Deputy Secretary

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is seeking an accomplished professional to join our team as one of three Deputy Secretaries. 

Deputy Secretaries at DHSS have two primary responsibilities: (1) providing day-to-day leadership of a subset of the ten Divisions within the Department as the primary liaison between the Secretary’s office and the Division, and (2) providing thought leadership and driving cross-cutting policy and operational initiatives that advance the Department’s mission. The ideal candidate will have experience in health care coverage and payment, value-based care, and population health, with a passion for improving health care delivery.  Significant management experience, ideally in a government setting, is also encouraged.

The Deputy Secretary:

• Serves as a member of the DHSS Cabinet Secretary’s Executive Team requiring attendance and participation at various high-level leadership meetings.
• Serves as the supervisor for a subset of Division Directors, and through that work supports Directors in addressing challenges, provides oversight of priority initiatives, and ensures Division activities align with key objectives and federal and state requirements.
• Drives cross-cutting DHSS work in areas of subject matter expertise, including developing and implementing new initiatives and supporting response to federal and state policy changes.
• Possesses significant knowledge of health care and state governments’ role in supporting and financing care delivery.
• Represents DHSS through speaking engagements, interactions with stakeholders, legislators, and the media, and service on various boards and commissions.
• Supports the Cabinet Secretary in advancing the Department’s mission.
• Interfaces with health system and payer leaders to drive stakeholder adoption of care and payment transformation initiatives.  

Applicants should have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in many of the following areas; the successful candidate may have more experience in some areas than others.

1.  Experience with health care coverage and financing, including in Medicaid.

2.  Experience with value-based care and delivery system reform, including designing and implementing programs to improve quality and lower health care costs.

3.  Experience with population and public health initiatives.

4. Experience in government service at the federal, state, or local level, or experience interacting with and supporting the work of federal, state, or local governments.

5. Experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.

6. Experience in developing policies, procedures, and regulations. Enforcement of policies, procedures, and regulations is preferred.

7. Experience in budget administration which includes managing, developing, analyzing and implementing budgets; developing strategic plans and establishing internal controls.

Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities and dates (month/year) of employment/training.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.  You may also call (302) 739-5458 or email DHR_ADAConcerns@delaware.gov for additional applicant services support.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.