Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health

About Us

The Public Health branch at the Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) offers opportunities to lead and advance initiatives that protect and promote the health of all Nova Scotians. We work collaboratively across government and with health system and community partners on a range of issues across all six core public health functions. To do this, we need collaborative leaders who see the big picture, embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference. 
 

About Our Opportunity

As Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health (DCMOH) you will be accountable for supporting the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) in the provision of leadership and expertise related to the promotion and protection of health and the prevention of disease and injury.  Through inter- disciplinary and inter-sectoral partnerships, the DCMOH assists in providing leadership in the assessment and measurement of the health of populations and the development of strategies for improving health and well-being through health promotion, disease prevention and health protection initiatives.

The DCMOH has a lead role in the health protection and surveillance functions of the DHW Public Health branch.  The DCMOH also provides leadership and strategic direction to the Senior Regional Medical Officer of Health and the regional Medical Officer of Health team 
 

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you directly impact the high-quality public health in Nova Scotia and the improved health of our population. We count on your expertise to:

• Provide leadership, strategic direction and content expertise to the health protection, medical epidemiology and data stewardship functions of DHW and NSH Public Health.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction in collaboration with DHW and NSH Public Health leaders and content expertise to health promotion and disease and injury prevention functions of the NSH and IWK.
• Provide public health physician expertise to the Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change on issues involving the interface between human health and the environment.
• Provide a public health perspective to DHW or NSH/IWK discussions and decisions regarding health services and patients.
• Supports the CMOH in providing the public with an independent assessment and voice on issues impacting the health of the public and acts as a media spokesperson to provide and disseminate credible, timely health information.
• Represents Nova Scotia at provincial, regional federal, federal/provincial/territorial meetings, committees and conferences to ensure policy/programs/standards and decisions reflect current evidence-based information and policy trends.
• Contribute to research and knowledge translation on issues that are of public health relevance to Nova Scotia and participate in the teaching and training of current and future public health and other health care practitioners.
   

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, you must be eligible for a medical license from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia and have a Public Health and Preventive Medicine fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent training). A minimum of 5 years in a leadership position in public health is required.

You demonstrate an understanding of disease control, risk assessment and management, the framework of legislation, public health science, inter-sectoral relationships, government policy and general executive direction. You are an innovative thinker who can negotiate and communicate complex ideas and information concisely and meaningfully. You identify opportunities to encourage greater integration of programs and activities and work collaboratively with various stakeholders and partners across health systems. Your decisiveness and superior organizational and time management skills are essential to your success.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks. 
 

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
 

Additional Information

Nova Scotia, a picturesque province on Canada’s east coast, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a high quality of life. For more information on Nova Scotia please visit: Plan Your Trip to Nova Scotia | Tourism Nova Scotia or – Immigrate Here (novascotiaimmigration.com)

For information and resources for health professionals interested in working and living in Nova Scotia, please visit: www. https://morethanmedicine.ca/
 

Working Conditions

• The typical work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day (will require availability 24/7 during times of emergency).
• May be required to work overtime on occasion and compulsory participation in an on-call system.
• Works within an office environment in Nova Scotia with some travel at the local, provincial, and national level.
• Requires intense ability to concentrate and decipher complex information into decisions and easily understood concepts for senior management and the public at large.
• Is a key spokesperson for the health of the population and requires interfacing with the media, community groups, senior levels of government, and national/international forums.
• Decisions may often require a risk assessment requiring keen listening and analytic skills.
• Dealing with highly complex and often scientific/technical issues which will require decisions on an urgent or timely basis.
• With the need to balance the competing demands of individuals with those of the well-being of the whole community, the decisions made may be controversial (or unpopular).
• There is a requirement to travel to represent the province at FPT meetings and to contribute to scientific meetings.
   

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.