COMPANY OF ASSIGNMENT:  Kentucky Department for Public Health

PURPOSE:  Performs highly complex and extensive research and analysis of policy issues in the field of health equity for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Dept. for Public Health (DPH). Utilizes advanced research techniques and participates in strategic planning, evaluation, and development of major equity practices and policies. Performs other duties as required.

FLSA:  Non-Exempt

Leave/Termination Notice Requirement Classification:  Professional

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:  Reports to the Commissioner.

This position serves as the Office of Health Equity Director

This is a full time position 37.5 hours per week.

Salary Range is $43.85 per hour.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:  This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides subject-matter expertise in health disparity, health equity science, and public policy to guide practice and policy related to health equity. Keeps abreast of new research in the health equity field. Develops, oversees, and continually monitors health equity initiatives across the department, the cabinet, and with both public and private stakeholders. Supervises staff and contracted vendor activities to ensure successful program outcomes. 25%
2. Recommends action steps to align projects and initiatives. Identifies issues and seeks to eliminate disparities by gathering data and developing interventions and solutions that advance health equity. Leads strategic planning for health equity efforts including developing and tracking key performance indicators to track effectiveness. Ensures maintenance of KDPH Health Equity Dashboard and collaborates with data experts/staff for data visualization and modernization efforts. 20%
3. Recommends health policy strategies relative to health equity and primary care. Collaborates with data experts to analyze equity trends, access current state of health equity, and formulate plan to reach future goals. Ensure compliance with program and grant guidelines. Develops and reviews content such as presentations, training materials, guidance documents, and other health equity-related materials. 15%
4. Represents DPH health equity efforts to internal and external stakeholders. Meets with federal, state, and local agencies to obtain and provide information on health equity policy issues. Attends seminars and special presentations on current health equity issues. 10%
5. Researches and prepares grant applications for submission, manages grant awards, administers contracts, budgets, allocations, and reports. Interprets and implements state and federal laws, guidelines, and policies pertinent to the promotion of equitable Health Care Access and for populations, both urban and rural, that need access to healthcare. 10%
6. Organizes, participates, and makes presentations to DPH/CHFS staff, stakeholders, local and national partner agencies, and other officials. Prepares and delivers oral and written communications to the general public, legislators, local, state, and federal government officials on health equity and efforts associated with equitable access to healthcare as requested. Prepares drafts of reports and other materials for use in presentations. 10%
7. Formulates and reviews legislation and regulations as they pertain to equitable healthcare access. Prepares impact statements, health program policies and procedures. Attends public meetings and legislative and hearings on topics of interest. 5%
8. Other duties as assigned. 5%

Standard:  Assigned duties are completed correctly within specified time frame.

Measure:  Supervisor’s review of staff documentation of assigned duties / completion dates.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:  Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, social work, public administration, public relations, accounting, education, business administration, public health, public health administration, biology, epidemiology, health care administration, psychology, sociology, anthropology, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:  Five years of professional experience in the development, research, planning, or analysis of public utility policy issues, Cabinet for Health and Family Services policy issues, or human services policy and/or research and data analysis to include health departments or other related organization

QUALIFICATIONS:

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:  A master’s degree or doctorate (JD, PhD, MD/DO) will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:  Additional professional experience in the above areas will substitute for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. Some travel may be required.

LIST OF EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:  General Office Equipment – computer, printer/copier

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / JOB HAZARDS:

1. Current TB skin test indicating no evidence of communicable disease.
2. Possible contact with bodily fluids.
3. Possible physical management (lifting, balancing, maneuvering).

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires a clean drug screen prior to and randomly throughout employment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Background checks conducted prior to hire and updated annually