State Plan Specialist - Planning Director State

When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title:
State Plan Specialist
Job Class:
Planning Director State
Agency:
Human Services Dept

• Job : 96079
• Location
  :
  St. Paul
• Full/Part Time
  :
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary
  :
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply
  :
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted
  : 08/05/2026
• Closing Date
  : 08/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit
  :
  Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit
  : DHS-Central Office / HCA AC Medicaid Dir Fed Rel
• Work Shift/Work Hours
  :
  Day Shift, 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Days of Work
  :
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required
  :
  No
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
• Classified Status
  :
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union
  : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

As the State Plan Specialist, the incumbent will provide leadership and direction to staff on all matters related to the Medicaid state plan. The Medicaid state plan is a legal agreement between Minnesota and U.S. Health and Human Services Administration’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that outlines how the state operates its Medicaid and CHIP programs as authorized by Title XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act.

The state plan describes program eligibility, covered services, provider payment rate methodologies, and the methods for state administration. Any changes to Medical Assistance coverage and/or rates must receive CMS approval through the state plan amendment (SPA) process. This individual acts as the lead expert on coverage, payment, and benefit policies, and provides counsel and direction to agency leadership to ensure federal approval of program policies.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Oversee all activities required to draft, submit, and negotiate state plan amendments with the federal government and ensure programs are designed in accordance with state and federal law. Provide information and training to DHS policy teams on federal Medicaid compliance requirements related to coverage and rates. Draft state plan amendment with guidance from the policy team. Develop and carry out a negotiation strategy for each state plan amendment.
• Develop workplans and utilize public tracking to ensure communications are clear and federal approval is in place to meet state law timelines.
• Act as the principal advisor on federal Medicaid law regulation, and policy regarding Medicaid coverage, payment rates, and provider requirements.
• Engage external parties in planning and required public consultation activities including legislators, the Governor’s office, tribal government officials, and the general public.

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.

Three (3) years of experience conducting complex regulatory and legal analysis.

Experience must also demonstrate:

• Expertise in interpreting federal and state law, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance;
• Knowledge of federal Medicaid law and regulatory requirements for federal financial participation and regulations;
• Unders…