Health Equity Leadership Development Initiative

The HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) anticipates funding for an initiative to implement a fellowship program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide training in health equity issues and leadership to early career individuals to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority and other disadvantaged populations. The Health Equity Leadership Development Initiative aims to address the gap in federal fellowship opportunities for individuals interested in working at HHS to advance health equity and address the social determinants of health through health policies, programs, and practices. In addition, the Program is expected to support efforts to promote diversity, including racial and ethnic minorities, in senior positions within HHS agencies by providing professional development and career pathway opportunities. The Health Equity Leadership Development Initiative aims to enhance skills and competencies necessary for federal leadership service among participants through: (1) a curriculum focused on health care policy, leadership skill building and cultural competence, and aligned with core competencies for Federal leadership (e.g., leading change, leading people, results driven, business acumen, and building coalitions); and (2) fellowship-related experiences, supplemental learning opportunities, and mentorship. For the Health Equity Leadership Development Initiative, OMH will provide a curriculum and training modules for recipients to use. Recipients will be expected to develop and implement an experiential training in federal leadership core competency areas, health disparities and health equity, public health, and social determinants of health. In addition, recipients will provide mentoring and coaching to fellows to support leadership practice. Recipients’ project management and oversight will include fellow recruitment, host site orientation, fellow selection, stipend distribution, and identification of housing options. Recipients will also participate in process and outcomes evaluation activities led by OMH and will document and disseminate project findings to all key stakeholders.