Deputy Executive Director

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health

Lead transformational public benefits programs that impact thousands of Louisiana families every day. As the Deputy Executive Director for Economic Independence, you’ll serve as a key executive leader driving strategy, innovation, and operational excellence across Medicaid eligibility, SNAP, FITAP, and KCSP programs. In this high-impact role, you’ll oversee statewide operations, lead major strategic initiatives, and help shape the future of integrated eligibility services to improve efficiency, strengthen client outcomes, and support agency-wide priorities. If you’re a visionary leader passionate about public service, collaboration, and meaningful change, we encourage you to apply.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated expertise in complex public policy, management of large public programs, and participation in significant technology modernization projects.

Job Duties:

• Serves as the primary back-up to the Executive Director, exercising full decision-making authority in their absence while providing executive leadership and strategic direction for Economic Independence programs. 
• Provides executive oversight of Economic Independence operations, including eligibility, policy, quality control, service delivery, staffing, and resource allocation to ensure alignment with departmental priorities and federal requirements. 
• Leads the development and execution of strategic initiatives and long-range planning efforts designed to improve program performance, client access, operational efficiency, and compliance across Economic Independence programs. 
• Directs the integration of Medicaid and SNAP eligibility processes, policies, systems, and business operations to streamline service delivery, reduce duplication, and enhance the client experience. 
• Oversees cross-program initiatives related to eligibility determination, integrated service delivery models, data sharing, system enhancements, and operational coordination with internal and external partners. 
• Establishes and monitors standardized processes, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure consistency, accountability, accuracy, and compliance across eligibility functions. 
• Prepares executive-level reports, presentations, and communications while representing Economic Independence in legislative hearings, stakeholder engagements, special projects, and cross-agency initiatives.

Position-Specific Details:

Location: Medical Vendor Administration / Office of Economic Independence (OEI) Director's Office / East Baton Rouge Parish

Cost Center: 3052130100

Position Number(s): 50695431

Compensation: Salary depends on qualification

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. 

* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

For information on how to check your application status and understand status updates, please click HERE.

Contact Information:

Shambrielle Pooler

Shambrielle.Pooler@la.gov

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

225-342-6477

LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. 

Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.

LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.