Health Officer

Responsible for ensuring the public health and well-being of residents of the City of Lancaster through providing environmental and community health services and ensuring compliance with public health laws and regulations. This includes services that ensure compliance with food safety, public sanitation, hygiene, safety, and environmental health standards. Work may include performing inspections of food service establishments, childcare facilities, tattoo/body art facilities, investigating reported cases of childhood lead poisoning, and responding to public health hazards and issues. Health Officers may also collaborate with other organizations to implement programs and initiatives that promote community health.

Follows safe practices in the performance of duties. Conducts inspections of food service establishments, mobile food facilities, childcare facilities, tattoo/body art facilities, and private residences. Investigates public health complaints and seeks resolution to verified public health hazards. Prepares and submits health inspection reports and thoroughly documents the results of public health investigations. Issues notices of violation and citations to ensure compliance with public health laws, ordinances, and regulations. Appears and testifies at legal proceedings related to the enforcement of public health laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Conducts vector surveillance and control, including collecting larval samples, baiting for rodents and mosquitoes, and providing public education about reducing disease vectors. Collaborate with other bureaus and departments, including Fire, Building Codes, Housing, and Public Works, to coordinate public health services and licensing and inspection of facilities. Collaborate with other agencies including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and other agencies as required to coordinate the delivery of environmental and community health services. Supports the planning and implementation of public health programs and activities that promote community and environmental health.

Prepare reports for various public health services and programs. Conducts emergency inspections involving food establishments to assist facilities with shutdown and recovery of operations. Responds to childhood lead poisoning cases and ensures compliance with the City’s Lead Poisoning Prevention and Lead Hazard Control ordinance. Conducts public health investigations involving children with lead poisoning to determine the source of exposure. Carries out directives from the Bureau Chief of Health and City Board of Health related to public health issues in the City. Respond to public health emergencies as required.

Education, Training And ExperienceA minimum of an associate degree from a recognized college or university or;A minimum of 60 credit hours at a recognized college or university, including credits in the physical or biological sciences. A bachelor’s degree in science, with a focus on public or environmental health preferred. All Health Officer candidates shall be required to offer evidence of successful completion of the following within six (6) months of hire: Public Health, Food Safety, Environmental Sanitation, and Emergency Preparedness certificate courses required by the PA Department of Health.

Obtain a Certificate in Public Health recognized by the PA Department of Health. Field Training course, as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Field Training course, as required by The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Pass the exam to become certified as a Health Officer by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Licenses and CertificatesPossession of a valid Pennsylvania State Driver’s License is required. Possession of Pennsylvania Department of Health Certification as a health officer pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 28, Part 2, Chapter 11 (1966), or the ability and training to obtain such certification within six (6) months of hire.

Ability to attend training and obtain other licenses or certifications that may be required to perform other health-related duties that may be assigned, including Lead Risk Assessor and Pesticide Applicator licensure and certifications. Environmental Conditions Exposed to inclement weather and extreme temperatures for extended periods of time, including long periods of standing outdoors, at times on uneven terrain. Works outdoors and indoors with, or without, heat and /or air conditioning. Exposure to noise, pollution, and unsanitary conditions. Work hours and environment include working outside of normal business hours, including evenings, nights, or weekends as needed.

Safety Equipment Used or NeededDisposable Kevlar suits with or without hoods. Protective booties or shoe covers and sterile gloves. Respirator masks, including half face piece respirators when required. Use of safety glasses, pit lifters, hard hats, gloves, etc. when dictated by safety needs. CommentsThis description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge of safe practices in the health inspection field, food safety, agricultural biology and technology, vector control, and/or lead hazards and lead poisoning. Knowledge of modern methods, principles and techniques and practices of public health sanitation as applied to the inspection of buildings and places of business. Knowledge of proper sanitary procedures to be used in the handling, processing and sales of food and food products. Demonstrated skills to teach food handlers and managers in restaurant and retail food establishments.

Ability to learn a wide range of technical information related to food safety, rodents and insects, lead hazards and lead poisoning, and other public health issues. Ability to focus on customer needs and obtain cooperation from the general public in establishing and maintaining reasonable standards of sanitation, in the interest of public health. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and fellow employees, following cultural guidelines established by the administration. Must be able to obtain certification as a Health Officer by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and perform sanitary inspections of restaurants and other establishments as directed.

Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle on private and public streets in various weather conditions. Ability to maintain composure in difficult or changing situations. Proven ability to maintain detailed, accurate recordsProven proficiency in knowledge, understanding and use of the Microsoft suite of tools (Word, and Excel, Outlook are required. Proven ability to interpret, verify, and accurately enter data into a computer database is required. Proven ability to read, write, speak and comprehend written or oral instructions in English is required. Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement is required.