Overview
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Medical Services Chief assists the Local Public Health Authority in administering state and local laws relating to public health and performs duties to implement and enforce laws that protect the public’s health. Provides medical supervision and oversight for programs, direct patient care in the service line assigned, and directs clinical staff, including physicians, registered and licensed vocational nurses, certified medical assistants, and nurse practitioners, as well as responsible for subject matter expert advisement for allied health professionals and non-medical staff. Assist with planning, developing implementing, and evaluating health department programs and services.
The Medical Services Chief will be directly responsible for the following functions/units:
- May serve as Deputy Local Public Health Authority and/or assist the Local Public Health Authority in administering state and local laws related to public health within the designated jurisdiction.
- Aide Houston Health Department in carrying out public health required rules, ordinances, sanitation laws, quarantine rules, and required reporting of data.
- Directs, coordinates, and evaluates medical, clinical health services and related services for the Department.
- Develops, reviews and/or revises standing delegation orders, clinical practice guidelines and medical protocols and standard operating procedures and plans and performs medical quality improvement activities.
- Develops, reviews and/or revises standing delegation orders, clinical practice guidelines and medical protocols and standard operating procedures and plans and performs medical quality improvement activities.
- Provides medical consultation for clinical staff, the Director, Division Director, Bureau Chiefs, and Program Managers in planning and operations of clinical services. Offers guidance and policy interpretation.
WORKING CONDITIONS
There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution. The position may involve periodic exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature, such as cuts, bruises and minor burns.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Medical Doctor’s or Doctor of Osteopathic degree from a medical school or college located in the United States or Canada that is currently accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Professional Education (AOA), or the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC which is substantially equivalent to that of Texas medical school even if it has not yet been added to this list according to the laws and governance as outlined by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (TSBME) (www.tmb.state.tx.us) rules and regulations.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Five years of experience as a practicing physician.
At least two years of supervisory and/or administrative responsibilities in a major health agency or a similar facility preferred.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Requires a license to practice medicine in the State of Texas within six months of the time of hire. Must meet criteria to perform as health authority if required.
About City of Houston - Houston Health Department
The Houston Health Department provides traditional public health services and seeks to use innovative methods to meet the community's present and future needs. Our mission is to work in partnership with the community to promote and protect the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. HHD is now the first health department in Texas and the second in a large U.S. city to earn national accreditation.
