Job Title

The Deputy Chief of Staff is the primary backup to the Chief of Staff and provides administrative, clinical, and programmatic leadership to help ensure achievement of the Health Care System's clinical, research, and educational goals. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Staff and serves as a key clinical resource for the Health Care System Director and the Chief of Staff. The Deputy Chief of Staff has all authorities of the Chief of Staff and can act in the absence of the Chief of staff. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. As a member of the senior management team the Deputy Chief of Staff is a key advisor to the Chief of Staff and Director on clinical issues and assists in the administration and oversight of clinical, educational and research programs. The Deputy Chief of Staff's responsibilities include serving as the lead physician over Care in the Community, Ancillary Services (Lab and Radiology), Physician Recruitment, and Academic Affiliations. In addition, the Deputy Chief of Staff will provide support over Quality Improvement initiatives; working with the clinical service chiefs and performance measure champions to improve processes to meet the performance measure goals and improve utilization management; reviewing requests for contracts and determining the best way to obtain the required resources. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Clinical Work * Provides direct patient care on a rotational basis and clinical oversight in: * Urgent Care or Ambulatory Care and Primary Care and/or other specialty areas where qualified to provide clinical patient care. Customer Service * Plans the provision of services with a patient-centered vision (in alignment with VHA guidelines and policies) to enhance patient education and shared decision making. * Establishes a customer-oriented culture and promotes the hiring of persons who demonstrate the VA's iCARE values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence. Quality Improvement * Develops a high-reliability organization through direction of the continuous measurement and improvement of the quality-of-care provided by the service. * Plans, coordinates, and ensures high quality care through utilization of multiple quality measurement tools. * Improves patient outcomes through the implementation of strategies such as clinical practice guidelines and critical pathways, health risk assessments, provider profiling, use of electronic medical record and clinical reminders, and case management. * Ensures the clinical services' ability to meet standards issued by various accrediting and regulatory groups and VA Central Office. Research and Education * Works closely with universities and schools in which there are academic affiliation partnerships/agreements. * Encourages continuing education for all personnel and ensures compliance with performance standards. * Creates a climate where continuous learning and professional development are valued. Budget and Fiscal Management * Under the direction of the Battle Creek VA Medical Center governance structure, collaborates with the Executive Leadership Team and service chiefs in the development and execution of the overall Health Care System strategic and business plan. * Collaborates with other Medical Center leaders to develop initiatives and programs in order to ensure coordination of service, reduction of redundancies, and enhancement of cost effectiveness, efficiency and overall productivity. Organizational Stewardship * Manages relationships with academic affiliates and supporting services to maximize efficiency and drive highly reliable operations. * Demonstrates core values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and excellence. Is guided by accountability and transparency. * Actively participates on committees, task forces, and other groups within the Health Care System and affiliates to assist in policy changes, as needed. Team Building * Develops an interdisciplinary team of innovative, highly motivated individuals who are continuously striving for excellence in patient care and customer service. * Develops a team that is technically competent and understands the interrelationships of all the medical center services in achieving the mission. Human Resources Management * Responsible for assuring appropriate action in such matters as promotions, selections, rewards and recognition, training, and problem resolution. * Responsible for development and implementation of competencies, providing opportunities for continuing education, peer review, career development and professional enrichment for subordinate employees. * Maintains good labor-management relations with the unions to resolve personnel problems, proactively plan for changes to the work environment, and develop a high reliability workforce. Communications * Demonstrates leadership in addressing ethical issues that impact clients and staff in/or beyond the organization/local health care community. * Maintains privacy, confidentiality, and security of patient and client data. * Effectively communicates with employees, patients and their families, stake holders, the executive leadership team, VISN and VACO staff when required. * Exhibits clear, honest and open communications in meetings and other interactions. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 08:00am - 4:30pm