Research Analyst

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is seeking a Research Analyst for its Health and Human Services Policy and Planning Division (HHSPPD). The position independently performs a full range of tasks in research design and implementation, supporting healthcare benchmark work and policy development. The role evaluates preliminary benchmark data, helps coordinate benchmark processes and stakeholder activities, and researches healthcare quality measures, value-based payment models, and practices to improve quality, affordability, and spending outcomes in Connecticut. The position is full-time, first shift, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, at OPM’s office at 450 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut. The Division works on policies and planning related to healthcare, long-term care services and supports, and human services, and provides research and staff support while monitoring state and national quality, access, and cost issues.

Requirements

Six years of professional experience in research, data analysis, or economics.
Knowledge of research methods and techniques.
Knowledge of statistics.
Interpersonal skills.
Oral and written communication skills.
Ability to analyze data.
Ability to develop programs and use prepackaged computer programs to perform data analysis.
Ability to understand agency-related policies and procedures as they relate to research.
College training may substitute for general experience at 15 semester hours for one-half year of experience, up to a maximum of four years for a bachelor’s degree.
A master’s degree in economics, statistics, or a closely related field may substitute for one additional year of general experience.
Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may substitute for general experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience synthesizing complex information from multiple sources and making data-informed recommendations to advance division initiatives.
Experience developing and conducting data-based research projects.
Experience in health and human services, insurance, or public health-related fields.
Experience explaining complex or technical subject matter to diverse stakeholders.
Experience using software tools for data analysis.
Experience reading and interpreting legislation, regulations, policy proposals, and reports.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience developing graphics, reports, or dashboards to present key findings and information and create data stories.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and analyze preliminary data for healthcare benchmarks, including cost growth, hospital payment growth, quality benchmarks, and the primary care spending target.
Monitor the Healthcare Cost Growth Benchmark Initiative timeline, annual cycle, workplans, and supporting data requests.
Provide general support for the hospital price growth benchmark process, including cost growth performance plans and data requirements.
Coordinate and produce official agency notifications to entities that fail to meet benchmarks.
Manage and process data requests.
Coordinate contacts and scheduling for the healthcare benchmark cycle and related activities.
Support the Healthcare Cost Growth Benchmark Initiative and related stakeholder bodies, ensuring compliance with public meeting requirements such as posting and notices.
Support the development of reports, website content, presentations, and briefing materials for agency leadership and stakeholder meetings.
Assist in developing policies and recommendations based on benchmark findings.
Assess national standards, candidate measures, population health and social determinants of health factors, and recommend updates to Connecticut’s quality benchmark approach.
Initiate collaborations with Connecticut’s Health Information Exchange, insurance carriers, practice groups, and state agencies to improve data accuracy and coordination.
Monitor the accuracy, consistency, completeness, and timeliness of quality submissions and related documents.
Provide general support for clinical quality benchmarks and the Aligned Measure Set.
Research national healthcare quality measures, value-based payment models, and best practices related to healthcare quality, cost growth, primary care spending, and hospital payment growth.
Assist in evaluating the impact of benchmark measures on healthcare quality, equity, and affordability.
Perform related duties to support the HHSPPD team as required.