Medical Director, Correctional Health Services

Job Description:

Incumbents in this role provide specialized medical care in clinical settings, primarily within the State Prison or similar institutions. This position  requires Board Certification in a medical specialty and involves supervising subordinate staff. As the Medical Director overseeing healthcare services within Utah’s prison system, the incumbent will lead efforts to deliver high-quality, evidence-based medical care. This leadership role demands close collaboration with medical, administrative, and correctional staff to ensure comprehensive healthcare while upholding legal, regulatory, and accreditation standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Oversight

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare policies and procedures for the prison health system.

• Supervise and mentor healthcare providers, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and allied health professionals.

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and excellence in clinical care delivery.

• Model strong collaborative relationships and effective communication with staff members, state agency leadership, community stakeholders, state lawmakers, auditors and members of the community. 

Clinical Care

• Oversee the delivery of medical, mental health, and substance use disorder services for inmates.

• Ensure care is evidence-based and patient-centered

• Provide direct patient care as necessary and serve as a clinical consultant for complex cases.

• Position may require some travel to a secondary facility.

Program Development

• Develop and enhance programs addressing chronic disease management, infectious disease prevention, mental health, and substance use disorders.

• Implement strategies to reduce barriers to care within incarcerated populations.

• Advocate for trauma-informed and rehabilitative care approaches.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Monitor and ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, accreditation standards (e.g., NCCHC, ACA), and legal mandates.

• Establish quality assurance programs to evaluate and improve health outcomes, service delivery, and patient satisfaction.

• Prepare and present reports on healthcare performance metrics to stakeholders.

Collaboration and Advocacy

• Collaborate with correctional leadership, public health agencies, and community partners to address public health concerns within the prison system.

• Advocate for resources, policy changes, and initiatives that promote the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals.

Education and Certification

• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
• Licensed or eligible for medical licensure in Utah

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of clinical practice.
• Experience with underserved and marginalized populations, including those with mental health and substance use disorders.
• Certification in Correctional Health Care (CCHP) or willingness to obtain it within 12 months.

Skills

• Strong leadership experience, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to public health principles.

Education and Certification

• Board certification in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or a related specialty (preferred: Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine).

Experience

• Leadership experience in correctional health, public health, or community health.
• Familiarity with correctional healthcare systems, policies, and accreditation standards (e.g., NCCHC, ACA).

Skills

• Proficiency in implementing quality improvement and population health initiatives.

• Current unlimited license to practice medicine in the State of Utah (MD).
• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.
• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.
• Position may require some travel to a secondary facility.

Salary : $97 - $160