FAQs
Your Questions Answered
Frequently asked questions
PHSCO is the Public Health Services Council of Ohio, the state’s only public health Regional Council of Governments. It was established in 2017 after three years of research among interested local health districts in Northwest Ohio. While the original focus was on providing accreditation support, emergency planning management, and epidemiology services to its member agencies, PHSCO is now expanding to provide a greater array of affordable shared public health services. These expanded offerings are intended to assist local public health districts in ensuring their residents receive high-quality foundational public health services, equating to healthier communities across Ohio.
PHSCO members recognize that they share a common desire to provide the best possible public health services in their respective counties, but resources often limit their ability to provide all foundational public health services. They determined that viable solutions could be achieved by collaborating with one another to ensure their respective counties’ residents' benefit and are better served.
Councils of Governments (COGs) are organizations that represent member local governments (like local health districts) under the authority of Chapter 167 of the Ohio Revised Code. As a whole, COGs provide support to their members by providing services and assistance. Services offered are determined by the COG and its members, and they can relate to concerns found in many locations across the state. PHSCO members selected the COG structure because it allows them to retain their own identities while gaining opportunities to expand the provision of foundational public health services to their residents.
Yes.
Look at our Careers section if you would like to view current open positions.
Contact Us if you would like to know more about joining as a health department.
The array of shared services that PHSCO offers is determined by its members and leadership. Accreditation, emergency planning management, and epidemiology support were the initial services to its member agencies. PHSCO now offers a greater array of affordable shared public health services that are based upon 1) the needs identified by local health districts in Ohio, and 2) the viability of filling these needs with shared service arrangements. These expanded services are intended to help local public health districts fill their foundational public health service capacity gaps- both in foundational capabilities and foundational areas.
PHSCO services now include:
Accreditation support for individual health departments (e.g. Preparing documentation for submission, reviewing health departments' foundational plans and prepared documentation)
Coordination of Ohio's Accreditation Learning Community (ALC)
Emergency preparedness and planning (e.g., PHEP deliverables)
Performance management support (e.g., Selecting organizational performance measures, cascading measures through all levels of the agency)
Quality Improvement Training and Support (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt training and certification, Black Belt coaching)
Strategic planning (using a variety of performance management frameworks, such as Balanced Scorecard, Results-Based Accountability, Pillars of Excellence)
Workforce development (e.g., Workforce interests and needs assessment, creating workforce development plans)
If you’d like to suggest a shared service that PHSCO should consider offering, please contact Executive Director Anne Goon at director@phsco.org or (419) 553-4316.
PHSCO offers part-time and full-time, direct and contractual, employment opportunities, depending upon the type of shared service and the demand/need for the service. Employment is hybrid in nature, with individuals working from home except when on-site services are needed or required. For services warranting a full-time employment arrangement, PHSCO offers competitive wages and benefits, including participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and health insurance coverage. Travel reimbursement and training are also provided.
PHSCO also offers paid and unpaid internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students with a variety of majors and minors.
PHSCO is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you’re interested in talking about employment or internship opportunities with PHSCO, please contact Executive Director Anne Goon at director@phsco.org or (419) 553-4316.