JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, HEALTH EQUITY OFFICE

JOB CODE: 34645

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible managerial work promoting awareness of health disparities and advocating for the development and revision of programs and policies to reduce institutional barriers to health equity.

The employee in this job serves as the principal program and policy advisor to the Department of Health and the commonwealth on health equity issues, collaborating with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to design and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that help to improve the health status of underserved and disparate populations. Work involves reviewing executive-level policy processes and recommendations to identify opportunities to address health equity initiatives; representing the Department of Health with national and state organizations and agencies, special interest groups, and task forces; and ensuring that public health programs, practices and services meet health equity goals and objectives. Work is assigned in the form of broad policy and program goals and objectives and is reviewed through reports and conferences for attainment of policy goals and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Provides leadership and advocates for the development of programs to increase public awareness and address health disparities in Pennsylvania.

• Dialogs with stakeholders for understanding and recommends program policy options to ensure that health equity goals and initiatives are integrated into existing health programs and services.

• Reviews proposed legislation and regulatory policies, evaluates the impact on health equity, and recommends alternatives.

• Develops relationships with stakeholders and collaborates with them in coordinating, developing, and implementing policies, procedures, and services to identify and eliminate health disparities.

• Collaborates with policy makers, insurers, health care providers, and communities to design and implement policies and programs that result in a measurable and sustained improvement in the health status of underserved and disparate populations.

• Represents the department in conferences with program and administrative officials and federal and state representatives concerning health equity initiatives and their implementation.

• Serves as the lead of the Health Equity Action Team to collaborate with state agencies, academic institutions, community-based organizations, health partners, providers, and others to eliminate health disparities in Pennsylvania.

• Oversees the ongoing development and implementation of programs to enhance the quality of service and increase the number of providers caring for individuals with special needs or underserved populations.

• Directs the coordination and communication of proposed health initiatives with program managers and stakeholders in community associations, insurance providers, public health service providers, and other entities.

• Identifies federal and private foundation funding to support programs that address health disparities.

• Directs financial management, personnel management, grant administration, procurement, contracting, and other administrative support services to support operations.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the public health service delivery system.

• Knowledge of research methodologies and techniques.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of health services program design, development, implementation, and administration.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing the provision of health care and public health.

• Knowledge of disadvantaged or marginalized populations and the impact of geographical and socio-economic influences on health equity.

• Ability to analyze and interpret health service programs and practices and make recommendations for improvements.

• Ability to read and interpret written materials.

• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Four years of professional experience in developing or implementing programs, policies, or initiatives addressing health disparities or disadvantaged populations; and a master’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.