approach to address health inequities and socio-economic determinants of health.

The Health Officer will develop medical protocols for the Department of Health Services, advise elected officials and the public, and ensure medical oversight and enforcement of public health laws across Sonoma County’s jurisdiction and nine cities. The role also involves promoting health across the lifespan, integrating primary care, behavioral health, and public health strategies, and leading system-level changes to improve community health outcomes.

Future opportunities may include a broadened regional role through multi-county collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to advance community health goals and engage stakeholders in collaborative solutions.
• Apply principles of community health, preventive medicine, environmental health, emergency medical services, and integrated behavioral health.
• Drive action and results to improve social determinants of health, with hands-on experience in community health practice.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities to combine resources and advance community health policies.
• Build and foster relationships with County and community partners to advance a shared vision for public health.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including delivering presentations that inspire engagement and action.
• Work independently while supporting team-based models aligned with the Department of Health Services’ Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan.
• Develop medical protocols for the Department of Health Services and advise elected officials, school systems, the medical community, and the public.
• Ensure medical oversight and enforcement of public health laws, regulations, and ordinances across Sonoma County and its nine cities.
• Lead efforts to improve health status through system-level changes addressing health inequities and socio-economic determinants such as land use, transportation, housing, income, and education.
• Collaborate on initiatives like local food systems, water and environmental quality, and healthcare system integration to support the "Triple Aim" of improved care, decreased cost, and increased access.
• Promote health across the lifespan using a spectrum of prevention strategies in multiple settings to achieve community health goals.
• Influence systems and strategies to expand access to quality, integrated primary care and behavioral health services.
• Participate in strategic initiatives, including County-wide efforts to identify best practices for engaging specific populations and addressing unmet needs.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited medical school with a Doctor of Medicine degree.
• Minimum of three years of responsible work in public health service, including both clinical and managerial experience.
• Training in Family Practice, Pediatrics, or Internal Medicine is desirable.
• Possession of a valid Physician’s and Surgeon’s Certificate issued by the State of California.
• Eligibility to obtain a Controlled Substances Registration Certificate issued by the United States Department of Justice.
• Eligibility to obtain Medicare and Medi-Cal provider licenses.
• Completion of a Master’s Degree in Public Health from an accredited school within three years of appointment.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following qualities:

• Passion for public service and collaborative problem-solving.
• Strategic thinking to identify and advance community health goals.
• Forward-thinking leadership in community health, preventive medicine, and integrated behavioral health.
• Action- and results-oriented approach to improving health outcomes.
• Initiative in identifying new opportunities to combine resources for community health advancement.
• Strong relationship-building skills with County and community partners.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage and inspire audiences.
• Ability to work independently while supporting team-based models.

Benefits

• Hybrid telework schedule, where available, to meet staff, department, and community needs.
• Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months of full-time work) for good performance, with annual increases thereafter until reaching the top of the salary range.
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and 8 floating holiday hours per year.
• County-paid 100% premium contribution for most employee-only and employee + family health plan options.
• Annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $1,700 and ongoing education/training opportunities.
• County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
• Retirement benefits fully integrated with Social Security.
• Eligibility for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
• Potential advanced paid vacation and/or sick leave (up to 24 hours per leave type).
• Relocation reimbursement up to $10,000, if applicable.

About the Department

The Department of Health Services is a large, complex department with divisions in Administration, Public Health, Homelessness Services, and Behavioral Health. Its mission is to promote and protect the health and well-being of every community member, guided by values of health equity, transformation, integration, partnerships, quality of service, transparency, evidence-based practices, and innovation.

The Department’s fiscal year 2023-2024 budget is approximately $370 million, with over 700 regular and extra-help positions. Revenue sources include State and Federal funds, fees, reimbursements, and County General Fund. For more information, visit www.sonoma-county.org/health.

About Sonoma County

Sonoma County offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and vibrant communities. With over 1 million acres of land and water, the County features award-winning wineries, inspiring coastline, redwoods, and diverse agriculture. Home to nearly 500,000 residents, Sonoma County boasts high-ranking schools, art and music festivals, farmers' markets, and higher education opportunities through Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University.

Governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, Sonoma County is committed to high-quality services, strong leadership, citizen engagement, transparency, and fiscal sustainability. The County employs over 4,200 people across 29 departments, agencies, and special districts, with an annual budget of approximately $2.19 billion for fiscal year 2023-2024. For more information, visit www.sonomacountyconnections.org.