THW Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist; Operations & POLICY Analyst

Position Title:

THW Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist (OPERATIONS & POLICY ANALYST
3)

Position Type:
Employee

Salary Range: $6,276 - $9,644

The Traditional Health Worker (THW) Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist serves as the central point of contact and provides high-level program and policy leadership to divisional and executive leadership. This role is responsible for implementing the statewide lactation provider and mandates established under SB 1568 (2026), assessing their impacts, and identifying necessary policy changes to address maternal and child health disparities.

This position strengthens coordination and collaboration across internal and external partners, offering oversight and leadership in cross-agency policy development and analysis. The strategist plays a key role in advancing the objectives of SB 1568 (2026) and supporting improved maternal health outcomes across Oregon. This position leads statewide maternal and child health policy initiatives integrating lactation counselors, educators, postpartum doulas, and other traditional health workers (THWs) into Oregon’s health system.

It conducts policy research, develops recommendations, and drives implementation. The role oversees operational planning, systems alignment, program evaluation, and organizational improvement strategies that strengthen statewide access to culturally responsive services. It manages contracts, monitors budgets, evaluates contractor performance, and conducts ROI and workforce analyses to support effective resource use. The position collaborates with CCOs, state agencies, community partners, and internal divisions to develop standards, bilingual training requirements, registry infrastructure, and data governance processes.

It also coordinates accessible, culturally responsive communications and public engagement, ensuring alignment across OHA divisions. This role serves as OHA's lead strategist for lactation and maternal‑child health equity—advancing statewide policy development, operational reform, and system integration that directly supports THWs, Oregon Health Plan members, and statewide health equity goals. Bilingual language skills are desired to support effective communication and engagement with diverse communities and individuals with limited English proficiency.

The ability to communicate effectively in English and another language may be beneficial in carrying out outreach, education, translation, and community engagement responsibilities. Employees who meet applicable language proficiency requirements may be eligible for a 5% bilingual pay differential, consistent with applicable state policies and collective bargaining provisions.

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.
• OR;
  Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.

• Advanced degrees in Public Health, Human Services, Social Work, Social Sciences, Ethnic Studies or Public Administration preferred, with coursework and training in social justice, dismantling institutional privilege, social determinants of health and equity, community-organizing, and policy advocacy.
• Bilingual language skills are desired to support effective communication and engagement with diverse communities and individuals with limited English proficiency. The ability to communicate effectively in…