The Pinellas County Department of Health is the local branch of the Florida Department of Health and its goal is to promote health and prevention to the residents of Pinellas County. It has eight offices throughout Pinellas County and mobile services. It’s interesting to me that I was not even aware of the Pinellas County Department of Health until I was registering for school and needed vaccinations. At that time, pursuing a degree in Public Health was not my goal. Once I became interested in public health as a profession, I began to realize how important the local Department of Health is and how blind I was to the benefits it brings to the community. Researching the Pinellas County Department of Health as an employer was eye-opening because I really had no idea how many services it provides to the community. Because I am interested in so many of the different fields within public health, this employer is particularly appealing because it has departments in all fields, including public health education, environmental health and preparedness, women’s health, school and child health.
As with most state jobs, available positions are posted on the peoplefirst.myflorida.com website. The Prevention and Public Health Fund recently awarded Pinellas County over $4.5 million to use toward anti-obesity efforts and, not surprisingly, the county now has two positions available, both in the field of public health nutrition. There is a Senior Public Health Nutritionist position with a salary ranging from $30K - $80K yearly and a Public Nutrition Consultant position with a salary around $35K yearly. Both positions require either Florida licensure as a dietician or proof that you are working toward licensure. All positions require background checks and drug screenings. There are also many opportunities for volunteers, which may be the best way to get into “the system.” Volunteers can work in positions such as emergency services and public health awareness and education. With limited positions available, volunteering may be the best way to get involved with the Pinellas County Department of Health and might help you land a full-time position.
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ReplyDeleteI actually went on an interview recently for a position with the Pinellas County Health Department. I did a little research before the interview and, like you, I was very surprised at all the different ways they helped and contributed to the community. I am mostly interested in maternal and family health but now I am definitely open-minded about the other departments in public health. Although I didn't get the position, it got me interested in global heath and working for an organization that deals with emergency and disater relief. I kept my interviewer as a contact and she has already referred me for two more positions open at the Hillsborough County Health Department.
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