Behavioral Health Policy Staff

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

13h

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Policy Office is seeking a Policy Staff professional to join the team. This position serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing policy analysis, implementation guidance, and cross-agency coordination to advance departmental priorities and statewide behavioral health goals. The role requires a high degree of judgment, discretion, and policy expertise, along with the ability to operate effectively in complex governmental environments.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in public policy, behavioral health policy, healthcare policy, or a related field.
• Experience conducting complex policy analysis and developing executive-level recommendations.
• Strong understanding of governmental structures, legislative processes, and regulatory environments.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively on diverse teams and openly receive constructive criticism.
• Proficiency with standard office and document-development software.

Nice To Haves

• 3 -5 years of senior-level policy experience in behavioral health, healthcare, or public policy.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Proven ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and effectively.
• Experience working across agencies and with external stakeholders.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and executive presence.
• Experience with public-sector healthcare financing and insurance systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Policy Leadership Conduct comprehensive policy analysis and environmental scanning at the federal, state, and local levels to inform executive decision-making.
• Evaluate policy trends, legislative developments, and best practices to assess alignment with agency priorities and emerging system needs.
• Develop policy recommendations, impact assessments, and strategic guidance for senior and executive leadership.
• Advise leadership and stakeholders on current and proposed policy initiatives affecting behavioral health systems, workforce development, and service delivery.
• Executive & Stakeholder Engagement Represent the office in high-level collaborations with internal divisions, state agencies, advocacy organizations, boards, and external partners.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships that support coordinated policy development and implementation.
• Contribute or participate in interagency discussions related to behavioral health policy, regulation, and financing.
• Respond to complex and sensitive inquiries from government officials, partners, and the public.
• Policy Implementation & Oversight Support the execution of policy initiatives through structured planning, including timelines, work plans, risk assessment, and evaluation strategies.
• Oversee or conduct surveys, data analysis, and evaluations to assess policy effectiveness and system impact.
• Interpret legislative and regulatory requirements and communicate implications clearly to leadership and stakeholders.
• Support the development of administrative rules and formal policy documentation, as needed.
• Health Policy & Financing Strategy Provide subject-matter expertise on public health and behavioral health financing structures, including Medicaid and other public coverage programs.
• Analyze regulatory frameworks and coverage authorities impacting behavioral health services.
• Contribute to fiscal modeling and funding strategies aligned with agency priorities.
• Apply knowledge of reimbursement methodologies, benefit design, and healthcare coding concepts to inform policy development.
• Communications & Thought Leadership Author executive-level policy briefs, reports, legislative summaries, position papers, and impact statements.
• Prepare materials for publication and public communication, including policy messaging and press-related content.
• Deliver presentations and briefings to executive leadership, policymakers, stakeholders, and public audiences.
• Translate complex policy concepts into clear, actionable information for diverse audiences.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed