Senior Planner

Department of Health and Human Services; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Health and Human Services in Augusta seeks a Senior Planner for the MaineCare program to expand knowledge of policy, work with program leadership, and translate requirements into operational practice. The role emphasizes collaboration, solving complex policy issues, and shaping statewide MaineCare operations.

The candidate will interpret federal/state guidance, help implement policy changes, and contribute to program improvements while partnering with OFI leadership and technology

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in assigned area with four years of related work experience, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and a collaborative attitude.
• Knowledge of public assistance programs, OFI, and MaineCare preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing and analyzing federal and state statutes, regulations, and guidance.
• Identify program priorities and support policy changes; assist with rulemaking activities.
• Develop policy recommendations, support program compliance, and maintain regulatory resources.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Policy analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ACES

MyMaineConnection

SIEBEL

ebtEDGE

DocuWare

Calabrio

Pinpoint

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Opening Date: September 9, 2026 Closing Date: September 22, 2026 Job Class Code: 0603 Grade: 25 (Professional & Technical Services) Salary: $54,412.80 – $76,315.20 per year Position Number: 20002-5196 Location: Augusta This position allows for partial telework with management approval. Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities

DHHS' Office for Family Independence is looking for a Senior Planner for the MaineCare program in the Augusta Central office location. This position is ideal for someone who wants to expand their knowledge of MaineCare policy, work directly with program leadership, and contribute to decisions that shape how MaineCare operates statewide. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys understanding MaineCare policy, solving complex problems, and seeing how federal and state requirements are translated into program operations. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain a broader understanding of how MaineCare policy is developed, interpreted, and implemented. The successful candidate will collaborate with MaineCare leadership, contribute to program improvements, and play an important role in ensuring MaineCare policies are effectively translated into operational practice.

• reviewing and analyzing federal and state statutes, regulations, and guidance.
• identifying program priorities, support planning and implementation of policy changes, and assist with rulemaking activities.
• Assist with developing policy recommendations, support program compliance efforts, and maintain internal resources related to federal guidance, technical assistance, and regulatory changes.

Preferred Knowledge and Ability

Knowledge of:

• DHHS MaineCare related systems and interdependencies.
• OFI programs, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• data collection and interpretation methods and techniques.
• current technology systems and applications used for administration of MaineCare eligibility and enrollment.
• training resources, strategies, and best practices.
• public and private healthcare management and administration.
• the State of Maine legislative process and rule‑making requirements and process.
• and ability to use federal and state regulations and statutes governing the design and delivery of the MaineCare Program.
• principles and techniques of administrative management, organizational planning, staffing, training, and evaluation, and monitoring.
• the operations and design of the multitude of OFI technology systems utilized in MaineCare including at a minimum Automated Client Eligibility System (ACES), MyMaineConnection, SIEBEL, ebtEDGE, DocuWare, Calabrio, and Pinpoint.

Ability to:

• establish and maintain effective work relationships with state government agencies and their representatives.
• effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• discuss and explain MaineCare policy, processes and technology with staff, supervisors, OFI leadership, technology partners and other Federal and State agencies and stakeholders.
• explain and communicate program changes to affected staff, clients, and stakeholders.
• request, evaluate and analyze program data and develop recommendations, observations and presentations.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelors Degree in assigned area and four (4) years of related work experience. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• The ideal candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills, a positive attitude, a desire to help people, and a desire to work in a team atmosphere.
• Knowledge of public assistance programs, OFI, and the MaineCare Program is highly preferred.

The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Exceptional communication skills including the ability to work with various segments of the population.
• The ability and experience to thrive in an organization going through significant change and constant evolution.
• Experience that highlights an ability to achieve results.
• The ability to work independently and accomplish goals.

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 Maine residents, 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 for Family Independence (OFI) is responsible for the administration of several programs and services, including MaineCare, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support, and Disability Determinations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Benefits of Working for the State of Maine

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• 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.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

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