The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) employs Health Services Administrators (HSA) in multiple programs throughout the state. HSA staff provide a wide range of vital support and administrative services in various ADPH health programs.
In ADPH's Rural Health program, for example, HSA staff are responsible for everything from customer service activities to writing budgets, managing grants, and building relationships with partner organizations.
"We are very detail oriented," said Karl Bryant, director of the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health. "Organization and documentation skills are important for our HSA staff to possess, but so is adaptability. Our challenges can change from day to day. We may have to address budgetary changes to resolve shortfalls on one day, and pivot our program activities to address impacts from outside of our control the next."
"The specific traits needed (in HSA staff) will vary in the different offices and programs throughout ADPH, but there are some key traits that will be beneficial in all program areas," said Ryan Easterling, director of ADPH's Health Media & Communications Division. "A strong leadership background with the ability to multi-task and work on various projects at the same time is very helpful."
In his role with the Health Media & Communications Division, Easterling, a Health Services Administrator, oversees the planning, development, and implementation of ADPH's communication initiatives. This includes supervising staff involved with news releases, media relations, marketing campaigns, and the department's website and social media. He also works to ensure that the programs within the division are meeting their program goals and fiscal responsibilities.
In addition to the opportunity to work with a diverse set of responsibilities, HSA positions offer a built-in development track to allow for growth and promotion within ADPH. Employees who come in as an HSA I are eligible to apply for the HSA I-Senior position after one year of employment. HSA II positions offer opportunities to direct statewide programs or to supervise a major function of a statewide program. HSA III positions offer the opportunity to direct major divisions within ADPH. Further opportunities to advance into Health Service Bureau Administrator or Health Services District Administrator roles are also part of the track.
Minimum requirements for HSA positions include a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Health Services Administration, Public Administration, Hospital Administration, Public Health, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
Those interested in applying should visit the following State of Alabama Personnel Department position announcements for requirements and instructions.
For more information on employment opportunities with ADPH, visit our Office of Human Resources.