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Careers

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1. What types of careers does the Clay County Public Health Center (CCPHC) offer?

We offer a variety of career options, from health care to administration. Common areas in which we employ are: community development, environmental health, health policy and planning, office support, human resources, quality improvement, IT, nutrition, nursing, dental, epidemiology, emergency planning and more.

2. Do I have to submit a completed application if I'm submitting a resume?

Yes, a completed CCPHC application is required to be considered for an open position. Resumes will not be substituted for a completed application.

3. Does there have to be an open position for me to apply?

Yes, applications are only accepted for current postings.

4. Am I required to submit a separate application for each job I want to apply for?

Yes, a separate application must be submitted for each open position.

5. What next steps should I take once my application is submitted?

You will be contacted by the applicable hiring supervisor for next steps.

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Emergency Preparedness

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1. What is health?

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

2. What is public health?

Public health is the science and art of preventing disease and injuries, prolonging life and promoting physical and mental health and efficiency through organized community efforts. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

3. What is a public health emergency?

A public health emergency is a situation whose health consequences have the potential to overwhelm routine community capabilities to address them. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

4. What are some emergency preparedness initiatives in Clay County?

The City Readiness Initiative (CRI): The CRI is a program designed for major U.S. cities and metropolitan areas such as Kansas City to effectively and efficiently respond to a large scale bioterrorist event by dispensing prophylaxis to the entire identified populations within 48 hours of the decision to do so.

The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Program: The PHEP program addresses the strategic national stockpile (SNS) plan to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies in all counties.

Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

5. What are the specific risks for the citizens in Clay County?

Clay County populations are vulnerable to pandemics, outbreaks of novel communicable diseases, bioterrorist attacks, chemical incidents and natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods, severe weather and earthquakes. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

6. What is an open Point of Dispensing (POD) site?

An open POD site is a clinic setup and run by the Clay County Public Health Center to provide life-saving medications to the general population in the event of a public health emergency. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

7. What is a closed POD site?

A closed POD is a private location where SNS medications are dispensed free of charge to the organization's employees and/or family members and others for which the organization is responsible for. A closed POD is not intended to serve SNS medical countermeasures to the general public. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

8. Does the Clay County Public Health Center recruit volunteers for emergency preparedness and response?

Yes. The Health Center maintains a database of registered medical and non-medical volunteers who wish to volunteer their services in the event of a public health emergency. To register, visit our volunteer page.

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Environmental Health

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1. How do I sign up for a food handler or manager class?

This information is available on our food page.

2. What recommendations or resources are available for mold?

The Clay County Public Health Center does not have a mold ordinance. It is recommended that you visit the EPA or the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services for

mold assistance.

3. How do I view restaurant inspection results?

View inspection 

results online.

4. Can you provide recommendations on septic installers and soil evaluators?

The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services keeps a list of licensed installers and soil evaluators.

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Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Services

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1. Do I have to make an appointment or can I just walk-in?

Our clinic hours are currently by appointment only. We schedule appointments on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. You can make an appointment by calling 816-595-426.

2. How do I make an appointment?

Please call 816-595-4261, and a nurse will get you set up with an appointment.

3. Do you accept Medicaid or health insurance?

We no longer accept insurance and self-pay fees will apply at the time of your visit. However, no one is denied services due to inability to pay. Call 816-595-4261 for additional details or any questions you may have. 

4. What do I need to bring for my appointment?

Please bring your photo ID, Medicaid card, if you have one, and some form of payment. Also make sure you do not go to the bathroom one hour before your appointment so we can get accurate test results. Please call 816-595-4261 for more information.

5. Is it painful to have STD testing?

No. To get GC/CT, we usually get a urine sample. To get HIV/RPR, we draw blood. Please call 816-595-4261 for more information.

6. I am worried because I had unprotected sex with someone I don't know very well last night, should I come in and get tested?

It is a very good idea to get tested; however, it is important to wait three weeks to get the most accurate results. Please call 816-595-4261 for more information.

7. I was treated at my doctor's office for Chlamydia, but my partner doesn't have a doctor. Can they come to you for treatment?

Yes. It is very important that all partners be treated if you tested positive for an STD, otherwise you can get re-infected. We test and treat all partners for free in our STD clinic. Please have them call 816-595-4261 as soon as possible for an appointment.

8. If I have HIV, I would have symptoms, right?

Not necessarily. HIV, along with other STDs, often don't have symptoms at all. That is why it's important to get regular testing. Please call 816-595-4261 for more information.

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Stay at Home FAQs

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1. Why was this order issued?

This emergency order was issued to protect the health and safety of all residents of Clay County, with the goal of limiting the continued community spread of COVID-19. It was issued based on the guidance of public health experts, as well as consultations with area medical leaders about the consequences of continued community spread of COVID-19 in the Kansas City metropolitan region on health care availability and access.

