Health Policy Analyst

University of Massachusetts Medical School; Westborough (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Medical School seeks a Policy Analyst to support policy analysis, data collection, and research on health care and human services. You will collect data from federal, state and other sources, review literature, and synthesize findings for reports and presentations.

The role requires strong writing and communication skills, ability to work independently, and a track record of organizing data and meeting project milestones.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. public policy, law, public health, health economics, public or business administration with a concentration in health care).
• One year of related work experience or internships/research assistant roles requiring analysis, writing or research.
• Excellent quantitative and qualitative policy research and analytical skills.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to learn new issues quickly and work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to organize data and maintain data quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform policy and data analyses of health care and human services topics.
• Prepare written summaries and reports and provide input to materials for internal/external distribution.
• Obtain data from federal/state agencies, insurers, providers, journals and other sources.
• Organize data by constructing databases and spreadsheets and qualitative information.
• Assist in identifying data sources relevant to analytic projects.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Policy analysis

Writing

Quantitative and qualitative analysis

Oral communication

Independent initiative

Data organization

Education

Master’s degree in public policy / health policy

Tools

Spreadsheets

Database management

Word processing

Presentation software

Job description

Overview

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under the general direction of an Associate, Senior Associate or Principal, or designee the Policy Analyst is responsible for supporting the policy analysis, writing and research activities by identifying, obtaining, organizing and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, reviewing academic and professional literature, and gathering information from multiple sources on the costs, utilization, quality and access to health care and human services.

Responsibilities

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform policy and data analyses of health care and human services topics and issues, which will typically require an understanding of the project’s goals, the policy context, and the ability to combine and synthesize data and information from multiple sources. May assist with complex analyses.
• Prepare written summaries and reports of policy and data analyses and provide input to written reports and other materials in easily understood formats for both internal and external distribution. Prepare charts, graphs, tables, and presentations. May draft written reports.
• Obtain data and information from a wide variety of sources, including federal agencies, state agencies, insurers, health care providers, human services providers, academic and professional journals, professional organizations, foundations, news outlets, blogs, consulting project clients and consulting project partners.
• Assess the quality of the data obtained by analyzing the data for missing data and/or inconsistencies and, as needed, assist with the development and implementation of methods to improve the quality of the data by obtaining missing values, resolving inconsistencies or excluding selected data from analyses.
• Organize data by constructing databases and spreadsheets and organize qualitative information in a manner that facilitates its use for policy analysis.
• Assist in identifying sources of data and information relevant to specific analytic projects on health care and human services topics and issues.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. public policy, law, public health, health economics, public or business administration with a concentration in health care); or equivalent.
• One (1) year of related work experience. Required work experience may include internships or research assistant roles requiring analysis, writing or research.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thoughtful and accurate analysis, research and writing in a relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to produce thorough, accurate results and to meet project milestones and deadlines.
• Excellent quantitative and qualitative policy research and analytical skills.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills as demonstrated in writing sample and past analytical work.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Ability to learn new issues quickly.
• Ability to take initiative on assignments and work independently.
• Demonstrated expertise in computer based tools, including spreadsheets, database management, work processing, and presentation software.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with others at all levels of responsibility

Additional Information

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the Massachusetts health care system and current health care policy issues.
• Knowledge of federal and state legislative, regulatory and policymaking processes.
• Knowledge of health care payment methods.
• Experience coordinating and facilitating large meetings, including preparing presentation materials
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including health plan officials and health care consumers
• Experience working on policies that impact people with disabilities and/or knowledge of Long-Term Services and Supports and Community based services
• Experience working with correctional or law enforcement agencies
• Experience developing and implementing strategies for justice involved populations
• Excellence in work performance, as evidenced by letters of reference or awards for performance or similar indicators.