Health Policy Specialist II

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Frankfort, KY

8d•$47,531 - $71,298•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity to help improve access to healthcare throughout Kentucky within the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH). The Primary Care Office (PCO), within the Health Care Access Branch, is seeking a highly qualified Health Policy Specialist II to support statewide efforts to identify healthcare workforce shortages and improve access to care. This position performs health policy and workforce research, data analysis, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, and technical assistance related to Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designations and other initiatives of the PCO. The position works with healthcare organizations, government agencies, community partners, and federal partners and plays an important role in supporting programs and strategies designed to strengthen Kentucky's healthcare workforce. DPH has the ability to be competitive with compensation.

Requirements

Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to analyze complex data and apply program or policy requirements.
Ability to interpret policies, regulations, guidelines, and technical requirements and communicate complex information clearly to a variety of audiences.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with colleagues, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and community partners.
Experience working with data, spreadsheets, databases, or other analytical tools.
Experience with geographic information system (GIS) software or the ability and willingness to develop GIS skills.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
Four years of professional experience in managed health care, Medicaid, Medicare, health insurance claims/systems, health care research, health care planning, health care policy development, health care administration, public health, or population health.
Graduate work in planning, public health, public administration, health administration, business administration, or a related field will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis up to two years.
Professional experience in the preparation of health care reports, health care audits, health data tables, or development and implementation of health plans will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

Interest in healthcare workforce, health policy, public health, or improving access to healthcare in underserved communities.

Responsibilities

Analyze healthcare workforce, demographic, geographic, and other data to prepare and support HPSA designation applications for primary care, mental health, and dental health.
Interpret and apply federal HPSA designation policies, criteria, and methodology. Evaluate data and potential designation options to determine whether geographic areas and populations meet federal shortage designation requirements.
Develop, maintain, and update geographic information system (GIS) maps and related data used for shortage designation activities, healthcare workforce analysis, planning, and other PCO initiatives.
Research and analyze healthcare workforce, population, and access-to-care data to identify needs, support statewide workforce planning and assessments, and inform policies and strategies to improve healthcare access throughout Kentucky.
Serve as a subject matter resource and provide technical assistance regarding HPSA designations, healthcare workforce shortages, and related PCO programs to healthcare organizations, government officials, agency leadership, community partners, and the public.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to gather and evaluate data, support healthcare workforce initiatives, and fulfill requirements of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Primary Care Office cooperative agreement.