Medicaid Programs Research Analyst (Research Analyst 4)

$68,964 - $105,972/Yr

Unclassified

Full-time - Mid Level

About the position

The Medicaid Programs Research Analyst (Research Analyst 4) position at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is a critical role focused on enhancing the quality assurance systems for Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) and the Agency with Choice program. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about using data to promote equity and inclusion in health care programs. The analyst will lead the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of research initiatives that inform the OHA on the optimal use of Medicaid resources. The primary goal is to develop and sustain a Quality Assurance System that aligns with the agency's mission to improve health outcomes for all Oregonians. In this role, the analyst will focus on creating systems-level evaluation processes, tools, and metrics to assess the quality of Medicaid FFS programs. This includes establishing statewide standards as part of the Medicaid FFS transformation and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) quality improvement processes. The analyst will develop a member and provider-focused statewide quality assurance system based on health equity and outcome metrics, ensuring that both quantitative indicators and qualitative data are utilized to enhance service access and quality. Collaboration is key in this position, as the analyst will work with internal agency teams and external partners, including FFS members and providers. The role involves integrating evaluation processes, determining quality assurance indicators, and supporting the development of rate standardization processes and contract compliance policies. The OHA is committed to ending health inequities by 2030, and this position plays a vital role in achieving that goal by fostering partnerships and promoting health equity across the state.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of research initiatives for Medicaid programs.
• Develop systems-level evaluation processes, tools, and metrics for Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) programs.
• Establish statewide FFS standards as part of Medicaid FFS transformation and quality improvement processes.
• Create a member and provider-focused statewide quality assurance system based on health equity and outcome metrics.
• Develop quantitative indicators and qualitative process improvement data for service access and quality.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to integrate evaluation processes and determine quality assurance indicators.
• Support the development of rate standardization processes and contract compliance policies.
• Facilitate the integration of community voice in the rulemaking process for Medicaid programs.

Requirements

• Five years of research experience using computerized applications to gather, compile, and analyze data.
• Two years of experience coordinating complex research projects.
• A Bachelor's Degree or higher in a relevant discipline with coursework in statistics or quantitative analysis methods may substitute for some experience.
• Experience in advancing health equity and delivering culturally responsive services.
• Knowledge of social determinants of health and their impacts on health outcomes.
• Experience in developing and implementing policies and programs that promote equity and inclusion.
• Specific knowledge of Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon Revised Statutes.
• Knowledge of health services delivery systems, particularly the Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid administration.
• Advanced skills in SQL, R, SPSS, SAS, or similar statistical analysis programs.
• Experience in health outcomes research and using health care expenditure and quality data.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in producing written reports and presenting data for lay audiences.
• Ability to communicate qualitative and quantitative information effectively and inclusively.
• Strong communication skills for facilitating collaboration and promoting human-centered change management.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Power BI.

Benefits

• Exceptional medical, vision, and dental benefits packages with low out-of-pocket costs.
• 11 paid holidays each year.
• 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" each year.
• 8 hours of paid sick leave accumulated every month.
• Progressive vacation leave accrual with increases every 5 years.
• Pension and retirement programs.
• Optional benefits including short-term and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts.