Mountain State Care Force Program Manager, Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Reports To: Secretary of Health, State of West Virginia, with direct accountability to the Office of the Governor

Location: Charleston, West Virginia

Position Overview:

Mountain State Care Force is a critical initiative under the West Virginia Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), dedicated to addressing the state's healthcare workforce shortages. Our mission is to recruit, train, and retain the healthcare workforce of the future through a comprehensive strategy of education, training expansion, and incentive programs, with a strong focus on serving rural communities. The Mountain State Care Force Program Manager is central to the planning, implementation, and coordination of programs designed to grow West Virginia's healthcare talent pipeline. This role requires a dynamic, organized professional who can manage multiple projects simultaneously, foster collaboration among diverse partners, and drive measurable results in workforce development.

Core Responsibilities:

Program Coordination:

• Coordinate initiative planning, vendor sourcing, and budget execution.
• Track progress, gather data, and prepare reports on the effectiveness of various MSCF programs.

Pipeline Development & Education

• Early Outreach: Coordinate and implement early outreach and educational programming in schools and communities to generate interest in healthcare careers among West Virginians.
• Apprenticeships & Entry-Level Jobs: Launch and manage apprenticeship programs and entry-level healthcare job opportunities in partnership with community and technical colleges, utilizing the "Learn & Earn" model.

Training Expansion

• Rural Training Sites: Support the expansion of rural residencies, fellowships, and training sites for key provider types across the state.
• Training Capacity: Coordinate support for preceptor and faculty positions at community and technical colleges to increase overall training capacity.

Recruitment & Retention

• Incentive Programs: Administer and manage incentive programs, including "return-to-home" scholarships and loan repayment options, to attract clinicians to serve in rural areas.
• Workforce Placement: Coordinate recruitment and job placement activities through strong collaboration with healthcare providers, universities, and state workforce programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or Education.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in program coordination, project management, or workforce development, preferably within the healthcare or public sector.
• Familiarity with the healthcare industry and college and university systems is necessary for effective communication and alignment with program goals.

Core Competencies:

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, including public speaking.
• Collaboration & Partnership Building: Strong skills in fostering collaboration among diverse partners, including educational institutions, healthcare providers, and state programs, to achieve shared goals.
• Project Management & Organization: Strong organizational and project management skills are necessary to plan, coordinate, and execute activities, manage timelines, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Analytical Skills: The ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data and feedback from stakeholders to inform program improvements and decision-making is valuable.
• Understanding of Rural Dynamics: The ability to tailor programs and incentives to the specific needs and challenges of serving rural communities in West Virginia.
• Commitment to the Governor’s mission of “Stronger Lives, Healthier Choices, and a Better West Virginia.”

Appointment and Compensation:

• This is an exempt (at-will) position under the Department of Health. Compensation will be commensurate with executive-level public service, experience, and qualifications. This position includes full state benefits and travel reimbursement for statewide engagement.
• This position is a full-time, term-limited appointment for a period of up to five (5) years and is contingent upon the award and continued availability of federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Continued employment beyond the project period is not guaranteed.

Applicants interested in learning more about the program and the State’s proposed approach may review the application materials here: https://governor.wv.gov/rht

Application Question(s):

• Have you read and do you meet the required qualifications?

Work Location: In person