AHCCCS

Address: Division of Public Policy & Strategic Planning (DPPSP)
150 N. 18th Ave., Phoenix, Az 85007

Must Reside in Arizona.

Salary: $70,000 - $85,000

Grade: 24

FLSA Status: Exempt

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the agency’s business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. However, you will be required to attend meetings when necessary.

The Division of Public Policy & Strategic Planning (DPPSP) is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Federal Relations Specialist. 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.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• 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.

Knowledge of:
• Medicaid programs and systems as well as general healthcare policy, and government programs and concepts
• Regulatory requirements of CHIP program and related regulatory framework
• Federal and State laws and regulations related to Medicaid and other Federal and State health programs, including 1115 Waivers and the State Plan
• Legislative and Administrative processes related to Federal and State health programs
• Principles related to health policy research
• Operational dependencies within AHCCCS and between AHCCCS and other agencies
• Policy levers for addressing health related social needs (HRSN)

Skills in:
• 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
• Conceptualize new health policy proposals and develop recommendations
• Propose solutions to complex policy issues
• Advanced interpersonal abilities including excellent relationship development, management, teamwork and oral and written communication skills
• Summarize and analyze complex health policy, laws, and regulations.
• Monitor and interpret federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Prepare presentations that contain complex information in a manner that can be easily understood by intended audience, and deliver to large or small groups

Minimum:
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
• 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. Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here.
• 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

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
• Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
• Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
• Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).

Deferred Retirement Compensation Program
• Voluntary participation.
• Program administered through Nationwide.
• Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing careers@azahcccs.gov.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.