Health Policy Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Department ofHealth and Human Services (DHHS)

Comprehensive Health Planner II

Opening Date:August 21, 2026

Closing Date:September 3, 2026

Job Class Code:5050

Grade:26 (Pro. & Tech. Svcs.)

Salary:$56,264.00 - $78,998.40 per year

Position Number:02031-2283

Location:Augusta

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities:

The Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) is hiring for a Behavioral Health Services Policy Writer. This Policy Writer will primarily focus on sections of the MaineCare Benefits Manual related to outpatient, home and community-based, residential, and inpatient behavioral health services, case management services, and health home services.

Policy Writers aim to meet the needs of MaineCare members, health care providers, and DHHS by drafting, proposing, and implementing policies that define the health care services MaineCare covers, the requirements providers must follow to deliver the services, and how MaineCare reimburses for those services. Policy Writers play a pivotal role throughout the life cycle of making policy changes by identifying necessary changes, facilitating change implementation, and participating in or leading service model design, rate studies, and stakeholder engagement. Policy Writers work independently and collaboratively with diverse internal and external partners, research federal and state laws and regulations, and become experts in Medicaid policy, best practices, and program monitoring and implementation. Policy Writers use effective communication, including strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills in all aspects of MaineCare policy work.

The Policy Writer will:

Develop expertise in their assigned MaineCare covered services, including qualified providers, best practices, how payments are made, reimbursement methodology, and compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

Initiate formal MaineCare policy rulemaking through the MAPA process by, including but not limited to:

Draft new rules and/or changes to existing rules, working with various internal and external partners.

Facilitate public hearings and respond to public comments on proposed rules.

Work collaboratively with internal teams and other state offices and with a wide variety of third parties including members, providers, and advocates.

Think critically and strategically to address complex health policy issues and manage multiple priorities at once.

Research healthcare best practice, state statute, and federal regulations effectively to inform policy development.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor's Degree in Public/Community Health, Health Administration, Health Sciences or Health Education; Public Administration, Government, Social Work, or a closely related field and three (3) years professional experience in the planning, development, coordination and/or evaluation of health programs or services -OR- an equivalent seven (7) year combination of education, training, and experience.

Preference will be given to candidates with professional experience researching, interpreting, and writing policy at the program, local, state, or federal level.

Preferred experience includes:

Experience with and knowledge of the Medicaid program 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.

The background of well-qualified candidates must demonstrate the following competencies:

1.Experience with the analysis, development, interpretation and/or implementation of policy and programs.

2.Knowledge of health care benefit programs (e.g. MaineCare, other state Medicaid, or private insurance coverage) and relevant issues facing the health care field and health care consumers.

3.Strong analytic and problem-solving skills.

4.Knowledge of Medicaid policy, including but not limited to, coverage, reimbursement, eligibility, and/or systems.

5.Demonstrated writing, editing and proofreading skills, including the ability to simplify and summarize technical language and complex subject matter in a concise manner and in alignment with plain language principles.

6.The ability and motivation to effectively manage multiple long- and short-term projects with diverse stakeholder groups.

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Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) within DHHS administers the state's Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health insurance coverage for low-income Mainers so they can access the health care services they need to work, care for family, go to school, and participate in the community. OMS works collaboratively with other State agencies, the Legislature, the Office of the Governor, MaineCare members, health care providers, and other health care purchasers on statewide healthcare improvement initiatives. OMS is committed to advancing health equity efforts to improve access to care and positive health outcomes for all low-income Mainers. OMS provides benefit coverage and support services in alignment with Department goals, federal requirements, and State statutes. OMS also provides oversight necessary to ensure accountability and efficient and effective administration of the state's Medicaid program.

The Policy Division is responsible for the development of policies and programs that provide eligible Maine residents with access to comprehensive, affordable, evidence-based health care services. The unit has primary responsibility for planning, writing, and promulgating administrative rules related to MaineCare covered services through formal rulemaking consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act (MAPA).

Application Information:

For questions about this position, please contact Henry Eckerson at 207-624-4045.

Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit- Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit- Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.
• Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan- The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including non-birthing and adoptive parents-receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation - Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated foranything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.