RURAL HEALTH DIRECTOR 22426

09/01/92 A

This is a single position class in the Public Health Departmental Administrator series that is responsible for the administration of the Rural Health Program in the Virginia Department of Health. This class serves as the principle assistant to the Deputy Commissioner for Health Policy (M.D.) by providing comprehensive and centralized policy analysis and program development related to the expansion of rural health services statewide.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable complexity involving policy analysis, planning and developing the facilitation of rural health services statewide, and working with legislators, public agencies and private organizations. Monitors and evaluates changing federal and state policies that impact state and local rural health programs; recommends actions to facilitate rural health program development and implementation; drafts proposed state legislation; develops and maintains a clearinghouse for collecting and disseminating information on rural health issues and innovative approaches to the delivery of rural health care; maximizes use of computerized systems to access the widest range of information and most up-to-date information to increase use by both the public and private sectors; and carries out activities as committed to funding sources, including the state office of Rural Health Grant Program. These commitments includes a statewide conference on rural health and subsequent development of a comprehensive health care plan for rural Virginia, and filing required status reports to funding sources. Promotes activities which support the recruitment and retention of health care professionals to serve in rural areas of the state; identifies effective ongoing recruitment and retention programs, develops a five-year forecast of primary care manpower needs, and develops methods of loan repayment programs; prepares requests for funding including federal assistance, designed to increase the capacity of the office.

Supervision Given: Supervision typically is not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives administrative direction from a Deputy Commissioner for Health Policy (M.D.).

Scope: This class plans and develops policies, plans and regulations that affect the delivery of rural health services statewide.

Impact of Actions: Recommendations and conclusions regarding the development of rural health initiatives, legislative proposals and policies seriously affect the delivery of health services in rural areas of the state where health care services are most lacking. Errors may affect the health of rural citizens.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with agency health program directors, other state and federal agencies, state legislators, cabinet secretaries offices and health planning agencies regarding the development, expansion and provision of rural health care.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of policy analysis, long-range development, research and evaluation techniques, the legislative process and health care delivery systems. Some knowledge of budget, fiscal and human resource and public sector management.

Skills: None required for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to administer agency policy and planning process; to work effectively with agency management, state officials, legislative bodies, boards and other non-governmental groups; to make statistical analyses and interpretations; to communicate both orally and in writing; and to organize and direct work groups.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience conducting policy development, long-range planning and legislative analysis; experience in public sector environment or a related field.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class replaces the Home Health Services Director class and was established, effective September 1992.