The Director of the Division of Public Health (DPH) functions in 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 policies and plans that support health goals, enforces laws and regulations that protect the health of all residents and visitors, and links people to needed health care services.

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 the stigma associated with public health issues and build 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 fulfill 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 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.