Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Hospital System - State of Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking an experienced healthcare administrator to serve as the Deputy Commissioner for the Public Health Hospital System (PHHS). Our selected candidate will play a vital role in providing operational, programmatic, policy, and administrative leadership for the PHHS. This position oversees four (4) hospitals and the State Office of Pharmacy Services (SOPS) with a focus on delivering cost-effective, high-quality services to vulnerable populations in alignment with the goals and objectives of DPH. With a creative and innovative approach, the Deputy Commissioner actively supports the integration of medical and psychiatric services within the PHHS, collaborating closely with the Department of Mental Health (DMH). The incumbent will provide senior-level supervision to the PHHS Bureau Director and the SOPS Chief of Service, ensuring a unified Public Health Hospital System model. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner identifies gaps, develops strategies, and advocates for resources to enhance patient safety initiatives such as electronic medical records, staffing software, and policy tracking systems. The Deputy Commissioner also manages coordination with various offices such as Privacy and Data, Legislative Affairs, and Communications, ensuring accurate and strategic representation of the Hospitals and SOPS. As a member of the DPH Executive Committee and representative of the Public Health Hospitals, the Deputy Commissioner actively participates in key leadership meetings, inter-agency discussions, and serves on commissions and advisory groups. This role also provides guidance on healthcare issues, supports healthcare policy matters as requested by the Commissioner, and represents the Commissioner's office in engagements with advocacy groups, municipal officials, and other EOHHS agencies. Other duties involve functions related to emergency declarations. The Public Health Hospital System (PHHS) includes four (4) Joint Commission accredited hospitals, as well as the State Office of Pharmacy Services: * Shattuck Hospital (Jamaica Plain) * Tewksbury Hospital (Tewksbury) * Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children (Canton) * Western Massachusetts Hospital (Westfield) */_ Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):_/* * Provide senior level supervision to the PHHS Bureau Director and the SOPS Chief of Service, actively championing the transition towards a unified Public Health Hospital System model. * Collaborate with the DMH Commissioner and senior DMH leadership to integrate medical and psychiatric services within the hospital system. * Identify gaps and develop strategies to advocate for necessary resources for patient safety initiatives, including electronic medical records, staffing software, and policy tracking systems. * Lead and oversee large system projects such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Staffing Software, and the Shattuck Hospital relocation in coordination with DCAMM. * Coordinate with EOHHS, DCAMM, and other agencies to manage initiatives that involve centralized IT and HR, ensuring effective project management. * Align hospital projects with other DPH initiatives in collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. * Monitor and document progress, deliverables, and challenges associated with various initiatives. * Provide advocacy and leadership in the preparation of annual budgets across Hospitals and SOPS, determining priorities for programming based on strategic planning, Commissioner's priorities, and safety net needs. * Lead initiatives to ensure program and service efficiency, particularly during resource-constrained periods. * Ensure hospital compliance with quality of care, utilization, and risk management standards, including accreditation requirements set by The Joint Commission and directives from DPH and EOHHS. * Collaborate closely with the DPH Chief Medical Officer to provide strategic oversight and support to the Bureau Director, Bureau leadership, and Chief Executive Officers of the four hospitals. * Manage coordination with the DPH Privacy and Data office, Legislative Affairs, and Communications in handling situations involving the Bureau, hospitals, and SOPS. * Represent the Commissioner's Office in various capacities, including preparing or reviewing talking points and briefing documents, engaging with advocacy groups, municipal officials, and agencies such as the Department of Correction, and serving on committees and advisory groups as requested. */_Preferred Qualifications: _/* * Advanced degree in public health, healthcare administration, or a related field. * Extensive experience in healthcare leadership, particularly in managing hospital systems or large healthcare organizations. * Demonstrated ability to effectively support executive leaders as supervisors, including motivating subordinates to perform at their best, assessing the need for disciplinary action, and taking appropriate measures to address performance issues, including recommending or initiating disciplinary action. * Strong knowledge of public health policies, regulations, and healthcare industry trends. * Proven track record of successfully leading and implementing large-scale projects and initiatives. * Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. * Familiarity with electronic medical records systems and healthcare technology solutions. * Understanding of patient safety initiatives and quality improvement methodologies. * Knowledge of accreditation standards, such as those set by The Joint Commission. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and internal/external agency partners. * Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational structures and build relationships with key decision-makers. * Knowledge of healthcare policy issues and the ability to provide guidance on related matters. * Flexibility and adaptability to handle emergency situations and support emergency response efforts. * Demonstrated understanding of social determinants of health and a commitment to health equity, particularly racial equity, and racial justice * Knowledge and experience in program planning, development, integration, coordination, cross-functioning linkage, and policy setting. * Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams. *_About the Department of Public Health:_* The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities. DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems. /Learn more about our important work:/www.mass.gov/DPH */_Pre-Offer Process:_/* A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) eight (8) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least five (5) years must have been in a managerial capacity. _*Comprehensive Benefits*_ When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! *COVID Vaccine:* As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. *An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.* The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Administrative Services* Organization: Department of Public Health* Title: *Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Hospital System* Location: *Massachusetts-Boston-250 Washington Street* Requisition ID: *2300070J*