Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Occupational Health Services – Associate Medical Director
Job Summary
The Associate Medical Director is a senior member of the MBTA Occupational Health Services department responsible for assisting in the oversight of the MBTA Medical Department. This unique role offers the opportunity to directly protect the health and safety of the workforce behind one of the most critical public services in Massachusetts. As a key member of a clinic dedicated to ensuring the long-term wellness and readiness of MBTA’s workforce throughout their MBTA careers, this role will be a part of a team that helps shape the medical standards of the MBTA and ensures that employees are healthy, ready, and fit for duty, ultimately contributing to the safety, reliability, and success of the MBTA’s essential services. The role provides leadership in occupational health policy, programs, and medical standards for employment. The Associate Medical Director will also assist in the oversight of the MBTA NON-TREATING medical clinic to facilitate physical assessment of MBTA employees/applicants for fitness for duty, and to perform physical examinations to determine fitness for work and/or hire. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Duties & Responsibilities
Medical Examinations and Fitness for Duty Assessments
- Serve as Medical Examiner and perform Department of Transportation (DOT), non-DOT, pre-employment, and annual physical examinations as required by regulation and policy.
- Interpret tests, analyses, and diagnostic images to determine applicant/employee fit for work status.
- Review complex medical documentation and findings and consult with employees and his/her physician to determine fitness for duty.
- Monitor employees with certain ongoing health conditions for treatment compliance and fitness for duty.
- Work closely with the Employee Assistance Program to monitor Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) and mental health conditions for treatment compliance and fitness for duty.
Clinical Oversight and Supervision
- Supervise Physician Assistant (s) (PA) and Nurse Practitioner (s) (NP) including Chart Reviews.
- Develop relationships with senior HR, clinical, and leaders at MBTA to understand their needs as it relates to Occupational Health Services.
- Regularly engage in case and chart review and have a systematic approach to performance review that incorporates evaluating the OHS services provided by each staff. As needed, develop a corrective action, coaching and monitoring plan to address areas of concern identified in performance evaluation.
- Engage with staff to provide feedback and coaching in a positive and proactive manner and exemplifying the role of an occupational health professional.
- Participate in a rotating on-call schedule with other providers, which includes occasional overnight and weekend coverage to ensure operational needs are met. This typically involves one (1) Saturday per month and two (2) to three (3) overnight shifts per year, primarily related to facilitating CDL exams for overnight staff. Work schedules are adjusted to offset hours worked during these periods, and the role does not perform overtime work.
Policy, Compliance, and Program Development
- Ensure that the OHS programs are compliant with governmental and regulatory requirements.
- Develop policies and procedures for Medical Operations and ensures staff are trained and adhere to them.
- Provide leadership in occupational health policy, programs, and issues, including medical standards for employment.
- Annually define and regularly track performance goals for OHS
Consultation and Collaboration
- Provide consultation to MBTA Human Resources staff, senior leadership, and managers on occupational health matters including the interpretation of regulations and standards, potential organizational exposure and liability, fitness for duty cases, job accommodations, and injury and exposure prevention.
Legal and Administration
- Prepare cases and appear as an expert medical witness in arbitrations and unemployment insurance. Provide testimony as required.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
Supervision
- Manage and supervise the medical professional staff, consultants, and contracted clinical team members.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Medical Degree from an accredited medical college
- DOT Certified Medical Examiner certification (required).
- Five (5) years of knowledge of medical practice related to occupational health.
- Two (2) years leadership – people management or large projects.
- Knowledge of workplace health and safety concepts.
- Knowledge of 49 CFR Part 391, Qualifications of Drivers.
- Knowledge of 49 CFR parts 40, 219, 382 and 655.
- Ability to work limited evening or weekend shifts on a rotating basis (e.g., one (1) Saturday per month and two (2) to three (3) overnight shifts per year). Offset hours will be provided in lieu of overtime.
- Demonstrated interpersonal and collaboration skills.
- Superior verbal and communication skills.
- Skill in developing and maintaining records, writing reports, and responding to correspondence.
- Skill in developing and maintaining medical quality assurance and quality control standards.
- Ability to react calmly, objectively, and effectively in emergency situations.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion.
Substitutions Include
- A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Board Certified in Occupational Medicine.
- Medical Review Officer (MRO) certification preferred.
At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.