STATE HEALTH OPERATIONS DIRECTOR 42217

07/01/94 A

This class is the top management level in the Public Health Physician series. Positions in this class function within the Community Health Operations area and have responsibility for all health programs in one-half of the state. This class is distinguished from the Public Health District Director class by responsibility for supervision of all Public Health District Directors within the operations area. It is distinguished from the State Health Deputy Commissioner class which has statewide scope over a variety of statewide major medical or complex health programs. This class receives supervision from the State Health Commissioner.

Complexity of Work: This class performs work of unusual complexity in directing a variety of operational areas and staff. This class works closely with program directors within the agency; responds to inquiries from the press, radio, and television, on public health issues; chairs or participates on committees which affect the delivery of health services statewide and regionally develops health programs; allocates money and resources; monitors the performance of districts for compliance to established policies and procedures.

Supervision Given: Provides general direction to Public Health District Directors regarding the interpretation, implementation, and management of health initiatives, and supervises a variety of other staff such as Business Manager C, Epidemiology staff, and other support staff.

Supervision Received: Receives administrative direction from a State Health Commissioner, M.D.

Scope: Responsible for promulgation and coordination of a wide range of public health services and programs within districts encompassing one-half of the state.

Impact of Actions: Actions affect the credibility and image of the Department, and may have substantial economic or service impact.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contacts with other professionals, the media, elected officials, private citizens, as well as with agencies of the federal and state government in which decisions are made.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of medicine, environmental health issues, and public administration principles. Knowledge of basic public health practices including population-based preventive medicine principles.

Skills: Epidemiological and statistical analyses.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple medical operations or programs, to work with a variety of persons on matters affecting the provision of health services. Demonstrated ability to supervise a variety of occupational staff.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: Licensed to practice medicine in the state of Virginia.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited medical school with completion of postgraduate training requirements in accordance with the Code of Virginia, Section 54-274. Master's degree in Public Health or equivalent Board Certification in Preventive Medicine.

Level and Type of Experience: Significant supervisory experience in public health or related programs preferred.

Newly established class.