Social Services Program Manager
Opening Date: February 18, 2025
Closing Date: March 3, 2025
Job Class Code: 5094
Grade: 28
Salary: $63,689.60 - $90,438.40 per year
Position Number: 02000-2848
Location: Augusta
This opportunity allows partial telework with management approval.
Core Responsibilities:
This position leads the Policy Development Team within OMS and is responsible for for the development, adoption, evaluation, and interpretation of MaineCare administrative rules, processes, and procedures governing MaineCare services. This work includes developing new policies and programs that are responsive to the needs of MaineCare members and providers as guided by best practices, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback; ensuring compliance with state and federal law; and ensuring that MaineCare policy reflects evidence-based practice. This position also provides policy-related guidance to the teams within OMS that work closely with MaineCare providers and members.
This role supervises a team, oversees rule approval and compliance with federal authorities, and performs other duties as assigned by the OMS Senior Policy Manager. This position will motivate and influence staff and work with federal entities, MaineCare providers, other interested parties, and colleagues across OMS and DHHS on significant matters related to MaineCare policies and programs that require strong communication and interpersonal skills.
The position allows for remote work up to three days per week; in-office work is based in Augusta.
Minimum Qualifications:
Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in social service or mental health/developmental disabilities programs and a bachelor’s degree. At least three (3) years of the required experience must be in a supervisory and/or administrative capacity. Equivalent related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Additionally, the following experience is preferred:
1. Experience with and knowledge of the Medicaid program and/or other health and human services programs serving low-income populations
2. Experience in public policy and/or public health programs
3. Lived experience with and/or work experience focused on Medicaid and/or other health-related social needs common to individuals and families in need of Medicaid coverage
4. Knowledge of Medicaid programs and services and experience with related state and federal laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
5. A demonstrated ability to plan, manage the work of, supervise and motivate employees working on multiple, complex initiatives.
6. Ability to communicate and write clearly and effectively, including the ability to articulate issues in plain language and in a concise manner that is understandable to a wide range of audiences.
7. Ability to collect and analyze information, reach logical conclusions, and make sound decisions.
8. Ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with varied stakeholder groups such as state/federal officials, providers, advocacy organizations, and sister organizations or offices with aligned objectives.
Background of well-qualified candidates will include:
• Ability to problem-solve and make decisions to address complex clinical, compliance, policy, and operational issues, including project management skills such as generating timelines, tracking systems, and assessing risk
• Capacity to balance and negotiate between multiple changing priorities
• Substantial knowledge of Medicaid policy, programs, and processes
• Effective interpersonal influence, collaboration, and listening skills
• Management skills necessary to inspire, seek consensus, build teams, and manage conflict
• Leadership skills necessary to analyze and articulate complex policy concepts, envision change, and promote creative and innovative approaches and collaboration
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Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
The Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) within DHHS administers the state’s Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health insurance coverage for low-income Mainers so they can access the health care services they need to work, care for family, go to school, and participate in the community. OMS works collaboratively with other State agencies, the Legislature, the Office of the Governor, MaineCare members, health care providers, and other health care purchasers on statewide healthcare improvement initiatives. OMS is committed to advancing health equity efforts to improve access to care and positive health outcomes for all low-income Mainers. OMS provides benefit coverage and support services in alignment with Department goals, federal requirements, and State statutes. OMS also provides oversight necessary to ensure accountability and efficient and effective administration of the state’s Medicaid program.
The OMS Policy Division is responsible for the development of coverage policies and programs that provide eligible Maine residents with access to comprehensive, affordable, evidence-based health care services. The Division has primary responsibility for obtaining federal approvals through State Plan Amendments, waivers, and other formal means, and for planning, writing, and promulgating all administrative rules related to MaineCare covered services.
Application Information:
Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.
For additional information about this position please contact Kristin Merrill at 207-624-4006
To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.