Chief Medical Officer

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

This is professional‑level administrative medical work with significant or primary responsibility for the planning, direction, and supervision of medical services staff and clinical care at a state institution or for a statewide medical‑based program. In some facilities, these positions may serve as Chief Medical Officer or Director of Medical Services supervising a combination of primary care physicians and psychiatrists as well as other medical services (such as pharmacy, psychology, nursing, labs, and allied health). In medical‑based facilities, these positions may serve in a Deputy Medical Director role over primary‑care medical delivery or psychiatry services or some other combination of physician management and other clinical‑related services management. Position may carry a small caseload, but typically are full‑time administrators. Position is responsible for regulatory compliance and professional best‑practice efforts at the institution or program and for communicating standards with other executive management. This class is distinguished from the Physician Manager class by the complexity of program services as well as broader administrative and clinical responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Management Preferences

Having thorough knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of general, preventive, and applicable specialty medicine and of the techniques involved. Thorough knowledge of developments in the field of medicine. Considerable knowledge of state, organizational, and medical rules and regulations. Thorough knowledge of biological, social and psychological development process of patients served. General knowledge of planning, budgeting and policy‑making processes. Skill in leadership, teaching and management techniques. Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams in developing and managing patient quality care practices. Ability to represent the needs of clinical care services to decision makers who provide resources.

Preferred Experience

• Previous and proven work experience at Division of Health Benefits/NC Medicaid.
• Familiarity with relevant and current NC Medicaid operations.
• Clinical experience as a practicing physician serving Medicaid beneficiaries.
• Direct administrative experience with a state Medicaid program or managed care organization.
• Understanding of how to participate in the legislative process as a lead professional state agency representative.

Recruitment Range

$158,244 - $250,000

Compensation & Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high‑quality, low‑cost benefits on a pre‑tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Minimum Education and Experience

Licensed to practice medicine in the state of North Carolina and three years of experience including two years in health services delivery management.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.