"Policy Specialist/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.

Position Overview: The Hilltop Institute at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is seeking a Policy Specialist or Policy Analyst to join its Health Reform 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 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.

Why Work at UMBC? UMBC offers competitive compensation. The Policy Specialist role starts at $50,000; the Policy Analyst starts at $68,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

Telework: A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Responsibilities: The Policy Specialist/Policy Analyst will be responsible for assisting with qualitative and quantitative research, policy, and data analytics related to Medicaid, CHIP, and other health regulatory agencies to improve the health and wellbeing of people and communities. Specific duties include assisting with data analyses, performing data entry, conducting literature reviews, coordinating surveys and other primary data collection, participating in project meetings, drafting meeting minutes, assisting with reports and presentations, and other duties as assigned. As a member of the Hilltop Health Reform Studies team, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: Assisting with various Health Services Cost Review Commission contracts, including community benefit and debt collection and financial assistance reporting; Assisting with Maryland Department of Health scope of work deliverables including but not limited to the annual HealthChoice evaluation, routine and ad hoc reports, chartbooks, and legislative reports; Assisting with duties under the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange contract, including performing meeting minutes; Assisting with ad hoc data analyses and projects; Performing administrative duties, including documenting and filing monthly contract deliverables; Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Policy Specialist requires a PhD, MA, or BA with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, research methods, or a related discipline. Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and have strong analytical and communications skills (both verbal and written). Policy Analyst requires a PhD and/or a master’s degree with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, or a related discipline. (Note: A bachelor's degree with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, research methods, or a related discipline and three years of experience with exposure to health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, research methods, or a related discipline may be substituted for a master’s degree and one year of experience. A PhD with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, research methods, or a related discipline requires no experience). Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and have strong analytical and communications skills (both verbal and written).

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess the required experience and the following professional and interpersonal competencies: 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; 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; Ability to work independently and in multi-disciplinary teams and be flexible in a fast-paced environment; Excellent interpersonal skills.

Background Screening Statement: A background check will be required.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Upload a cover letter and a resume.

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Benefits: UMBC offers a rich benefits package. Regular and grant funded regular positions: 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: Policy Specialist - $50,000 to $63,000; Policy Analyst - $68,000 to $80,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Hours: Full-time

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

FLSA Status: Exempt

Equal Opportunity Statement: UMBC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Title IX: As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex.

Accommodation: 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.

Work Authorization: As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

About University of Maryland, Baltimore County: UMBC is a dynamic public research university integrating teaching, research and service to benefit the citizens of Maryland. As an Honors University, the campus offers academically talented students a strong undergraduate liberal arts foundation that prepares them for graduate and professional study, entry into the workforce, and community service and leadership. UMBC emphasizes science, engineering, information technology, human services and public policy at the graduate level. UMBC contributes to the economic development of the State and the region through entrepreneurial initiatives, workforce training, K-16 partnerships, and technology commercialization in collaboration with public agencies and the corporate community. UMBC is dedicated to cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility and lifelong learning. The Hilltop Institute