Policy Specialist, Senior Level/Policy Analyst* (Job #492836)
Aging and Disability Studies

Overview

The Hilltop Institute at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is seeking a Policy Specialist, Senior Level or Policy Analyst to join its Aging and Disability Studies team. Hilltop conducts research and policy analysis to support health care financing and delivery system reform in Maryland and other states. With access to an extensive onsite data repository that includes Medicaid and Medicare administrative data, hospital discharge data, nursing home assessment data, and all-payer claims data, Hilltop conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform health care payment, program design, monitoring, and evaluation. Widely recognized for its expertise in Medicaid, Hilltop is at the forefront of national efforts to find data-driven solutions to complex problems facing state policymakers as publicly funded health care systems transition to new models that reward quality and value over volume. Hilltop’s Aging and Disability Studies team works with the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland Health Care Commission, and the Developmental Disabilities Administration to develop new Medicaid delivery and financing models for people with chronic conditions and disabilities and has been assisting the state with long-term services and supports (LTSS) reform.

Hilltop seeks professionals with a keen interest in federal and state health policy, outstanding quantitative skills, and a passion for advancing the health and wellbeing of people and communities.

Responsibilities

The Policy Specialist, Senior Level/Policy Analyst will be responsible for carrying out research, policy, and statistical analysis related to LTSS for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Specific duties include:

• Conceptualizing and/or managing quantitative and qualitative research in aging and disabilities
• Analyzing large data sets (e.g., Medicaid and Medicare administrative data, nursing home assessment data, and/or data from the LTSSMaryland reporting system) using SAS or other statistical packages
• Collaborating with Maryland and other states on LTSS system reform and implementation of the Affordable Care Act
• Budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting for Medicaid and other publicly funded programs
• Coordinating or assisting with multi-disciplinary project teams that may include SAS programmers, policy analysts, and other researchers
• Conducting qualitative analyses, such as research on programs in other states, surveys, and stakeholder interviews
• Preparing reports, memoranda, meeting minutes, literature reviews, issue briefs, presentations, and/or articles for peer-reviewed journals
• Making presentations to public and professional audiences
• Participating in internal and external meetings
• Performing other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Policy Specialist, Senior Level

Requires a master’s degree with course work in public policy/administration, economics, research methods, gerontology, public health, or a related field. (Note: A bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in public policy/administration, economics, research methods, gerontology, public health, or a related field may be substituted for the master’s degree and required experience.) Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and have strong analytical and effective communications skills (both verbal and written).

Policy Analyst

Requires a master’s degree with course work in public policy/administration, economics, research methods, gerontology, public health, or a related field, and one year of relevant experience (Note: A bachelor’s degree with course work in public policy/administration, economics, research methods, gerontology, public health, or a related field and three years of experience with exposure to health services research, public health administration, and/or policy analysis may be substituted for the master’s degree and required experience). Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and have strong analytical and effective communications skills (both verbal and written).

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following professional and interpersonal competencies: experience with SAS and/or SQL software; background in research, evaluation methodology, and projects involving large data sets; knowledge of publicly funded health insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid; research interest and/or experience in aging and disabilities; financial or governmental budgeting experience; ability to set priorities, lead project teams, effectively allocate resources, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and complete projects on time and within budget; well-honed problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing to diverse audiences; the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and be flexible in a fast-paced environment; and excellent interpersonal skills.

Personnel Status

Exempt, full-time, Grant-funded (Note: This position is grant-funded, wherein employment is contingent upon the renewal of the grant). Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is full-time, offers excellent opportunity for professional growth, and includes the full university benefits package including tuition remission for qualified candidates.

Application

For best consideration, send a cover letter (indicating Job #492836), resume, and the contact information for three professional references by January 31, 2019 (resumes will be accepted until the position is filled) to:

Aging and Disability Policy Specialist, Senior Level/Policy Analyst Search Committee
The Hilltop Institute at UMBC
Sondheim Hall, 3rd Floor
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250

You may apply electronically at
Hilltop (MS Word/PDF attachments required)* or UMBC.

* If submitting materials electronically, the cover letter should be included in a separate attachment.

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

UMBC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Please visit our web page at http://www.umbc.edu/hr for additional employment opportunities.

January 11, 2019