Children and Youth Behavioral Health Policy Analyst (Operations & Policy Analyst 3)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, vision, and dental

Paid time off

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

State of Oregon seeks a Children and Youth Behavioral Health Policy Analyst to lead Medicaid behavioral health policy for children and youth, conducting complex policy analysis and guiding program operations. The role advises senior leadership on strategic direction and influences PA/CON processes across high-acuity service areas, ensuring quality and accountability.

The position emphasizes equity, data-driven improvement, and collaboration with diverse communities to promote access and service

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills.
• Four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.
• Or seven years of experience in lieu of the degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, interpretation, and implementation of Medicaid behavioral health policy for children and youth.
• Direct program operations and advise senior leadership on strategic direction.
• Provide policy leadership across high-acuity service areas and related PA/CON processes.

Skills

Policy development

Policy implementation

Health equity

Health services

Legislative processes

Regulatory processes

Interagency collaboration

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree (listed fields)

Job description

Children and Youth Behavioral Health Policy Analyst (Operations & Policy Analyst 3)

The Medicaid Behavioral Health Policy unit writes administrative rules (OAR), directs coverage policy, provider enrollment and provider billing policy, issues guidance, leads rate setting and provides subject matter expertise and FFS program leadership within OHP.

The primary purpose of this position is to lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of Medicaid behavioral health policy for children and youth by conducting complex policy analysis, directing program operations, and advising senior leadership on strategic direction. The role provides specialized policy leadership across high-acuity service areas such as Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs), residential and subacute programs, Oregon State Hospital (OSH) transitions, and the associated prior authorization (PA) and certificate of need (CON) processes.

The position ensures the quality, compliance, and performance oversight of children and youth behavioral health programs by evaluating Medicaid data, identifying operational risks, monitoring system outcomes, and determining improvement strategies that promote access, accountability, and service integrity. Additionally, the position serves as a key technical advisor on Medicaid policy, billing and related system adjustments, authorization processes, provider enrollment, and regulatory expectation. This position will factor in the perspectives of diverse populations most harmed by social injustice and inequities including communities of color, immigrant groups, the disability and neurodivergent communities, veterans, older adults, individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ and other communities that have been traditionally marginalized.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications must be reflected in your application for consideration.

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.
• OR; Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.

Desired Attributes: The following are desired attributes that we have identified as key to success for this role at OHA. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you have any of these, please let us know in your application.

• Experience developing and implementing policies and programs at the community, state, and/or national level that advance health equity (address systemic health disparities, expand culturally responsive and inclusive services, factors in social determinants of health) and elevate the voice of community and those with lived experience.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with health services delivery systems, particularly the Oregon Health Plan/ Medicaid administration in Oregon.
• Experience with legislative and regulatory processes; experience analyzing, applying and advising on relevant federal and state Medicaid laws and regulations as well as legislative concepts/bills; specific knowledge of Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon Revised Statutes is valued.
• Demonstrated ability to foster inter-and cross-agency collaboration and to facilitate coordination of community centered policies, programs, and continuous (performance / quality / process) improvement strategies.
• Experience expertly evaluating and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data to analyze and measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of administrative and technical programs within the context of health policy / healthcare services.
• Strong oral and written communication skills across a variety of forums and diverse audiences; with experience presenting and articulating the value and relevance of research and evaluation data to facilitate quality assurance, strategic planning, and decision-making.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including ability to effectively manage multiple project timelines and priorities and promote human-centered change management.

About the Team & Benefits of Joining

We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from.

If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Additional Details

• This announcement is for one, full-time, permanent, SEIU represented, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Policy Analyst (Operations & Policy Analyst 3) position based in Salem, Oregon.
• This is a hybrid (10% in-office) position.
• Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check and a driving records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information, see the Classification and Compensation page.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.
• This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position.
• We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

Accommodation Requests (ADA): OHA provides reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which may include alternative formats of materials or language support. If you need an accommodation to apply for this position or participate in the selection process, please contact the recruiter listed above.

The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation. And does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position.

OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.