MaineCare Behavioral Health Services Policy Writer

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

7d•$58,802 - $82,555•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) within the Department of Health and Human Services is hiring a Behavioral Health Services Policy Writer. The role primarily focuses on MaineCare Benefits Manual sections covering outpatient, home and community-based, residential, and inpatient behavioral health services, as well as case management and health home services. The Policy Writer drafts, proposes, and implements policies that define covered health care services, provider requirements, and reimbursement. The role contributes throughout the policy-change lifecycle by identifying needed changes, facilitating implementation, and participating in or leading service-model design, rate studies, and stakeholder engagement. The Policy Writer works independently and collaboratively with internal and external partners, researches federal and state laws and regulations, and develops expertise in Medicaid policy, best practices, program monitoring, and implementation. The position involves initiating formal MaineCare rulemaking through the Maine Administrative Procedure Act (MAPA), drafting new or revised rules, facilitating public hearings, and responding to public comments. The Policy Writer works with state offices and diverse stakeholders, including members, providers, and advocates, and applies strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills to complex health policy issues and multiple priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public/Community Health, Health Administration, Health Sciences or Health Education; Public Administration, Government, Social Work, or a closely related field, plus three years of professional experience in planning, developing, coordinating, and/or evaluating health programs or services; or an equivalent seven-year combination of education, training, and experience.
Experience analyzing, developing, interpreting, and/or implementing policies and programs.
Knowledge of health care benefit programs and relevant issues facing the health care field and consumers.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of Medicaid policy, including coverage, reimbursement, eligibility, and/or systems.
Demonstrated writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including the ability to simplify and summarize technical language and complex subject matter concisely in accordance with plain-language principles.
Ability and motivation to manage multiple long- and short-term projects with diverse stakeholder groups.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience researching, interpreting, and writing policy at the program, local, state, or federal level.
Experience with and knowledge of Medicaid and/or other health and human services programs serving low-income populations.
Lived experience with Medicaid and/or other health-related social needs common to individuals and families receiving Medicaid coverage.
Knowledge of Alternative Payment Models and value-based purchasing.

Responsibilities

Develop expertise in assigned MaineCare covered services, including qualified providers, best practices, payment and reimbursement methodologies, and compliance with applicable state and federal laws.
Initiate formal MaineCare policy rulemaking through the MAPA process.
Draft new rules and changes to existing rules in collaboration with internal and external partners.
Facilitate public hearings and respond to public comments on proposed rules.
Collaborate with internal teams, other state offices, and third parties, including members, providers, and advocates.
Identify necessary policy changes and facilitate their implementation.
Participate in or lead service-model design, rate studies, and stakeholder engagement.
Research health care best practices, state statutes, and federal regulations to inform policy development.
Address complex health policy issues strategically and manage multiple priorities.

Benefits

13 paid holidays and at least three weeks of annual vacation leave, with accrual increasing with service; overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
12 days of sick leave per year.
State-paid 85%–95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage contributions vary.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participation, subject to program requirements.
State-paid 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State retirement contribution equivalent to 14.06% of employee pay to MainePERS.
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
Employee assistance program (Living Resources Program).
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child, including non-birthing and adoptive parents; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.