2. How long is the order in effect for?

The amended emergency order will take effect at 12:01 AM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and will remain in effect through 11:59 PM on April 24, 2020. The order will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and may be modified as circumstances change based on guidance from public health officials and other experts.

3. What does this order require?

The order requires residents to stay at home unless they are engaged in one of the essential activities specified in the order. Essential activities include working in an essential business, obtaining supplies or necessary services, seeking medical care, caring for a family member or loved one, and exercising and maintaining personal health.  Individuals are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing to the extent feasible while engaging in these activities, and to stay home if not engaging in one of these specific activities.

4. Will residents be subject to penalties such as arrest or citations for leaving their homes?

Residents can leave their residences to engage in essential activities, including exercising and maintaining personal health (walking/bicycling/running/etc.), working at an essential business, obtaining supplies or necessary services, or seeking medical care. We strongly urge everyone to stay at home if they are not engaged in any of these essential activities as this will greatly aid efforts to stop the community spread of COVID-19.

5. Does my business qualify as an essential business as defined in the emergency order?

Major categories of essential businesses defined in the order include:

• Health care (doctors, dentists, nurses, hospitals, pharmacies, medical research facilities, blood donation services, labs, etc);
• Food and drink production and distribution (including grocery stores, markets, restaurants that offer food for carryout, liquor stores);
• Sanitation (including laundromats, dry cleaners, household and business cleaning services and supply stores);
• Transportation (including railroads, airports, public transit, taxis and other private transportation providers, and gas stations);
• Financial Services (including banks, insurance providers, and professional services required to comply with legal and regulatory requirements);
• Manufacturing and distribution of supplies and materials for essential businesses (including trucking and other supply chain support functions); 
• Maintenance and construction of infrastructure and households;
• Child care;
• Essential Government Operations;
• Residential facilities (including hotels and motels); 
• Media and Communications Providers; and 
• Mailing, Shipping, and Delivery services.

A full list of categories of essential businesses is provided in the order.

The county strongly encourages all essential businesses to allow employees to work from home and to maintain social distancing to the extent feasible in continuing to carry out their operations.

6. How are determinations made about which types of businesses are essential?

Determinations about which types of businesses are essential are made based on both the necessity of businesses for supporting life and safety as well as the public health risk certain activities pose, particularly those which require close in-person interaction. We may update this guidance based on the advice of health officials as circumstances change.  

7. My business does not fall under one of the categories deemed essential, can it remain open if health precautions are taken?

Non-essential businesses can continue operations that can be conducted from employees’ homes or places of rest. They can also continue minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory and facilities and to ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions, as well as minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences or places of rest, provided social distancing is maintained. Any operations that do not meet these requirements must be ceased.

8. Do businesses and/or employees need formal certification or identification that they qualify as an essential business and/or are employed at an essential business?

No.

9. I am unclear whether my business qualifies as essential or non-essential. Can I receive a formal recommendation from the city as to whether I qualify?

Currently guidance is available on a general (industry) basis and not a case by case (specific business) basis. We encourage all business owners to review the order in its entirety if they believe there is ambiguity about whether they qualify as essential or not.

10. I want to have a wedding, dinner party, or other group event at my house. Is that allowed?

Gatherings of this sort are dangerous and social gatherings of more than 10 people are currently prohibited statewide per Order issued by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In-person social gatherings are one of the primary transmission points for the coronavirus, hosting in-person events of this type will facilitate the spread of the disease throughout the community. There have been many examples in other cities and countries where the disease spread rapidly through weddings, funerals, and other social events. Furthermore, social events are not one of the essential activities permitted under the emergency order, so attendees could be held in violation of the order.

11. What about services at places of worship (including weddings and funerals) or outside?

All social gatherings of 10 or more people are currently prohibited statewide per Order from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services under direction from Governor Parson. Many faith leaders have been holding services online. The Health Department is working on guidance that may allow individuals to apply for permission to hold weddings, funerals, and other special events provided strict and specific social distancing requirements are followed. This page will be updated when that guidance is available.

12. What are the penalties for non-compliance of this order?

Violations of any provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat, creates an immediate menace to public health, and shall be considered a violation of Section 205.06 of the County’s Code of Ordinances. These can include fines, orders to suspend business operations, and other penalties.  

13. How will this emergency order be enforced?

The county has many mechanisms to enforce this order, including working with the sheriff’s office and Clay County municipalities. This order will be enforced similarly to other business-related ordinances (building occupancy, health requirements for food preparation, etc.) and violators will be subject to fines and business closure orders, among other penalties.

14. Is construction activity classified as essential?

Yes, public works, infrastructure (including commercial buildings), and housing construction are classified as essential. We strongly encourage construction businesses to carry out their work in compliance with social distancing requirements and guidelines to the extent feasible.

15. Are manufacturing facilities classified as essential?

Any manufacturing operation that supplies goods necessary for the operation of other essential businesses (for example medical equipment, transport equipment, telecommunications equipment, supplies necessary to maintain or build infrastructure, sanitation and cleaning supplies, food or beverages, etc.) is classified as essential.

