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

Initial Posting Date: 10/09/2026

Final date to receive applications: 10/19/2026

Agency: Oregon Health Authority

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

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: THW Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist (OPERATIONS & POLICY ANALYST
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THW Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist (OPA3). The Traditional Health Worker Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist position is responsible for serving as central point of contact and critical role of providing high level program policy decision making to Divisional and executive leadership and senior management by implementing Statewide lactation providers doula legislatively mandate through SB1568 (2026) its impacts, and policy changes needed to address maternal child health disparities.

Positions enhance coordination and collaboration across internal and external partners and offer oversight and lead cross agency wide policy development and analysis to support the objectives of SB 1568 (2026).

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 into Oregon’s health system. It conducts policy research, develops recommendations, and drives implementation drives implementation of SB 1568 through cross‑agency coordination, legislative support, and administrative rule making.

The role oversees operational planning, systems alignment, program evaluation, and organizational improvement 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.

Minimum…