Provider Relations Payment Error Rate Specialist (PERM)

Department of Health and Human Services; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Health and Human Services in Augusta seeks a Provider Relations Specialist to train providers on the PERM process and reduce billing errors. You will interpret MaineCare policies and guide provider obligations while coordinating with internal and external partners to resolve complex claims issues.

The role requires strong communication, analytical skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver adult training programs to diverse audiences.
• Thorough knowledge of MaineCare provider policies, programs, guidelines, procedures, and processes.
• Ability to interpret MaineCare policies and provide clear guidance to providers.
• Experience with and understanding of claims analysis and billing processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present provider training materials for the PERM process, on-site or virtual.
• Interpret and apply MaineCare policies to guide providers on PERM requirements and billing.
• Collaborate with OMS, DHHS teams and external partners to resolve complex claims issues.
• Represent OMS and DHHS in provider forums and stakeholder meetings to share policy and gather feedback.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

PowerPoint

Excel

Analytical problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent multi-project work

Education

Four-year combination of training and experience in health care administration

Tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Provider Relations Specialist

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Provider Relations Specialist

Opening Date: August 21, 2026 Closing Date: September 3, 2026 Job Class Code: 5011 Grade: 20 (Professional & Technical) Salary: $20.68 – $28.88 per hour Position Number: 20002-5207 Location: Augusta

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities

This position reports to the Provider Services Manager and will focus on a targeted approach to providing the necessary training and education to reduce provider error rates relating to billing and documentation in compliance with H.R.1, Section 71106, for the Payment Error Rate Measurement (PERM) process and ultimately reducing and mitigating any State Medicaid risks of imposed penalties.

The position will also support the PERM Difference Resolution Process, which is the formal mechanism under the Payment Error Rate Measurement (PERM) program that allows states to challenge or clarify findings made by federal review contractors in Medicaid and CHIP audits.

Training will be conducted in person, virtually, and through Statewide forums with a targeted focus on various examples of PERM errors and those providers may experience.

Strengthening these processes is critical to prevent future error rates from surpassing the 3% limit and protecting the state from potential penalties.

The position will also require a working knowledge of MaineCare member eligibility requirements and classifications to support accurate and effective claims analysis.

The individual must be able to manage multiple and evolving priorities in an organized and efficient manner while maintaining composure, professionalism, and sound judgment when addressing challenging situations.

This position will conduct outreach to providers to support the Medicaid Program Integrity Audit by sending communications to request documentation, maintain detailed record of outreaches and discussions, and analyze results of the documentation received.

Regular duties include

• Utilizing strong verbal and written communication skills to develop and present provider training and educational materials on the PERM process. Training may be for individual providers or for groups, both on-site and virtually.
• Interpreting and applying MaineCare policies, with a primary focus on the MaineCare Benefits Manual, and providing clear, accurate, and timely guidance to MaineCare providers to support the PERM audit process. This includes communicating policy requirements, clarifying applicable guidance, and assisting providers in understanding their responsibilities and compliance obligations. The position will ensure that provider communications are consistent with established MaineCare policies and procedures and are presented in a clear and professional manner.
• Collaborating effectively with internal teams across the Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), as well as external vendor partners, to research, analyze, and resolve complex claims issues. This includes working closely with teams responsible for claims processing, policy development and interpretation, utilization management, rate setting, and prior authorization to identify root causes, clarify requirements, and develop appropriate and timely resolutions. The position will also participate in cross-functional workgroups and project teams supporting large-scale initiatives, system changes, policy implementations, and other organizational priorities as needed.
• Representing OMS and the Department by participating in provider forums, stakeholder groups, provider association meetings, and other external meetings to both share policy and billing information and to gather information about policy or billing issues.

Minimum Qualifications

A four (4) year combination of training and experience providing a knowledge of health care administration and community health services.

1. A proven ability to investigate and resolve complex medical insurance claims billing issues, and a thorough knowledge of MaineCare provider policies, programs, guidelines, procedures, and processes or similar knowledge in a commercial health plan environment.
2. A demonstrated ability to develop and deliver adult training programs to diverse audiences, including comfort with Microsoft PowerPoint.
3. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including comfort with Microsoft Excel.
4. Ability to foster collaborative working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
5. Ability to work independently on multiple projects while maintaining progress on daily work.

Preferred experience includes

• Experience with and knowledge of the Medicaid program and/or other health and human services programs serving low-income populations.
• Lived experience with Medicaid and/or other health-related social needs common to individuals and families receiving Medicaid coverage.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Agency information

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) within DHHS administers the state’s Medicaid program, which provides health insurance coverage for low-income families, adults and children so they can access the important health care services they need to be healthy and be a part of the community through work, caring for family, going to school, and more.

OMS works collaboratively within DHHS, with other Departments and the Office of the Governor, with MaineCare members, with providers, and with other health care purchasers on statewide healthcare improvement initiatives.

OMS is committed to advancing health equity efforts to improve access to care and health outcomes for all low-income Mainers.

OMS provides benefit coverage and supports the services that operate in alignment with Department goals, federal mandates and State policy.

OMS also provides oversight necessary to ensure accountability and efficient and effective administration.

The Provider Relations Unit within OMS supports health care providers enrolled with MaineCare by providing education, training, and research on MaineCare policy interpretation, enrollment, claims and billing guidance, and complex claim resolution, with a goal to help MaineCare providers bill appropriately and in compliance with MaineCare policy.

Application Information

For additional information about this position please contact Heidi Brann, at [phone]. To request a paper application, please contact [e-mail].

Why join us

Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

Join Maine State Government and Make a Difference in Your Community If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live.