Milford Hiring For New Health Director; Dr. McBride is Retiring

Long-time City Health Director A. Dennis McBride is leaving his post as the city is advertising for a new health director. Interested candidates have until November 7 to submit an application.

The job is the highest paying municipal position in the city paying $138,834.

Mayor Ben Blake said McBride is retiring as of Jan. 2 and informed the city of his decision a couple of months ago. A search committee has been formed to search for McBride’s successor, Blake said.

“Dr. McBride’s retirement in January will be a huge loss; he leaves behind a remarkable legacy and sets an extraordinarily high bar for what is expected of future Health Directors. His fidelity to our City’s public health and the welfare of our residents is irreplaceable. Dr. McBride has been a pioneer in the field of public health and, over the past 12 years, he has helped transform Milford’s Health Department into the State’s premier public health agency. I am grateful for his dedicated service and wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement,” Blake said.

McBride said he loves his job, the people he works with and the city of Milford. He said he hopes to continue on as an advisor for the city. McBride said he’s loved his time in Milford and will continue to reside here. 

On the city’s official website it states:

The City of Milford, Connecticut is seeking a motivated and dynamic individual to lead an evolving municipal Health Department. Milford is a “Small City with a Big Heart!” with approximately 55,000 residents. Many residents commute to New York City (just over an hour away by train). Coastal New England atmosphere, invigorating cultural climate, multi-level sports involvement, concern for the environment, sense of history, beaches and boating, varied shopping and restaurant experience, all in Milford. Located midway between Bridgeport and New Haven, Milford has a picturesque harbor and waterfront on Long Island Sound. Nearby are several colleges and universities, and two schools of public health. The Health Department has a staff of 34 employees and an annual budget of approximately $2.7 million and administers approximately $275,000 in grant funds.

This is a supervisory professional public health position and political appointment that reports directly to the Mayor of the City of Milford, with input and guidance from the advisory Board of Health. The appointment must be approved by the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Health (DPH). The position is responsible for local enforcement of all public health laws and regulations of the State of Connecticut and ordinances of the City of Milford. The position is responsible for local all public health programs, for assuring the provisions of comprehensive core public health services within the limitations of available resources, and for safeguarding the health of the residents of Milford. The position is responsible for coordination of public health activities with other jurisdictions and with the State of Connecticut. The position also oversees all aspects of school health, including provision or assurance of School Medical Advisor services as required by the State.

Qualifications Required:

A medical degree (M.D.), eligibility for licensure in the State of Connecticut and Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) OR a Master’s Degree in Public Health AND prior progressively responsible experience managing the operations of an organization of similar size to the City’s Health Department.

Qualifications Preferred:

The community’s preference would be a medical physician (an MD or DO) with a Board Certification/Eligible in an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) specialty AND hold a Master’s Degree in Public Health.

Duties: Duties include but are not limited to:

Provides leadership and vision for the Department and performs administrative duties as the Department’s Director.

• Makes assessments for the Department on the health status of the community.

• Establishes public health and Department priorities utilizing assessment data with a focus on the social determinants of health.

• Oversees community and school health interventions.

• Establishes and oversees the formulation of local public health policy, planning and program development.

Manages the Department’s response to infectious disease outbreaks, urgent communicable disease situations, disasters, and other public health emergencies.

• Interfaces with the medical provider community; the public and the media.

• Develops and issues public health advisories to medical providers, hospitals, community agencies and the public with regard to outbreaks and occurrences and other public health matters.

• Enforces the Connecticut Public Health Code, as well as City of Milford code and related ordinances.

• Establishes and assures the efficient performance of Department inspection programs for restaurants, multi-family housing, beaches, septic systems, shell fishing beds, and drinking water wells.

• Carries out activities and leadership functions related to bio-terrorism and public health preparedness, to include, but not limited to, shelter management, as identified in the Department’s bio-terrorism and public health preparedness plan in conjunction with the overall state plan.

• Implements and evaluates local disease surveillance systems to detect illness from bio-terrorism.

• Designs and administers projects and initiatives related to chronic disease, cancer, injury prevention, and environmental health.

• Through the Director of Nursing oversees the Public Health Nurses, communicable diseases control issues, well-baby clinics and expectant mothers conference.

• Works with the community to mobilize resources to reduce the incidence of infectious disease, chronic disease, and protect and improve the health of vulnerable communities.

• Directs the dental health program for the schools.

• May conduct pre-employment medical examinations for all potential City new hires.

• Acts as Information Officer for the department.

• Serves as the School Medical Advisor for the Board of Education.

Application Process: Candidates must submit a completed “City of Milford Application for Employment” in order to be considered for this position. Visit the official City website at www.ci.milford.ct.us to download the application. Submit cover letter, official City of Milford Application for Employment and resume to:

Ms. Tania R. Barnes

Human Resources Department

City of Milford

70 W. River Street, Milford, CT 06460

EMAIL: lpisacane@ci.milford.ct.us or FAX: (203) 783-3228

Application Process: Applications will be reviewed and those candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the interview process. The Mayor will make the final selection and forward his candidate nomination to the Board of Aldermen for confirmation. Please be advised that the successful candidate will be required to submit to a physical examination, a drug screening and a comprehensive background check prior to appointment.

Compensation: $138,834 annum. The City of Milford offers a comprehensive and generous benefits packet to include: health insurance, life insurance, defined benefit plan (pension), paid time off (vacation, sick, personal business), paid holidays (13 days per year), and Employee Assistance Program.

Last Filing Date: All Applications must be received on or before November 7, 2014.