Lead Policy Analyst

SUMMARY

The Lead Policy Analyst specializes in Mental Health Plan (MHP) and Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS)/Drug Medi-Cal State Plan analysis, serving as a subject matter expert in behavioral health government policy. This pivotal role involves supporting member county plans in executing plan functions such as analyzing and interpreting regulatory and sub-regulatory guidance, developing policies & procedures and developing/delivering trainings in policy areas, as well as supporting ongoing Electronic Health Record (EHR) development by documenting treatment workflows and supporting design of modules tailored for documenting treatment services following state policy guidance. This role also supports member counties in operationalizing new policy requirements and initiatives by translating complex regulatory guidance into practical implementation strategies, technical assistance, workflows, training materials, and other actionable resources that promote compliant and effective plan operations. Under the guidance of leadership, this position partners with CalMHSA teams, member counties, and governmental agencies to support the interpretation, implementation, and operationalization of behavioral health policies and initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

• Monitor emerging state and federal behavioral health policy developments and assess potential operational, compliance, programmatic, and technology impacts to member counties; proactively identify implications for EHR workflows and system functionality and provide recommendations to internal teams, including leadership, regarding system enhancements, configuration changes, and development priorities necessary to support regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in behavioral health policy by analyzing and interpreting federal and state statutes, regulations, contractual requirements, and sub-regulatory guidance; communicate implications to stakeholders and ensure policies, procedures, and other guidance materials align with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Analyze and interpret federal and state statutes, regulations, contractual requirements, and sub-regulatory guidance and communicate implications to county stakeholders.
• Develop policies and procedures intended to ensure county compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Develop implementation guidance, tools, workflows, and technical assistance resources that support counties in operationalizing new regulatory requirements, policy changes, and program initiatives.
• Provide consultation and technical assistance to county behavioral health plans regarding policy implementation, compliance considerations, and operational challenges.
• Collaborate closely with EHR and clinical staff to ensure the EHR modules meet clinical needs and compliance standards; support with EHR module development and workflow design.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and procedures, including those related to the EHR.
• Develop and/or facilitate training programs for internal staff, county personnel, and other relevant stakeholders on policies and procedures, EHR functionalities, and regulatory requirements.
• Collect, analyze and effectively present data related to quality and performance management activities.
• Collaborate with internal teams, county partners, state agencies, and other stakeholders to support policy development, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Represent CalMHSA in meetings, workgroups, and collaborative forums with county, state, and other external stakeholders.

BACKGROUND CHECK ELIGIBLE DUTIES
This position requires access to various systems and applications that house highly sensitive and confidential information, including county behavioral health records, Protected Health Information (PHI), client demographic data, clinical documentation, Mental Health/Behavioral Health Plan data, and regulatory compliance materials. The incumbent must handle all confidential information in strict accordance with HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, 42 CFR Part 2 substance use disorder confidentiality regulations, state and federal privacy laws, and CalMHSA security policies, ensuring that access is used responsibly while maintaining the integrity and security of all data systems and preventing accidental or malicious misuse.

REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Social Work, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in policy analysis, program evaluation, or a closely related field.
• Experience working within a county behavioral health plan preferred.
• Clinical license preferred (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, etc.).

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Deep knowledge of behavioral health policies at the California state, federal, and local levels; demonstrate ability to read, understand and implement complex regulatory language.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to apply research to practical solutions in a government administration setting.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to create clear and effective training and policy materials.
• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives without direct supervision.
• Proven ability to train and educate a diverse group of learners, including clinical and administrative staff.
• Strong technical proficiency in healthcare IT systems, particularly EHR Systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team to enhance strategies.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Demonstrate the ability to use a computer and applicable computer software effectively. Intermediate knowledge of Excel & Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, and Outlook.

LANGUAGE AND MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, and respond appropriately through written or verbal form; demonstrate tactfulness when communicating including internal communication with staff members of all levels; ability to communicate with a variety of audiences effectively. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all measure units, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING: Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply common sense and follow through to daily tasks; demonstrate the ability to work with little or no supervision; demonstrate excellent analytical and critical thinking skills; demonstrate the ability to efficiently conduct research and ask appropriate probing questions to complete necessary tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and stand; use phone and headset; use hands, arms, finders to type; answer phones; write; use calculator; demonstrate strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds; demonstrate clear vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

SENSORY DEMANDS: The incumbent must spend long hours in intense concentration. The incumbent must also spend long hours on the computer entering information that requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.

MENTAL DEMANDS: This position operates in a dynamic environment with multiple concurrent projects, competing priorities, and frequent deadlines. Organizational priorities, initiatives, and work assignments may shift rapidly in response to emerging needs, requiring the incumbent to adapt quickly, reprioritize work effectively, and maintain productivity and accuracy under pressure. The position requires sustained analytical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and the ability to manage ambiguity while balancing competing demands. The incumbent must also collaborate with and communicate effectively among a wide variety of stakeholders regarding complex policy, operational, and implementation matters.

REGULAR WORK SCHEDULE: Schedule varies depending on business needs; however, regular company business hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.