MaineCare Primary Care Behavioral Health Services Policy Writer

Comprehensive Health Planner II

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is hiring for a Behavioral Health Services Policy Writer. This Policy Writer will primarily focus on sections of the Maine Care Benefits Manual related to outpatient, home and community-based, residential, and inpatient behavioral health services, case management services, and health home services.

Policy Writers aim to meet the needs of Maine Care members, health care providers, and DHHS by drafting, proposing, and implementing policies that define the health care services Maine Care covers, the requirements providers must follow to deliver the services, and how Maine Care reimburses for those services. Policy Writers play a pivotal role throughout the life cycle of making policy changes by identifying necessary changes, facilitating change implementation, and participating in or leading service model design, rate studies, and stakeholder engagement.

Policy Writers work independently and collaboratively with diverse internal and external partners, research federal and state laws and regulations, and become experts in Medicaid policy, best practices, and program monitoring and implementation. Policy Writers use effective communication, including strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills in all aspects of Maine Care policy work.

The Policy Writer will:

• Develop expertise in their assigned Maine Care covered services, including qualified providers, best practices, how payments are made, reimbursement methodology, and compliance with applicable state and federal laws.
• Initiate formal Maine Care policy rule making through the MAPA process by, including but not limited to:
• Draft new rules and/or changes to existing rules, working with various internal and external partners.
• Facilitate public hearings and respond to public comments on proposed rules.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and other state offices and with a wide variety of third parties including members, providers, and advocates.
• Think critically and strategically to address complex health policy issues and manage multiple priorities at once.
• Research healthcare best practice, state statute, and federal regulations effectively to inform policy development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Public/Community Health, Health Administration, Health Sciences or Health Education;
  Public Administration, Government, Social Work, or a closely related field and three (3) years professional experience in the planning, development, coordination and/or evaluation of health programs or services
  -OR- an equivalent seven (7) year combination of education, training, and experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates with professional experience researching, interpreting, and writing policy at the program, local, state, or federal level.
• Preferred experience includes:
• Experience with and knowledge of the Medicaid program and/or other health and human services programs serving low-income populations.
• Lived experience with Medicaid and/or other health-related social needs common to individuals and families receiving Medicaid coverage.
• Knowledge of Alternative Payment Models and value-based purchasing.
• The background of well-qualified candidates must demonstrate the following competencies:
• Experience with the analysis, development, interpretation and/or implementation of policy and programs.
• Knowledge of health care benefit programs (e.g. Maine Care, other state Medicaid, or private insurance coverage) and relevant issues facing the health care field and health care consumers.
• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Medicaid policy, including but not limited to, coverage, reimbursement, eligibility, and/or systems.
• Demonstrated writing, editing and proofreading skills, including the ability to simplify and summarize technical language and complex subject matter in a concise manner and in alignment with plain language principles.
• The ability and motivation to effectively manage multiple long- and short-term projects with diverse stakeholder groups.

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Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Office of Maine Care Services (OMS) within DHHS administers the state's Medicaid program,…