Children and Youth Behavioral Health Policy Analyst

The primary purpose of this position is to lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of Medicaid behavioral health policy for children and youth by conducting complex policy analysis, directing program operations, and advising senior leadership on strategic direction. The role provides specialized policy leadership across high-acuity service areas such as Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs), residential and subacute programs, Oregon State Hospital (OSH) transitions, and the associated prior authorization (PA) and certificate of need (CON) processes.

The position ensures the quality, compliance, and performance oversight of children and youth behavioral health programs by evaluating Medicaid data, identifying operational risks, monitoring system outcomes, and determining improvement strategies that promote access, accountability, and service integrity. Additionally, the position serves as a key technical advisor on Medicaid policy, billing and related system adjustments, authorization processes, provider enrollment, and regulatory expectation.

This announcement is for one, full-time, permanent, SEIU represented, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Policy Analyst (Operations & Policy Analyst 3) position based in Salem, Oregon. This is a hybrid (10% in-office) position.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.

Desired Attributes:

• Experience developing and implementing policies and programs at the community, state, and/or national level that advance health equity (address systemic health disparities, expand culturally responsive and inclusive services, factors in social determinants of health) and elevate the voice of community and those with lived experience.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with health services delivery systems, particularly the Oregon Health Plan/ Medicaid administration in Oregon.
• Experience with legislative and regulatory processes; experience analyzing, applying and advising on relevant federal and state Medicaid laws and regulations as well as legislative concepts/bills; specific knowledge of Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon Revised Statutes is valued.
• Demonstrated ability to foster inter-and cross-agency collaboration and to facilitate coordination of community centered policies, programs, and continuous (performance / quality / process) improvement strategies.
• Experience expertly evaluating and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data to analyze and measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of administrative and technical programs within the context of health policy / healthcare services.
• Strong oral and written communication skills across a variety of forums and diverse audiences; with experience presenting and articulating the value and relevance of research and evaluation data to facilitate quality assurance, strategic planning, and decision-making.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including ability to effectively manage multiple project timelines and priorities and promote human-centered change management.

About the Team & Benefits of Joining

• Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

How to Apply:

Submit your application at oregonjobs.org using job number REQ-207798

Application Deadline: 10/11/2026

Salary Range: $6,276 - $9,644

How to Apply:

Submit your application at oregonjobs.org using job number REQ-207798.

Application Deadline: 10/11/2026