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The Hilltop Institute 

The Hilltop Institute conducts research and policy analysis to support health care financing and delivery system reform in Maryland and other states. With access to an extensive onsite data repository that includes Medicaid and Medicare administrative data, hospital discharge data, nursing home assessment data, and all-payer claims data, Hilltop conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform health care payment, program design, monitoring, and evaluation.

The Hilltop Institute at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is seeking a Policy Specialist or Policy Analyst to join its Aging & Disabilities Studies team. Hilltop conducts research and policy analysis to support health care financing and delivery system reform in Maryland and other states. With access to an extensive onsite data repository that includes Medicaid and Medicare administrative data, hospital discharge data, nursing home assessment data, and all-payer claims data, Hilltop conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform health care payment, program design, monitoring, and evaluation. Widely recognized for its expertise in Medicaid, Hilltop is at the forefront of national efforts to find data-driven solutions to complex problems facing state policymakers as publicly funded health care systems transition to new models that reward quality and value over volume.

Hilltop’s Aging & Disability Studies team works with the Medicaid program and the Developmental Disabilities Administration within the Maryland Department of Health as well as other state agencies to improve access to long-term services and supports (LTSS) and advance new service delivery and financing models for older adults and people with chronic conditions and disabilities. The team also conducts aging and disability research in collaboration with faculty at UMBC and other institutions.

Hilltop seeks professionals with exceptional quantitative research skills, a keen interest in federal and state health policy, and a passion for advancing the health and wellbeing of people and communities through research and analysis.

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $50,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

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For 15 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For! 

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

The Policy Specialist/Policy Analyst will be responsible for supporting quantitative research and data analytics related to aging and disability and the delivery and financing of LTSS. As a member of the Hilltop Aging & Disabilities Studies team, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• For Maryland Medicaid and other state agency clients, conducting statistical analysis, modeling, and advanced analytics using large data sets, including performing data linkages at the individual level (e.g., Medicaid and Medicare administrative data, nursing home assessment data, and/or data from the LTSSMaryland reporting system)
• Developing and producing operational reports for Maryland Medicaid on program enrollment, provider participation, service utilization and costs, and quality measures
• Assisting in the development of the Medicaid provider general ledger cost reporting template and related rate setting tasks. Assists with the development of online surveys and data collection tools, data collection, data review, and data aggregation.
• Coordinating or assisting with multi-disciplinary project teams that may include SAS programmers, policy analysts, project management specialists, and other researchers
• Conducting qualitative analyses, such as research and literature searches on programs in other states, surveys, and stakeholder interviews
• Preparing reports, memoranda, and meeting minutes; contributing to issue briefs, presentations, and/or articles for peer-reviewed journals
• Making presentations to public and professional audiences
• Participating in internal and external meetings
• Performing other duties as assigned

Policy Specialist

Requires a master’s degree with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, or a related discipline. A bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, statistical methods, or a related field may be substituted for the master’s degree. Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and have strong analytical and communications skills (both verbal and written).

Policy Analyst

Requires a master’s degree with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, or a related discipline, and one year of relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, research methods, gerontology, or a related discipline and three years of experience with exposure to health services research, public health administration, and/or policy analysis may be substituted for the master’s degree and required experience. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and have strong analytical and communications skills (both verbal and written).

The ideal candidate will possess the following professional and interpersonal competencies: a strong interest in conducting research with large data sets; experience with SAS or other statistical software packages; experience with Tableau® or other data visualization packages; a knowledge of publicly funded health insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid; knowledge of the Affordable Care Act; interest and/or experience in aging and disability; well-honed problem solving skills; demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing to diverse audiences; the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and be flexible in a fast-paced environment; and excellent interpersonal skills.

A background check will be required. 

Upload a cover letter and a resume.  

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Salary: $50,000 - $80,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Grant Funded

This position is Grant Funded, wherein employment is contingent upon award renewal.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.