Division Director (Division of Public Health)

This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System

Recruitment #121422-MUPA05-350500

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Introduction

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!

Summary Statement

The Director of the Division of Public Health (DPH) functions as a leadership position, reporting to the Office of the Secretary in the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Through the execution and management of an applied strategic vision, the Division Director is responsible for coordinating and implementing initiatives that sustain, foster and improve access, quality, and efficiencies within the State of Delaware’s Public Health System.  

This position will serve as the lead public health official of the Division of Public Health. Responsibilities include the direction, supervision, and evaluation of a wide variety of health programs including, but not limited to, Oral and Dental Health, Health Planning and Resource Management, Infectious Disease, Community Disease, Public Health Lab, Community Health, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention, Health Systems Protection, Family Health Systems and Management, Epidemiology and Health Data Informatics, Health equity and Minority Health, Medical Marijuana, EMS and Preparedness, Animal Welfare and Health and Risk Communication.

The Division of Public Health is responsible for the health and safety of all citizens and visitors to the state. As a public health agency, DPH must monitor the health status of Delaware citizens, diagnose, and investigate health problems, and mobilize local communities to address health-related issues. DPH develops polices and plans that support health goals, enforce laws and regulations that protect the health of all residents and visitors, and link people to needed health care services.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

· Provides oversight for DPH’s Statewide Health Improvement Plan strategy and quality improvement program. Develops, implements, and manages initiatives to enhance health equity, improve population health outcomes and ensure the quality and safety of public health safety net services.

· Ensures DPH operates according to Public Health Accreditation Board standards and maintains accreditation status.

· Prepares legislation and regulatory proposals in collaboration with executive staff and other stakeholders and serves as a subject matter expert on such proposals as required.  Represents DHSS in meetings with the Legislature, other State agencies, local government entities, clients and other advocacy groups to promote agency programs and resolve identified concerns.

· Oversees the administration of all DPH sections.

· Serves as a member of the DHSS Cabinet Secretary’s Executive Team requiring attendance and participation at various high-level leadership meetings. Develops and implements policy recommendations based on operational needs. Participates in executive-level management planning, policy and decision-making regarding new programs/services and changes to existing programs/services that comprise the State’s mental health and substance abuse disorder services systems.

· Researches, analyzes, recommends and monitors fiscal activities with regard to public health. Directs the preparation of the annual budget and responds to inquiries from fiscal leadership.

· Attends and participates in events and meetings hosted by advocates, providers or the general community. Works with the Communications Team to respond to media requests, write op-eds or tell our own story through social media.

· Remains current on best practices for integrating multiple funding streams, payment reform and delivery system reform models relating to public health.

· Works with division staff, advocates, state legislature, providers and all stakeholders to create programs, services, and systems that help reduce stigma associated with public health issues and builds a robust workforce that meets the needs of Delawareans. 

Communicates and collaborates regularly with the provider and stakeholder communities to ensure division strategies and initiatives are data informed, achievable, and operational at the direct service level. 

· Builds and manages a leadership team and their direct reports who are able to fulfil the mission and objectives of the division.

· Public Health lead on response for media inquiries, media interviews, etc.

· Oversight of Public Health clinical safety net services.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Division Director (Division of Public Health):

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.  Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1.     A State of Delaware Medical License.

2.     1 year of postgraduate training in public health, or at least 5 years of experience as a full-time health official.

3.     Knowledge of public health and applied knowledge of public health systems.

4.     Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Business Administration, or related field.

5.     Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

6.     Must be able to demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.

7.     Must be mission-driven, strategic and collaborative and exhibit the ability to actualize goals and achieve results within a complex organization while addressing the demands of varied stakeholders.

8.     Knowledge of federal funding and grant processes and compliance.

9.     Knowledge of trauma-informed system of care.

10.  Knowledge with billing and reimbursement systems.

11.  Ability to manage and lead large and diverse staff.

12.  Ability to create a culture of collaboration and transparency.

13.  At least 5 years of experience at the management and executive leadership level in an agency providing public health services or similar experience in an agency providing other types of direct services related to public health.

Additional Posting Information

Due to a new requirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the following mandate is effective January 27, 2022: As a condition of employment, employees providing health care services and/or support services in covered facilities must show proof that they have received the dose of a single J&J dose or the 1st dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine effective date January 27, 2022, and proof of the single J&J dose or the 2nd dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine by February. 28, 2022. Employees may not provide any care, treatment, or other services until proof is provided.  Based on CMS guidance, the date for compliance may extend into March due to the health care facilities high vaccination rate of staff.  If you accept a position with the facility, your Human Resources representative can provide more guidance.  The only exception to these requirements is for those employees granted medical or religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which may require weekly COVID-19 testing. This will be in effect until further notice.  More information can be found here. 

The Governor’s Recommended Budget lists this position with a salary of $205,000 for Fiscal Year 2023.

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Telework and Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview. 

Conditions of Hire

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.

Benefits

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

Selection Process

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 Delaware State Jobs.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

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.