Director of Health Care Policy, Medicaid

I. Purpose 

This position is responsible for the identification, development, and management of health care policies and policy initiatives, as related to Medicaid, managed care, school-based Medicaid funding, and health care privacy, for the purposes of advancing ASHA’s Public Policy Agenda on behalf of the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology

II. Key Responsibilities 

1. Collaborates on identifying, developing, executing, and evaluating coordinated advocacy strategies designed to advance ASHA’s Public Policy Agenda related to Medicaid.
2. Conducts high-quality analyses and prepares analyses, issue briefs, letters, testimony, regulatory comments, model legislative language, and other policy-related resources as needed that are designed to advance Medicaid related health care, school-based funding, and privacy policy priorities within ASHA’s Public Policy Agenda.
3. Identifies, develops, maintains, and leverages strategic relationships with key staff of executive branch agencies responsible for policymaking, and engages with federal and state officials as needed.
4. Identifies, develops, maintains, and leverages strategic relationships with relevant staff of external organizations, including coalitions, in accordance with relevant ASHA policies.
5. Collaborates on strategic communications, messaging, and grassroots materials that are designed to advance ASHA’s Public Policy Agenda. Develops articles and other products for online and print communications.
6. Provides technical assistance to ASHA’s membership, consumers, and other interested parties as needed.
7. Coordinates and strengthens relationships with relevant state association leaders to identify, develop, and advance advocacy priorities related to Medicaid reimbursement, coverage, and access.
8. Serves as ex-officio to the Medicaid Committee, and staff consultant to other ASHA committees, boards and councils, as appropriate.

III. Position within ASHA 

The Director of Health Care Policy, Medicaid, is a member of the Health Care and Education Policy Team within the Government Affairs and Public Policy Cluster. The Director consults with the Senior Director of Health Care and Education Policy, and is guided by ASHA’s policies and priorities established by the Board of Directors and Facilitating Team as needed.

IV. Autonomy & Decision Making: 

For the purposes of advancing the relevant health care priorities within the ASHA’s Public Policy Agenda, In collaboration with other staff of the Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) cluster, the Director has latitude to determine approaches and methodologies that ensure success in carrying out the position’s major duties, as well as the programs and procedures of the Cluster and Team.

V. Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications: 

Knowledge typically acquired through:

• Advanced degree in public policy, economics, political science, or a related field.
• 6-years of relevant experience in health care policy [MS2.1][NS2.2][MS2.3]in an association, corporation or government; direct experience with Medicaid is highly preferred.
• Experience at a nonprofit association is preferred; experience with issues affecting audiology, speech-language pathology, or related health care or education professions preferred. 

Skills 

Scope and depth of technical skills/knowledge:

• Demonstrated ability in strategic policy analysis and development activities.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality and impactful analyses, issue briefs, letters, testimony, regulatory comments, model legislative language, and related products.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships with health care and school-based policymakers and allied stakeholders.
• Demonstrated understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.
• Working knowledge of relevant health care and school-based funding policies that impact ASHA, especially Medicaid issues.
• Working knowledge of communications sciences and disorders is desirable.

Scope and depth of nontechnical skills/knowledge:

• Strong collaborative and facilitative leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a creative approach to work.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve consensus when opposing viewpoints are presented.

VI. Universal Expectations of ASHA Staff

At ASHA, we believe in working together to make well-informed decisions that will advance the association and the discipline of human communication sciences and disorders; teamwork is vital to achieving our mission, vision, and maximizing impact. As committed stewards of the organization, we care deeply about our professions, members, and staff, and building a strong and welcoming community. We strive to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued. We are dedicated to helping each other grow and innovate by encouraging open communication and continual learning. Our focus is on delivering excellent service and value to members, advancing equity, and promoting the power of science and research.  The enduring strength of our work is rooted in community, integrity, and the inclusion of differing perspectives, while collaboratively seeking better solutions.

VII. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

ASHA is an equal opportunity employer.  As such, it is ASHA’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard for race, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation or LGBT status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ASHA's Bylaws. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation and benefits, upward mobility, training and development, access to facilities, termination, and other personnel actions. 

VIII. Disclaimer

This job description reflects the primary responsibilities of the job but is not a detailed description of all duties which may be required of someone in the position. All ASHA staff are expected to take on additional responsibilities from time to time and to help their colleagues.