STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Director of Rural Health Projects

Health Management Administrator

Recruitment #251215-2560MP-001

Introduction



Do you have a passion for health programs and policies to improve people’s lives? Are you interested in starting and leading several high-profile programs aimed at improving health of residents of rural areas across the state? If yes, we invite you to check out this opportunity to join our team to be the inaugural Director of Rural Health Projects.

The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) has an anticipated vacancy for a Director of DSS Rural Health Projects (Health Management Administrator). This role will lead, coordinate, and oversee multiple Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) projects that DSS is responsible for implementing. DSS is the overall lead agency for RHTP, which is anticipated to be at least $100 million per year for five years for Connecticut. CT’s RHTP grant application grant includes thirty-one proposed projects, each of which is assigned to a state agency to implement, including eight projects assigned to DSS. This position will oversee all the RHTP projects assigned to DSS. For details about RHTP, see the State’s submitted grant application and this federal webpage here.

This position will lead the new Rural Health Unit in the DSS Division of Health Services (DHS) and will report to the DHS Director, working closely with DHS leadership and the Director of Rural Health Transformation in the Commissioner’s office. Based on the submitted RHTP grant application, projects assigned to DSS relate to provider right-sizing, hospital transformation, value-based payment, provider infrastructure support, and behavioral health.

Position Highlights:
  • This position is durational and will terminate at the end of the RHTP grant spending period (September 30, 2030, but depending on available RHTP funds and business needs, may be extended by up to 12 months, no later than September 30, 2031), unless funding for this position ends sooner.
  • Monday - Friday
  • 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Hartford, CT
  • Travel (primarily in-state) will be required
The Role:
Under the direction of DHS leadership, in coordination with the Director of Rural Health Transformation and with the anticipated support of additional RHTP grant-funded staff provide the following related to RHTP projects assigned to DSS, unless otherwise specified below:
  • Provide leadership, vision, strategy, and subject matter expertise;
  • Oversee design, integration, launch, implementation, monitoring, and reporting;
  • Manage staff, resources, and contractors, including hiring applicable staff;
  • Provide advice and support to the DSS Director of Rural Health Transformation for the overall RHTP;
  • Serve as the key point of contact for DSS’s RHTP projects;
  • Collaborate and integrate across relevant DSS units, especially within the DSS Division of Health Services, to align with existing Medicaid and other DSS program policies and operations;
  • Collaborate with other state agencies, including, when directed by DSS leadership, providing assistance to other agencies in implementation of RHT projects assigned to other agencies;
  • Preparing and presenting reports and updates about DSS RHTP projects for internal and external stakeholders;
  • Ensure DSS RHTP projects align with overall strategic agency direction and coordinate with other projects and priorities;
  • Procuring applicable RHTP-funded contractual partners and other contracting as required;
  • When directed by DSS leadership and under the direction of the Director of Rural Health Transformation, support overall management of RHTP, including management and oversight of RHTP projects assigned to other agencies.
What’s In It For You:
  • Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
  • A healthy work-life balance to all employees.
  • State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
Discover the opportunity to:
  • Engage in a rewarding career
  • Assist our employees so they can achieve success
  • Make a difference in the public sector
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment
Thinking Of Relocating?
Connecticut offers you a blend of professional advancement and a high-quality lifestyle. As a state we are renowned for our top-tier medical facilities and ample opportunities for career growth and development. Beyond professional prospects, Connecticut boasts a high standard of living, featuring safe communities, excellent schools, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities. This combination of professional excellence and a well-rounded lifestyle make Connecticut an appealing destination for those who want to thrive both in their careers and personal lives.

There are so many things to love about living, working, and playing in our state including these Key Facts and Figures:
  • #4 in the U.S. for employees with advanced degrees
  • #3 in the country for quality of K-12 education
  • #5 for quality of life in the U.S.
  • 2,000 miles of hiking/bike paths
  • 618 miles of scenic coastline
  • 21 world-class art museums
  • Five Tony-Award winning regional theatres, and more!
Check out CTVisit; they share so much valuable information on what it's like to work, play and live in our state!

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

  • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
  • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
  • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to at Christopher.Lavallee@ct.gov.

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES: this class is accountable for administering health, behavioral health, substance abuse programs and operations for children under supervision, care or custody of the department.

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION: this class is accountable for administering the regional and community based health programs and operations for inmates throughout the agency.

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: this class is accountable for administering the Waiver Operations program and operations for rate setting and billing for departmental waivers.

DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES: this class is accountable for administering behavioral health programs for individuals served by the department.

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES: this class is accountable for administering the health programs and operations or behavioral health programs for individuals served by department or individuals served by other departments under memoranda of agreement.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Administers staff and operations of division and/or program;
  • Develops, implements and evaluates division and/or program policies, goals and objectives;
  • Designs and develops division and/or program activities;
  • Oversees and monitors program implementation;
  • Determines appropriate staffing levels;
  • Designs and implements training programs and performance review standards for division and/or program staff;
  • Assists with preparation of agency budget;
  • Collects and disseminates data and other information to promote and manage healthcare quality and access;
  • Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of division who might impact policy or program activities;
  • Represents department at meetings and conferences of officials, professionals and lay groups;
  • Plans research activities including monitoring, evaluation and accountability procedures;
  • Prepares and recommends proposals for securing grant funds;
  • May assume responsibility of division in absence of Deputy Commissioner;
  • Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
    • various public health systems and programs;
    • one or more of the following programs: maternal and child health, children with disabilities, social work, oral health, nutrition, veterans health or human services, behavioral health or substance abuse;
    • medical care for abused, neglected or individuals with intellectual disability and/or other underserved groups;
  • Knowledge of public health education principles and practices;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of experience in a managerial capacity in a health care organization and/or division related to agency's service population.

NOTE: Managerial capacity is defined as formulating program goals and objectives, developing and implementing program procedures, initiating program policies and developing and/or monitoring a budget.

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Children and Families Program Director.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates with the following experience/proficiency:
  • Experience in complex leadership roles, focusing on resourcing, designing, planning, coordinating, launching, and implementing multiple projects.
  • Proficiency in health policy and systems, especially in one or more of the following: value-based payment, care transformation, hospital strategy and operations, and rural health.
  • Experience building, supporting, and overseeing multiple project teams across in-house staff and outside contractors and partners.
  • Experience engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including residents (especially people living in rural areas), healthcare providers, state agencies, consumer advocates, professional associations, and others.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class who are physicians, dentists or psychologists must be eligible to obtain a license to practice in Connecticut and must obtain one within six months of employment and retain it during the course of employment.
  • Incumbents in this class who are physicians may be required to be board certified in pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, family practice, child psychiatry, emergency medicine, preventive medicine or infectious disease practice.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.