16. Are transit operations such as railroads, airports, buses, and truckers classified as essential?

Yes, transit operators (Including railroads, airline and airport workers, and public transit organizations) are classified as essential. Additionally, maintenance providers (such as mechanics or bike repair shops) are also classified as essential, as are suppliers of parts needed to maintain the operations of transit providers. Truckers are also classified as essential.

17. Are hotels and motels classified as essential?

Yes. We recognize that individuals employed in essential businesses who are traveling (for example medical workers or infrastructure maintenance workers) and/or individuals who find their homes temporarily uninhabitable may need to secure shelter.

18. Are home repair and maintenance services classified as essential?

Yes, home repair services including plumbers, electricians, exterminators, lawn and landscape care, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and essential businesses are classified as essential.

19. Are communications providers (such as internet providers, businesses that enable internet access and availability, organizations that support distance learning, etc) classified as essential?

Yes, businesses and organizations that facilitate and support internet access and communications, including the ability to work and learn from home, are considered essential.

20. Are liquor stores and other markets that sell liquor classified as essential?

Yes, businesses that distribute food or drink are classified as essential. We encourage the maintenance of social distancing to the extent feasible in all cases.

21. Are child care providers classified as essential?

Yes. The city recognizes that many workers in essential industries need access to child care to continue to work. The order includes the following guidance for child care providers and the city recommends that all providers follow this guidance to the extent feasible: 

1. Childcare should be carried out in stable groups, preferably with 10 or fewer (“stable” means that the same 10 or fewer children are in the same group each day);
2. Children should not change from one group to another; 
3. If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group should be in a separate room. Groups should not mix with each other; and 
4. Childcare providers should remain solely with one group of children.

22. Are realtors, leasing agents, building inspectors, and movers classified as essential?

Yes, realtors, leasing agents, building/housing inspection services, movers, and other services necessary to help people find or maintain housing are classified as essential. We strongly encourage all of these services to practice social distancing to the extent feasible and to limit unnecessary activities that can be deferred to a later date.  

23. Are personal services, such as nail salons, hair salons, and tanning facilities classified as essential?

No, businesses that provide personal services are not classified as essential.

24. Are gyms, workout facilities, parks or golf courses classified as essential?

Gyms and workout facilities are not classified as essential. However, individuals are encouraged to use parks and exercise outdoors while they practice social distancing, though certain high-traffic areas such as playgrounds and courts may be closed. Golf courses are allowed to remain open but must operate in ways that allow individuals to maintain social distancing.

25. Why are schools closed and how long are they closed for?

School are closed up through and including Friday, April 24, 2020 because standard school operations pose a risk to health as a potential venue for community transmission. Schools can continue to operate to distribute food or clothing, provide medical care, or perform any other services deemed necessary to protect the life and property of Clay County residents. This decision was made in close collaboration with the superintendents of the school districts that operate within Clay County. School employees should contact their individual administrators to determine if they are required to work to continue these basic functions.

26. I work at an essential business but don’t believe I am an essential employee. Do I have to work?

The county cannot compel any individual to go to work, nor can it make determinations for essential businesses about which employees are essential and non-essential for carrying out its work. Essential businesses can continue standard operations provided social distancing is maintained to the extent feasible. Essential businesses are strongly encouraged to allow employees whose duties can be carried out from home to do so.

27. I own a business in an essential industry. Do I have to stay open?

The county cannot compel any business to remain open. 

28. My business and/or my job has been impacted by COVID-19, where can I go to get help?

A list of resources for businesses and employees is available. The county, state, local philanthropies, and faith-based organizations are actively working on additional support measures and will share more information as it becomes available.

29. What about child custody agreements?

You are still able to keep your normal arrangements. However, if the child is sick or has been exposed to sickness, we would recommend the child to stay in one place to keep the virus from spreading to other places, if possible.

30. Can I leave home to visit friends or family members?

No. For your safety and their safety, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. The only exceptions are for those who are required to take care of elderly relatives, young children, those that have medical needs or pets. Always take extreme precautions when moving from place to place and interacting with others.

31. What about my pets?

You will be able to buy pet food and supplies. Veterinary clinics are allowed to remain open for emergency medical care. No animal grooming services are allowed to remain open.

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Volunteer & Internship

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1. If I want to volunteer, is experience necessary?

No experience is necessary as we have opportunities where no experience is required, and we will train you for your position. Contact our volunteer coordinator at 816-595-4200 for more information.

2. What is the process if I want to volunteer or complete and internship?

Complete an application. Applicants who are selected will be contacted by our volunteer coordinator. For more information about volunteering or completing an internship, contact our volunteer coordinator at 816-595-4200. Download an application (PDF).

3. How often do you need volunteers?

We need volunteers periodically throughout the year. You can volunteer as much or as little as you like depending on what your schedule will allow. Contact our volunteer coordinator at 816-595-4200 for more information.