Job Description
Department Overview:
The Policy Analyst has strong research and writing skills, presentation experience, and project management capabilities. This individual is able to contextualize findings from policy research and analysis and help clients adapt and identify policy interventions. The Policy Analyst works well in a team-oriented environment that builds collaborative work products with other team members, and is willing to revise and iterate work products to address the policy and pragmatic circumstances facing the Center’s clients. Experience working with or in government-administered health and or human service program administration, policy design or analysis, or research is required.Required Qualifications:
The Center for Evidence-based Policy’s mission is to address policy challenges with evidence and collaboration, and it excels in partnerships that develop policy solutions and improve health. The Center primarily works with state governments focused on health policy, decision-making, and program administration. The Center actively seeks partners who share its commitment to evidence, integrity, innovation, tangible results, and products that are independent, high-quality, and effective in meeting the needs of decision makers. The Center is diverse in people and ideas and actively recruits and retains the highest quality personnel who are committed and passionate about achieving its mission. The Center promotes leadership that inspires innovation, motivates people to perform at their highest levels, and makes the Center a great place to work.
Function/Duties of Position:
The Policy Analyst conducts expert-level policy research and analysis, including: complex analyses of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies; analysis of cost implications of policies or interventions being considered; comparison of private and public health care payer policies and clinical coverage criteria; assessment of published studies and grey literature; appraisal of case studies and program evaluations; review and evaluation of health plan proposals, including those addressing social determinants of health (SDH); development of interview guides and conduct of structured interviews with state officials and other subject matter experts. The Policy Analyst may also conduct analysis of Medicaid utilization or other survey-based data such as performance and quality measures. The Policy Analyst synthesizes information into a wide array of written products, including reports, issue briefs, and technical assistance tools, and presents findings from research to state government staff through presentations at conferences and on webinars.
The Policy Analyst also provides technical assistance to local, state, and national organizations, which may include planning and facilitating group processes (including strategic planning), coaching clients on implementing evidence-based policies, and assisting with organizational and system change efforts, facilitating performance measurement and quality improvement, developing materials and tools, such as manuals to help states in systematically identifying, appraising and using relevant research, and delivering presentations both in person and via webinar. As with all Center staff, the Policy Analyst maintains excellent relationships with all clients and participates in new business development.
The Policy Analyst has strong research and writing skills, presentation experience, and project management capabilities. This individual is able to contextualize findings from policy research and analysis and help clients adapt and identify policy interventions. The Policy Analyst works well in a team-oriented environment that builds collaborative work products with other team members, and is willing to revise and iterate work products to address the policy and pragmatic circumstances facing the Center’s clients. Experience working with or in government-administered health and or human service program administration, policy design or analysis, or research is required.
- Master’s degree in public policy, economics, social sciences, or other relevant field of study, or a combination of education and equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in health care or public program policy analysis.
- Two years’ experience managing complex or high profile programs or projects. Strong skills in research, analysis, writing and presentation.
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Strong research skills, including: research, critical appraisal, and analysis of state and federal laws, policies, healthcare guidelines, medical and coverage decisions, peer-reviewed research, grey literature, and other evidence reports.
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Experience and understanding of Medicaid, managed care, service and delivery system innovations, federal and state health policy, and health reform efforts.
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Clear and effective writing and presentation style, including the ability to express ideas, thoughts and concepts clearly and concisely in a non-academic, public-sector setting.
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Demonstrated ability to translate complex information into digestible and actionable written report products, oral presentations, and other instruments.
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Ability to think strategically, iteratively, and creatively, adjust to changing circumstances, remain attentive to details and identify resources for projects.
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Approach research, written products, and presentations with a non-partisan perspective.
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Ability to exercise discretion when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature, and to maintain confidentiality at all times.
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Ability to deliver presentations for large and diverse audiences, both in person and using webinar and conference call technologies.
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Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
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Demonstrated time and project-management skills, including an ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
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Excellent grammatical skills, including ability to write in defined styles and adhere to style guidelines.
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Excellent ability to respond constructively to written and other product review, edits, and comments.
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Proficiency in MS Office applications (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
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Experience working with a citation management software application (e.g., EndNote).
- Relevant work experience in Medicaid administration, state government, health policy, or other public sector setting strongly preferred.
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Experience conducting and evaluating claims analyses, cost-benefit-analyses, cost-effectiveness analyses, program evaluations, or economic analyses.
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Experience managing programs including contracting, creating and managing budgets, customer relations and supervising staff.
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Experience designing, implementing, or evaluating alternative payment models in healthcare.
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Knowledge of Medicaid pharmacy policy, including relevant federal laws and regulations.
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Experience being highly accountable to external customers, public officials, and diverse stakeholders preferred.
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Experience working with a diverse array of clients, including policy makers, practitioners and agency leaders.
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Background in medical coding practices and national quality measures.