• 520380

• PHOENIX

• AHCCCS

• Full-time

AHCCCS

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
Accountability, Community, Innovation, Leadership, Passion, Quality, Respect, Courage, Teamwork

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid agency, is driven by its mission to deliver comprehensive, cost-effective health care to Arizonans in need. AHCCCS is a nationally acclaimed model among Medicaid programs and a recipient of multiple awards for excellence in workplace effectiveness and flexibility.

AHCCCS employees are passionate about their work, committed to high performance, and dedicated to serving the citizens of Arizona. Among government agencies, AHCCCS is recognized for high employee engagement and satisfaction, supportive leadership, and flexible work environments, including remote work opportunities. With career paths for seasoned professionals in a variety of fields, entry-level positions, and internship opportunities, AHCCCS offers meaningful career opportunities in a competitive industry.

Come join our dynamic and dedicated team.

Address: 801 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Salary: $57,500 - $67,500

Grade: 22

Open Until Filled

This position will work closely with all areas of the agency, including Grant Managers, and will also work with Tribes, tribal organizations, other State agencies, and the public. As the Legislative Specialist, you will support the Agency’s mission by monitoring, tracking, researching, and analyzing laws and legislative activity impacting health policy and social determinants of health deemed important to Tribes and tribal communities within Arizona. You will also support the Advisory Council and Agency by communicating the Council's determined legislative priorities with State legislators and their staff, and coordinating meetings between the Director, key AACIHC staff and Council members, and legislators. You will also represent the AACIHC on workgroups pertaining to legislative initiatives, strategies, and be responsible for representing the agency at Tribal Consultations with other State agencies.

This position has the potential to work in a Virtual Office (VO) setting or may Telecommute based on the needs of the unit and at the discretion of leadership.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Identify and track bills (i.e. via Excel spreadsheet tracker) that impact health policy or social determinants of health deemed important to Tribes and tribal communities within Arizona. Monitor legislative activities and attending and listening to hearings, and reviewing legislation and amendments.
* Research and analyze federal, state, local, and tribal policy to inform agency leadership on the impacts to indigenous peoples in Arizona. Research bills of interest introduced during legislative sessions, creating well-written reports of research findings on various topics, and presenting this to the Council, AACIHC staff, other State agencies, key legislative staff, Tribes, and tribal representatives. Provide educational presentations and/or presenting on the bills themselves to interested stakeholders. Contributes to drafting of legislation and amendments for introductions to the House and Senate as needed.
* Anticipate potential outcomes and downstream effects of bills if they are passed or not passed on indigenous peoples in Arizona, including but not limited to bills pertaining to Medicaid benefits, social determinants of health (i.e. housing, food access, literacy, water access, etc.), Veteran's benefits, etc. Advocate on behalf of bills in alignment with agency and council priorities.
* Communicate the Council's legislative priorities with State legislators and their staff, coordinate meetings, and represent the agency at workgroups. Build relationships with stakeholders, and coordinate responses to information requests and inquiries. Represent the agency in-person at community events, meetings, conferences and trainings, and provide educational information regarding a myriad of topics at these events. Must be comfortable with public speaking in front of both small and large groups. This position may require occasional travel, including occasional travel overnight.
* Provide information to the legislature regarding agency programs and funding, assist agency staff in understanding the needs of the legislature, provide statutorily mandated reports to the legislature, work with the legislature, state agencies and Tribes to advance policy priorities, and be the point of contact for stakeholders, the legislature, Tribes, and other state agencies.

Knowledge:
* Public Health knowledge pertaining to chronic disease conditions affecting American Indians and Alaskan Natives in Arizona
* Awareness and/or sensitivity to tribal cultural practices and traditions when communicating and meeting with the 22 tribes in the state
* Arizona state government's structure, functions, operations, processes including development of state budget, and funding for AHCCCS
* Arizona Legislature's processes and parliamentary procedures and advanced legislative drafting & interpretation
* Federal Medicaid program structure, purpose, covered populations, services, etc. and the Affordable Care Act
* Principles and practices of administration and management; agency or program rules; regulations and operating policies and procedures
* Federal and state law as it pertains to various agreements impacting the Indian health care system (e.g., Title XIX Demonstration Waivers, MOA's, MOU's or policies, existing or being developed at the state and federal levels)
* Tribal government structure and operational systems and protocols for effective coordination with Tribal Councils or leadership
* Current issues in health care policy and health care policy challenges/opportunities

Skills:
* Advanced research skills (statutory & policy)
* Highly developed verbal communication skills including public speaking and excellent written communication
* Code Federal Registration (C.F.R.) expertise pertaining to health policy and law
* Intermediate to advanced understanding of the following: Microsoft Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suites (Google Docs, Slides, Gmail, Forms, Sheets, Meets), Web-based meeting applications (Zoom, Google Meets and Microsoft Teams)
* Project management and control
* Organizational skills

Abilities:
* Collaborate with others
* Investigate acute and chronic conditions
* Plan, coordinate, analyze and establish priorities
* Handle multiple work assignments and effectively change priorities
* Prioritize day to day operations of the division
* Research, collect and organize data
* Work independently with minimal oversight
* Work with differing opinions and bring about compromise
* Present ideas/recommendations/solutions to leadership effectively
* Quick to adapt to new information and changing circumstances/priorities
* Thrive under pressure and be highly reliable
* Project confidence while being respectful at all times

Arizona Driver's License

Minimum:
* Three years experience in health care policy, at least one year in project management and one year in legislative affairs.

Preferred:
* Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Health related field, or related legislative field. At least 1 year working, in some capacity, with Tribes, tribal entities, or tribal governments.

* Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.
* Successfully pass fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
* Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) AND have an acceptable driving record for the last 39 months including no DUI, suspension or revocations and less than 8 points on your license. If an Out of State Driver License was held within the last 39 months, a copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is required prior to driving for State Business. Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
* 10 paid holidays per year
* Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
* A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
* A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
* Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
* RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
* A variety of learning and career development opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
* Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
* Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
* Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
* Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).

Deferred Retirement Compensation Program
* Voluntary participation.
* Program administered through Nationwide.
* Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing careers@azahcccs.gov.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.