Federal Relations Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid agency, is driven by its mission to deliver comprehensive, cost-effective health care to Arizonans in need. AHCCCS is a nationally acclaimed model among Medicaid programs and a recipient of multiple awards for excellence in workplace effectiveness and flexibility. AHCCCS employees are passionate about their work, committed to high performance, and dedicated to serving the citizens of Arizona. Among government agencies, AHCCCS is recognized for high employee engagement and satisfaction, supportive leadership, and flexible work environments, including remote work opportunities. With career paths for seasoned professionals in a variety of fields, entry-level positions, and internship opportunities, AHCCCS offers meaningful career opportunities in a competitive industry. Come join our dynamic and dedicated team. This position will serve a key role in managing Arizona's Section 1115 Research and Demonstration Waiver, serving as the point person for 1115 Waiver evaluations, performing health policy research and sophisticated policy analysis, giving public presentations, and working closely with AHCCCS staff, CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) staff, and other officials and stakeholders. This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Requirements

Knowledge of Medicaid programs and systems as well as general healthcare policy, and government programs and concepts
Knowledge of Regulatory requirements of CHIP program and related regulatory framework
Knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations related to Medicaid and other Federal and State health programs, including 1115 Waivers and the State Plan
Knowledge of Legislative and Administrative processes related to Federal and State health programs
Knowledge of Principles related to health policy research
Knowledge of Operational dependencies within AHCCCS and between AHCCCS and other agencies
Knowledge of Policy levers for addressing health related social needs (HRSN)
Excellent research and analytical skills.
Strong political acumen and sense of discretion
Critical writing and planning skills
Leading cross-divisional teams to accomplish a unified goal
Stakeholder engagement and public speaking.
Project management and advanced problem-solving skills and resolution
Ability to Adapt to a rapidly changing environment and priorities
Ability to Conceptualize new health policy proposals and develop recommendations
Ability to Propose solutions to complex policy issues
Advanced interpersonal abilities including excellent relationship development, management, teamwork and oral and written communication skills
Ability to Summarize and analyze complex health policy, laws, and regulations.
Ability to Monitor and interpret federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance.
Ability to Prepare presentations that contain complex information in a manner that can be easily understood by intended audience, and deliver to large or small groups
In possession of a current, unexpired Arizona Driver's License
Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, public health, social work, political science or related field and three (3) years’ experience related to health care policy, OR four to six years related technical experience and three (3) years' experience related to health care policy.
Successfully pass fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MPH, MPA, MS, etc.) and one (1) year experience with the State and/or Federal government.

Responsibilities

Serve as the point person for 1115 Waiver evaluation including building, maintaining, and managing the evaluation structure for each of the unique demonstrations within the 1115 Waiver.
Ensure goals and objectives within the Waiver are connected to broader initiatives with the agency.
Coordinate and vet activities with the various independent third-party evaluators.
Manage Arizona's 1115 Waiver including, but not limited to, researching and drafting 1115 Waiver proposals; ensuring AHCCCS meets federal public notice and other requirements.
Plan, organize and present at public forums regarding proposed 1115 Waiver changes; and timely submission of federal reporting and 1115 Waiver deliverables to CMS.
Provide updates on evaluation milestones to Executive Management and other key stakeholders.
Prepare administrative reports and presentations for CMS and the public on evaluation results and successes of demonstrations.
Work with the Health Policy & Strategic Planning Consultant to manage and update Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) State Plans as needed, including collaborating on summarizing and synthesizing federal guidance.
Conduct research and analysis on health care policy including federal and state legislation and draft issue papers containing in-depth analysis and recommendations.
Monitor the evolution of other states' Medicaid programs as well as policy developments/trends at the national level and summarize for executive management.
Coordinate policy research/analysis teams and providing a framework for discussion of complex policy issues.
Review CMS guidance, proposed and final rules and work with internal subject matter experts to draft and submit AHCCCS comments.

Benefits

10 paid holidays per year
Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
Other Leaves - Bereavement, civic duty, and military.
A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
A variety of learning and career development opportunities
Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
Deferred Retirement Compensation Program