Title: Federal Relations Specialist

• 530683

• PHOENIX

• AHCCCS

• Full-time

A career in public service awaits you. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

A great benefit of working for the State of Arizona is a fantastic work/life balance. State employees enjoy challenging work, popular remote work options, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and career growth opportunities.

We are searching for someone who has worked with an 1115 waiver or state plan in Arizona or another state. Additionally, if youve worked with CMS before that would be great! If you have experience as a liaison or healthcare consultant with different state agencies or in the Federal Government or similar issues this would be an excellent role for you - Come Work With Us!

What You'll Do:

This position will serve a key role in managing Arizona's Section 1115 Research and Demonstration Waiver, serving as the point person for 1115 Waiver evaluations, performing health policy research and sophisticated policy analysis, giving public presentations, and working closely with AHCCCS staff, CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) staff, and other officials and stakeholders.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Serve as the point person for 1115 Waiver evaluation including building, maintaining, and managing the evaluation structure for each of the unique demonstrations within the 1115 Waiver. Ensure goals and objectives within the Waiver are connected to broader initiatives with the agency. Coordinate and vet activities with the various independent third party evaluators.
* Manage Arizona's 1115 Waiver including, but not limited to, researching and drafting 1115 Waiver proposals; ensuring AHCCCS meets federal public notice and other requirements. Plan, organize and present at public forums regarding proposed 1115 Waiver changes; and timely submission of federal reporting and 1115 Waiver deliverables to CMS.
* Provide updates on evaluation milestones to Executive Management and other key stakeholders. Prepare administrative reports and presentations for CMS and the public on evaluation results and successes of demonstrations.
* Work with the Health Policy & Strategic Planning Consultant to manage and update Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) State Plans as needed, including collaborating on summarizing and synthesizing federal guidance.
* Conduct research and analysis on health care policy including federal and state legislation and draft issue papers containing in-depth analysis and recommendations. Monitor the evolution of other states' Medicaid programs as well as policy developments/trends at the national level and summarize for executive management.
* Coordinate policy research/analysis teams and providing a framework for discussion of complex policy issues. Review CMS guidance, proposed and final rules and work with internal subject matter experts to draft and submit AHCCCS comments.

Knowledge:
* Arizona's Medicaid and CHIP program, federal and state laws and regulations related to Medicaid including 1115 Waivers and State Plan and other federal and state health programs
* Evaluation methods, including establishing hypothesis, designing evaluation protocols and use of data analytics
* Demonstrated knowledge of general health policy principles, concepts and practices
* Principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs and work, risk management and mitigation of risk

Skills:
* Excellent research and analytical skills, ability to conceptualize new health policy proposals and develop recommendations, and ability to propose solutions to complex policy issues
* Evaluation techniques best practices, critical analysis of data
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Interpersonal skills and developing and maintaining professional working relationships as applied to staff, representatives of other governmental agencies and the public
* Project management and advanced problem solving skills and resolution
* Microsoft Office or comparable software program

Abilities:
* Work and project manage multiple external independent vendors who conduct evaluation of different demonstrations with the Waiver and develop a work plan and anticipate all work steps including potential issues
* Advanced interpersonal abilities including excellent relationship development and management skills, teamwork skills, and oral and written communication skills
* Adapt to a rapidly changing environment and priorities, effectively deal with ambiguity
* Prepare presentations that contain complex information in a manner that can be easily understood by intended audience, and deliver to large or small groups

Minimum:
* Three + years of experience related to health care policy, and developing & conducting evaluations.

Preferred:
* Bachelor's degree in a policy or health-related discipline.

* Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.
* Successfully pass fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agencys ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
* Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) AND have an acceptable driving record for the last 39 months including no DUI, suspension or revocations and less than 8 points on your license. If an Out of State Driver License was held within the last 39 months, a copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is required prior to driving for State Business. Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
* 10 paid holidays per year
* Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
* Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
* Other Leaves - Bereavement, civic duty, and military.
* A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
* A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
* Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
* RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
* A variety of learning and career development opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
* Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
* Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
* Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
* Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).

Deferred Retirement Compensation Program
* Voluntary participation.
* Program administered through Nationwide.
* Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing careers@azahcccs.gov.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.