Regional Medical Director

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Brief Job Description:

Physician III 
***This position is located in Houston, Texas and requires a current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Texas (or ability to obtain in a timely fashion).***

As a physician leader, this position can improve the lives of people through public health.  The Physician III/Regional Medical Director (RMD) serves as the lead physician and regional administrator for the public health services provided to Southeast Texas.  Public Health Region 6/5 consists of 16 counties that span from the Louisiana border to the Gulf Coast.

The RMD is responsible for coordinating activities with county local public health departments, leading activities in counties without a local health department, and for the administration of regional staff and regional business functions.  Duties include planning and direction comprehensive public health services; facilitating the delivery of essential public health services in counties across PHR 6/5, providing public health, clinical services and medical consultations, ensuring regional compliance with agency initiatives, policies, procedures, and protocols; and supervising regional managers.

The RMD works with agency leadership and external partners such as city, county, state, and federal officials and independent local public health entities across PHR 6/5.  Strong interpersonal skills to sustain effective working relationships are essential for success in this position.  These include leadership, communication skills, collaboration and interaction with diverse teams, adaptation to change, flexibility, professional and emotional intelligence, and skills in conflict resolutions.

This position reports to the DSHS Deputy Commissioner for Regional and Local Health Operations (RLHO) Division.  Visit the RLHO website to learn more about the division and the essential public health services they provide:  https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regional-local-health-operations.

Essential Job Functions (EFJs):

40% - Directs the activities of PHR 6/5 programs and provides assistance to local health departments and health authorities.  Manages public health services in counties without a local health department; and works closely with external agencies and officials, the general public, and other entities.

30% - Supervises the Deputy Regional Director and regional Program Managers; leads the region's response to public health incidents; and ensures compliance with agency strategic initiatives, policies, and procedures.

25% - Serves as the health authority for counties in PHR 6/5 without a health authority; oversees the regional Class D pharmacy; reviews and signs standing delegation orders for clinical programs; and provides medical authorization, as required for prophylactic medications and medical countermeasures.  Provides clinical public health services as needed including but not limited to tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections and immunizations.

5% - Other duties as assigned including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activiation.  Such participation may require and alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:
-modern medicine principles and practices
-structures and functions of local, regional, and state public health organizations
-current public health social and economic trends
-general function and purpose of state and federal public health laws

Skill in:
-public speaking
-Communicating/collaborating with internal and external partners

Ability to:
-plan, coordinate, and execute responses to public health needs and queries
-coordinate activities among public, private, and professional groups

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications:
-Current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Texas (or ability to obtain in a timely fashion).
-Board certification in Public Health, Preventative Medicine, Infectious Disease, or other public health related discipline preferred.
-Current Texas Driver's License

Initial Screening Criteria:
1. Degree of doctor of medicine (M.D.) or an equivalent degree from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine.
2. Experience in organizational management and leadership including hiring, performance management, counseling, etc.
3. Experience working in public health or with public health related activities.
4. Experience with federal, state, or local government is preferred.

Additional Information: 
**This position is located in Houston, Texas and requires a current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Texas (or ability to obtain in a timely fashion).**

-Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
-The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines and will be dependent upon available funds.
-Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained.
-This position may require travel up to 25% of the time and hours outside of 8:00am to 5:00pm M-F.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form