Behavioral Health Policy Advisor (SPSA, Opt. 1)

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

5d•$11,000 - $13,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services Division of Medical Programs is seeking a motivated professional to serve as the Behavioral Health Policy Advisor. The Behavioral Health Policy Advisor will lead the policy analysis and program design for Medicaid behavioral health programs, covered benefits, and provider types in collaboration with program administration staff. The Behavioral Health Policy Advisor will: Draft State Plan Amendments and waivers to promote access to quality behavioral health services while securing federal Medicaid matching dollars; Draft, review, and/or provide recommended changes to state legislation; Draft administrative rules and other policies and procedures supporting behavioral health service and program implementation; Review and provide options and recommendations for the implementation of state and federal legislation, regulations, and subregulatory guidance; Develop policy options and make recommendations based on research, best practices, and lessons learned, including service and program implementation in other states and at the federal level; Support the development of cost estimates for behavioral health services and programs; Collaborate with subject matter experts within the Department and across sister agencies; and Propose policy changes to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare coverage and support program implementation that meets policy goals and objectives. The Behavioral Health Policy Advisor also will collaborate with and represent the Department in meetings with state and federal officials, providers, Medicaid customers, sister agency staff, staff from other state Medicaid agencies, and meetings with state and national associations and organizations. The Behavioral Health Policy Advisor will report directly to Deputy Administrator for Policy within the Division of Medicaid Programs. The ideal candidate will have experience leading the development of policy and program implementation for behavioral health services and programs in Medicaid, Medicare, the Marketplace, or other government healthcare programs. The ideal candidate also will have experience drafting, reviewing, and implementing legislation and regulations, leading teams, and representing and speaking on behalf of their organization at external meetings. HFS values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.

Requirements

Requires completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in public policy, public administration, business administration, or similar field of study
Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public policy, public administration, or business organization
Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a laptop and/or cell phone
Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate
Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position.
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience working in the healthcare industry or government
Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience developing and implementing policy for a public or private organization
Minimum of four (4) years of experience conducting research on healthcare policies, Medicaid regulations, and behavioral health guidelines
Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience serving as spokesperson and subject matter expert for a health care program
Advanced degree in public policy, public health, public administration, business administration, or similar field of study

Responsibilities

Serves as principal policy-making official on behavioral health with an equity-based approach formulating and implementing policy and funding designs that support access to high quality behavioral health services, delivery system infrastructure, financing incentives supporting quality and access, and meeting the needs of underserved populations
Provides administrative input into planning for future initiatives in collaboration with program administration staff
Serves as a policy leader in the Division of Medical Programs
Serves as official spokesperson for the Department regarding all behavioral health policy issues
Collects, analyzes, and reports on data related to behavioral healthcare
Serves as a full line supervisor
Provides informed assumption to input into program budget preparation and controls
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Benefits

Monday-Friday work schedule
Flexible work schedules are available in many program areas.
Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
Pension Plan
Paid Parental Leave
Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually.
New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually.
Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually.
(13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)