Senior Planner

maine; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Augusta is seeking a Senior Planner for the MaineCare program to expand understanding of policy development and statewide implementation. You will work with MaineCare leadership and staff to translate federal and state requirements into practical operations.

The role offers collaboration with program leadership, contribution to policy improvements, and the opportunity to impact MaineCare policy development and translation into services.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in assigned area and four years of related work experience.
• Experience with public assistance programs and MaineCare is highly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; team-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze federal and state statutes, regulations, and guidance.
• Identify program priorities and support policy changes and rulemaking.
• Develop policy recommendations and support compliance efforts.
• Maintain resources related to federal guidance and regulatory changes.

Skills

Statute analysis

Policy & rule interpretation

Stakeholder communication

Data interpretation

MaineCare systems

Interdepartmental collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ACES

MyMaineConnection

SIEBEL

ebtEDGE

DocuWare

Calabrio

Pinpoint

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State's career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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.

Tasks may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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 dedicate