Job Title: Assistant Health AgentDepartment: Board of HealthSupervisor: Health AgentStatus: UnionSalary: Step 1 $62,404Union: United Steelworkers of America AFL-CIO, CIC Local 9517-09FLSA: ExemptHours/Week: 37.5*The salary is based on a four (4) step table. Step 1 is $62,404 and Step 4 is $68,586.POSITION OVERVIEW: This position shall interpret and enforce state and local building codes, state sanitary codes, local zoning bylaws and general bylaws firmly, tactfully and impartially. Works on special projects or performs various community development related functions, as assigned by the Town Administrator and/or Health Agent. This position requires the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.SUMMARY: The following description is a general summary of responsibilities with some specific duties. It is not a total delineation of all duties nor does it limit the responsibilities to those stipulated. This position functions as a part of the overall municipal team to ensure effective and efficient municipal operations. The Assistant Health Agent is responsible for assisting the Health Agent in administrative, technical and inspection work related to the enforcement and interpretation of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to public health and safety and environmental protection. The position requires independent judgment to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, Home Rule Charter, Town bylaws, departmental policies, and contracts with third parties.SUPERVISION: Employee works under the general direction of the Health Agent. Employee plans and prioritizes the majority of work independently, in accordance with standard practices and previous training. Employee is expected to solve most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions accordingly. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor. Work is generally reviewed only for technical adequacy, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with policy or other requirements; the methods used in arriving at the end result are not usually reviewed in detail.Employee is not responsible for the regular supervision of employees.JOB ENVIRONMENT: Administrative work is performed under typical office conditions, with frequent interruptions and moderate noise level. Attends Board of Health and Board of Selectmen meetings as necessary; attends other Town board and commission meetings and forums as necessary. Operates automobile, hand tools, computer, telephone, facsimile machine, copier, calculator and other standard office equipment, as well as various testing equipment. Employee has frequent contact with the public, town employees, departments, Conservation Commission, state organizations, food handlers/restaurant owners, contractors, and other towns and cities. Contacts are primarily in person, by telephone and occasionally by email or written correspondence. Employee has access to department-oriented confidential and personal information concerning citizens and local businesses. Errors could result in monetary loss, reduced levels of service, delay in the provision of services and could have legal and/or financial repercussions for the town.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Assist in all administrative functions: schedule, invoices, billing, etc.
- Provide administrative / technical / clinical assistance to the Health Agent in all necessary administrative work required for the department.
- Works along with Health Agent in enforcing Environmental and Public Health regulations, including inspection, monitoring and administration of orders.
- Acts as the department head in Health Agent's absence.
- Inspects food service establishments for compliance with State and Federal Food codes; proposes and enforces proper compliance measures; prepares reports and appropriate follow-up documentation; reviews applications for new food establishments for compliance with State and Federal Food Codes as well as State Title 5 septic code, including preliminary discussions with business owners regarding pre-opening procedures and compliance.
- Inspects public and semi-public pools and facilities for compliance with State and Federal codes; proposes and enforces proper compliance measures; prepares reports and appropriate follow-up documentation.
- Reviews Title 5 system inspections for the transfer of property for compliance and issues necessary approval or enforces compliance measures as required.
- Enforces provisions of Title 5 including: deep observation test holes and percolation testing; approval or disapproval of septic permits after plan review; inspection of final installation of septic systems; approval of certificate of compliance for installations in the Health Agent's absence.
- Monitor and assist food establishments to comply with local, state, and federal food safety and health standards, including personal hygiene, temperature control of potentially hazardous foods, cross contamination control, pest control, and chemical use training.
- Represents the department on committees and subcommittees, and attends the Board of Health meeting as necessary.
- Responds to and resolves public health emergencies such as food-borne illness outbreaks, sewage overflows, structurally unsound septic components, drinking and bathing water contamination and improper waste disposal.
- Responds to public and environmental health related complaints such as nuisance conditions, noise complaints, housing complaints and inspections per the State Sanitary Code etc.
- Participates in regional and local emergency preparedness programs including preparing for public health emergencies, including potential infectious disease outbreaks due to natural or man-made causes, by participating in a regional coalition in accordance with CDC and MDPH, perform decontamination investigations at SEMASS as required.
- Acts as a member of the Town's Emergency Response Team.
- Attends work related trainings and seminars as required for certification.
QUALIFICATIONS: Education and ExperienceBachelor of Science Degree with an area of concentration of public health, environmental health, biology, or other related science field. Three to five (3-5) years of related experience of public health, environmental health or related field, and supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Must pass a criminal history (CORI) review and have and maintain a valid Massachusetts driver's license.Preferred QualificationsMust be certified Soil Evaluator, Title 5 Septic Inspector, Certified Food Manager, Certified Pool Operator and Lead Paint Determinator. Must be eligible to become a Certified Health Officer, and /or a Registered Sanitarian in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Candidate must be able to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge skills and abilities to perform this work. Knowledge, Ability and SkillKnowledge: Thorough knowledge of state public health codes and regulations, the principles and practices of environmental sanitation and the principles and practices of administration. Working knowledge of the design, operation and maintenance of private and commercial on-site sanitary disposal systems and the operation and maintenance of private and semi-private potable water wells. Must have knowledge of the local and Commonwealth's public health rules and regulations, and shall have the ability to enforce and interpret regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially.Ability: Ability to work independently. Ability to give presentations. Ability to administer and interpret regulations, policies and procedures firmly, tactfully and impartially. Ability to multi-task effectively and work within timelines and prioritize tasks. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with town officials, the public and members of the community; Skill: Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. Excellent communication skills, in person, by phone, and electronically. Skills in operating computers and utilizing appropriate software applications to include database and spreadsheet applications. Excellent organizational skills. Detecting code violations and persuading violators to correct them without resorting to legal action; excellent organizational skills; excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk, see or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. This role may have exposure to hazards associated with construction sites and potential exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous waste. Must be able to identify and distinguish color; ability to see peripherally. Must be able to judge distances and spatial relationships.This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in the skills necessary to successfully be a key member of the Town.Posted 9/3/2024