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 Commonwealth Medicine is the health care consulting division of UMass Medical School, Massachusetts’ only public medical school. As a nationwide leader in the development and implementation of health care reform, Commonwealth Medicine stays ahead of health care trends and helps strategize and plan for changes that impact both health care delivery systems and patients.  Applying academic research to make evidence-based recommendations, Commonwealth Medicine supports government agencies, nonprofits, and managed care organizations to meet today’s health care challenges and to prepare for what’s to come.

The Center for Health Policy and Research a division of Commonwealth Medicine (CWM) in the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) is seeking applicants for the position of Medical Director for the Department of Children & Families (DCF). CWM, the Medical School’s public consulting division, offers a unique blend of academic excellence and health services expertise. This combination allows us to provide health care solutions for the public sector and not-for profit organizations. Our services help Massachusetts and many other state and local health care agencies increase the value and quality of the health services that they provide or fund, and improve access and quality of care for at-risk populations.

The Medical Director will serve as the chief medical advisor to the Commissioner of the MA Department of Children and Families (DCF) and is responsible for providing clinical expertise to DCF program staff.  The Medical Director will participate in the development and implementation of clinical standards and guidelines for health services for all children and adolescents in the care or custody of DCF, and will serve as an in-house clinical resource for DCF. The Medical Director will have a dual reporting relationship, reporting directly to both the Commissioner of DCF and the Chief Medical Officer of Commonwealth Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS).

• Implement a system that will facilitate and support the DCF Medical Services Policy that requires timely medical screenings and comprehensive evaluations for all children entering foster care. 
• Implement a system to ensure that all children getting DCF services (not just those in their custody) are receiving well child visits and immunizations according to AAP standards.
• Provide consultation on complex medical cases whenever/wherever needed within DCF (e.g., regional nurses, social workers, Critical Incident meetings, etc.).
• Develop, convene and Chair expert medical resources panel to provide additional and specific expertise on complex cases.
• Develop a state-wide protocol for accessing pediatric child abuse specialists when appropriate.
• Develop relationships, communication, and educational programming with health care providers and health care institutions state-wide.
• Collaborate with medical practices to develop medical homes for children in foster care.
• Work with DCF/EOHHS IT to simplify and improve documentation of medical information for children in foster care.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a policy for monitoring psychotropic medications in foster care youths.
• Provide clinical support and expertise to DCF program and clinical staff.
• Collect and analyze data and prepare written reports as necessary to inform DCF policy-making as it relates to health care services provided to DCF population.
• Perform other similar and related duties as required or as directed.

• Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy
• Actively licensed to practice medicine without restriction in Massachusetts throughout his/her employment with UMMS
• Board certified in pediatrics or family medicine and minimum 7 years of experience in direct patient care

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong administrative background, with successful management and leadership experience.
• Experienced and displayed interest in public sector work.
• Demonstrated a commitment to teamwork and team development.
• Experience working successfully with culturally diverse populations.
• Displayed a commitment to working with high-risk families and children at risk.
• Demonstrated teaching skills.
• Experienced with quality improvement work.
• Previous management experience in a healthcare setting.

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