State Medicaid Director

Key Responsibilities:

• Executive Leadership and Strategic Vision: Support the Department of Health and Human Services strategic priorities through use of data to achieve outcomes leveraged through the development and implementation of a strategic vision that aligns fiscal goals with public health outcomes in the states Medicaid program the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health (SUMH) and the Utah State Hospital.

• Fiscal and Programmatic Oversight: Coordinate with the departments Division of Finance and Administration to manage and oversee the administration of all federal and state funds for DIH programs ensuring fiscal integrity compliance and effective use of resources. Coordinate with the Department of Workforce Services on Medicaid and CHIP eligibility policy and determinations.

• Policy and Legislative Guidance: Serve as the primary liaison with federal agencies including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for DIH programs. Guide the development of legislative proposals provide expert testimony and ensure program policies comply with all federal and state laws.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Interface with a wide range of stakeholders including the Governors Office state legislature local government partners health care providers community advocacy groups and recipients of the services. Foster collaborative relationships to advance an integrated health care system.

• Innovation and System Improvement: Drive innovative initiatives that promote integrated care improve health outcomes and enhance service delivery for vulnerable populations. This includes implementing value-based payment models and expanding access to critical behavioral health services.

• Team and Workforce Leadership: Exhibit strong leadership skills to create a collaborative outcome-focused culture that is focused on the balance of establishing high expectations of excellence and human-centered leadership through the recruitment mentorship and leadership of a diverse and dedicated team of professionals across the division.

Qualifications:

• Education: Preference is given to candidates with a Masters degree (or higher) in healthcare administration public health public policy business or a related field.

• Experience:

  • Significant executive experience (10 years) in a large complex healthcare organization preferably in the public sector.

  • Demonstrated experience with the administration of Medicaid or other large public health insurance programs.

  • Proven leadership in the substance use and mental health fields with a strong understanding of evidence-based practices and system-level challenges.

  • Extensive experience with state and federal healthcare policy legislative processes and budget management.

  • Demonstrated effective leadership over large teams with complex organizational needs.

Skills:

• Exceptional leadership communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proven ability to manage large-scale operations and complex financial systems.

• Strong strategic planning and problem-solving abilities.

• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively with diverse and sometimes competing interests.

• Evaluating programmatic outcomes and utilizing data to ensure Utahs Medicaid / CHIP / behavioral health programs achieve desired results for the state.

Why work for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services In addition to the rich benefits the State of Utah offers the department offers:

• On-site fitness center for a minimal membership fee
• UTA Eco Pass at a discounted monthly rate

• This position may currently be a hybrid of both in-office and remote work days. Please note a positions eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.

• On-site day care center at the Cannon Health Building with First Steps Day Care - contact for rates and availability or

For more information on the Utah Department of Health and Human Services please click here.

If offered this position your employment will be contingent upon passing a background check and review. There will be no cost to you for this check. This check will include fingerprinting which will be available at various DHHS locations for your convenience. Fingerprinting will be completed prior to your first day of employment. You may review the policy by clicking here.

• Sets goals establishes priorities manages resources develops concepts and approaches reviews projects progress and results; makes management decisions that align with the vision and values of the Utah Department of Health & Human Services.

• Develops and coordinates plans and policies resources and mission as well as goals vision and expectations of agency or program; prepares and updates plans and priorities.

• Evaluates plans and directs activities of the organization.

• Monitors agency or program budget including revenues expenditures and budget projection etc.

• Oversees the development evaluation or review of plans and criteria for a variety of activities; assesses feasibility of proposed plans projects and equipment.

• Recommends advocates and/or implements new and or changes to existing policies and procedures laws or regulations.

• Coordinates program activities services and/or program implementation with private providers other governmental entities program users etc.

• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and/or state laws regulations and/or agency rules standards and guidelines etc.

• Supervises subordinate personnel including: hiring determining workload and delegating assignments training monitoring and evaluating performance and initiating corrective or disciplinary actions.

• Represents department and office interests on key legislative issues task forces committees etc. and/or draft legislation find sponsors propose amendments etc.

• Solicits funds from state and federal government and/or appropriate alternative funding sources.

(includes knowledge skills and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)

• knowledge of principles methods and techniques of management and leadership

• knowledge of principles theories and practices of budget management

• skills in process improvement/evaluation

• skill and ability to read interpret and apply laws rules regulations policies and/or procedures

• skill and ability to develop approaches for implementation of an idea program or change in operations

• skill and ability to develop and/or implement new policies/procedures/standards and/or rules/regulations

• skill and ability to supervise others by assigning/directing work; conducting employee evaluations staff training and development taking appropriate disciplinary/corrective actions making hiring/termination recommendations etc.

• knowledge of applicable laws rules regulations and/or policies and procedures

• speak clearly concisely and effectively; listen to and understand information and ideas as presented verbally

• communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely in writing; read and understand information presented in writing

• ability to provide consultation and/or expert advice

• project management and critical thinking skills

• This position is open until filled and may close at any time.
• Risks found in the typical office setting which is adequately lighted heated and ventilated e.g. safe use of office equipment avoiding trips and falls observing fire regulations etc.
• The state Medicaid director shall be appointed by the governor after consultation with the executive director with the advice and consent of the Senate.
• Typically the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

• EffectiveJuly 1 2021 State of Utah Employees must either reside in Utah or be in the process of relocating to Utah within 30 days of their start date.

• This position may currently be a hybrid of both in-office and remote work days. Please note a positions eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.