Description

Policy and Market Analyst (MA5/SPI)
71093136
Join our team as a Policy and Market Analyst (Management Analyst 5) and help shape the future of health care in Washington State! In this impactful role, you’ll influence state-wide policies aimed at increasing access, reducing costs, and addressing disparities. Collaborating with the Coverage and Market Strategies Manager, you'll provide strategic insights and recommendations to key initiatives like the Health Care Cost Transparency Board. Enjoy telework flexibility and a comprehensive benefits package as you contribute to innovative health care solutions. If you have a strong background in health care trends and data analysis, we would like to hear from you!


All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes .


About the division:
The Strategy, Policy & Innovation division (SPI) of the Health Care Authority (HCA) is statutorily directed to study all state-purchased health care, alternative health care delivery systems and strategies for the procurement of health services, and to coordinate state agency efforts to develop and implement uniform policies across state purchased health care programs. SPI serves as the focal point for coordinating the agency’s strategy, affordability, and health policy efforts. The division is structured to provide expert direction, consultation, and support for these activities. SPI is responsible for driving policy design, development and implementation of health reform, and health transformation activities and program development and refinements for all programs.


About the position:
The Policy and Market Analyst (Management Analyst 5) leads health care policy development to increase access, reduce costs, and address disparities in Washington State. Reporting to the Cost & Transparency Manager, this role supports key initiatives like the Health Care Cost Transparency Board (Cost Board) and the Cost Board advisory committees. As a subject matter expert, the analyst provides strategic insights into the health care market, synthesizing data to inform policy decisions. The role requires deep expertise in health care trends, delivery systems, health care market research and data analysis, and bridges market knowledge with actionable policy recommendations.


This position is eligible to telework but is required to be on-site in Olympia, WA approximately three to four times a month as business needs demand. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.

Duties

• Provide expert consultation to the Boards and Commissions team and HCA leadership, recommending policy changes with a statewide impact on health care business processes, delivery systems, and health care data.
• Develop, maintain, and present counsel to the Board, Committees, Commission, HCA leadership, executives, and the Boards and Commission team in the Strategy, Policy & Innovation division on the state’s health care market.
• Work closely with the Board and Committee members, as well as unit staff and other HCA staff, to ensure productive and informative meetings that support the Cost Board and its committees’ goals and directives.
• Assist in the strategic and operational design of Board and Commission meetings and projects to ensure that the Board’s objectives are achieved.
• Synthesize feedback and provide recommendations or develop strategies to address identified issues, concerns, or opportunities.
• Understand and interpret key trends in the health care industry related to agency needs to inform policy development and tactical implementation.
• Track and analyze health care market and industry reports to maintain a current understanding of market development and trends.
• Communicate new developments in the market, including acquisitions, closures, and other market dynamics and changes in trends.
• Utilize key information sources, including data from the WA All Payer Claims Database (APCD), to support agency initiatives and policy development.
• Curate market data from analysts, earnings reports, internal teams, and other sources to ensure the agency receives the most current and accurate information.
• Collaborate to collect, synthesize, and provide analysis for senior leadership, supporting the development and delivery of market and competitive intelligence across the organization for various product portfolio leaders.
• Provide data and analysis that informs or reinforces competitive messaging for the organization.
• Design, create, and maintain executive summaries and special briefs for strategy support and formulation purposes.
• Manage specific projects and information requests, collaborating with data and policy staff to ensure excellent delivery.
• Participate in and support cost control and primary care target efforts, including state and federal engagement, regional meetings, webinars, or conference calls.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:


Option 1:
Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, policy, law, public health, health administration, or a related field and three (3) years of the experience listed below


Option 2:
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, policy, law, public health, health administration, or a related field and five (5) years of the experience listed below


Option 3:
Nine (9) years of the experience listed below


The required experience includes two or more of the following areas:

• Conducting health care market or economic research
• Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
• Analyzing large data sets
• Leading projects
• Policy development

Preferred qualifications:
Experience with:

• Health care industry product strategy, product marketing, competitive intelligence, or business consulting, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.
• Understanding and evaluating market dynamics in the health care industry.
• Synthesizing market data from multiple sources and developing helpful insights.
• Utilizing analytics and developing strategic insights leading to implementation.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including report writing and interviewing.
• Stakeholder identification/management and community engagement.
• State and federal laws and regulations related to health care policy and purchasing, including Medicare, Medicaid, commercial, self-insured, and individual market health plans.
• Management of public or private Boards of Directors or equivalent.

Knowledge of:

• Familiarity with Washington health care eco-system and marketplace.
• Washington State policies and regulations related to health care programs and health improvement initiatives.
• Current trends and economic issues relating to health care costs, including state and national health care reform.
• Federal grant processes and requirements.

Ability to:

• Research complex topics and create accessible summaries and presentations to support policy decision-making.
• Analyze and resolve complex problems related to health care programs.
• Interpret and apply health data and information from a variety of sources to solve complex problems.
• Create and propose policy and other solutions in the absence of established protocols, models, or processes.
• Support a team-oriented approach that prioritizes collaboration across teams.
• Think at a systems level, understanding how different programs, agencies, and investments best work toward a common goal can.
• Collaborate with program staff, leadership, and other partners with a high level of political awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Evaluate systems and provide qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate programs and contracts

How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

About HCA:
Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• Tuition reimbursement
• And free parking!

Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.


HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.


The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.


E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.


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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022