Policy Analyst

Department

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. 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.

Position Overview

The Hilltop Institute at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is seeking a Policy Analyst to support the Analytics and Research and Health Reform Studies teams in a grant-funded project that examines Medicaid managed care procurement processes across states, as well as the evolution of managed care rate-setting. Hilltop seeks a highly motivated and organized professional with a keen interest in Medicaid policy, outstanding quantitative skills, and a passion for advancing the health and wellbeing of people and communities. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Directors of Analytics and Research and Health Reform Studies.

Responsibilities

The Policy Analyst will join a multidisciplinary research team examining Medicaid managed care across states, focusing on (1) procurement processes, developing a comprehensive, longitudinal evidence base to inform policy and program improvement and (2) whether managed care today functions as a true risk-bearing model.

• Document collection and review
• Database development and management
• Analytic and project support

Required Minimum Qualifications

Requires a master’s degree in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, political science, or a related discipline, and at least one year of relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree ... and three years of experience ... may be substituted for the master’s degree. Must be proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiar with Medicaid policy; have strong analytical and communications skills (both verbal and written); strong organizational skills and the ability to manage large volumes of documents and data; experience conducting qualitative document review or content analysis; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following professional and interpersonal competencies: familiarity with Medicaid managed care and state procurement processes; prior experience with multi-state research projects; experience developing data sets for research or evaluation purposes; well-honed problem-solving skills; ability to communicate orally and in writing to diverse audiences; ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and be flexible in a fast-paced environment; and excellent interpersonal skills.