STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Medicaid Director

Social Services Director Of Medical Care Administration

Recruitment #260116-4814MP-100

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Introduction



The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) has an anticipated vacancy for a Medicaid Director to support our agency located in Hartford, CT.

Position Highlights:
  • LOCATION: Hartford, CT
  • SHIFT: First (full time)
  • SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm 
  • Hybrid Schedule
The Role:
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Medicaid Director to lead one of the most significant health care programs in our state. As the primary point of contact and chief spokesperson for Connecticut Medicaid, you will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and public representation for a program that impacts approximately one million Connecticut residents. You will be at the forefront of policy innovation, legislative engagement, and healthcare system transformation. This position is responsible for 160 professional and administrative staff. This is a classified position and reports to the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

As Medicaid Director, you will be expected to be a strategic thinker who will bring innovative practices to this role. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare in our state. Your leadership will directly influence policy decisions, legislative priorities, and the lives of residents who rely on Medicaid for essential health services.

You will work at the intersection of policy, healthcare delivery, and community impact – collaborating with the Governor’s Office, legislative leaders, healthcare providers, and advocates to drive innovation and equity.

The Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Medicaid program in a rapidly changing environment/landscape. Connecticut Medicaid, known as HUSKY Health, operates as a self-insured, state-managed program, meaning the state directly pays for services rather than relying on private Managed Care Organizations, allowing for direct control, innovation, and better cost management. This model provides comprehensive coverage for low-income families, children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, and is a significant part of the state's health system. You will provide oversight of administration, policy, regulations and operation of the Medical Assistance Programs including pharmacy, Medicaid, children’s Health Insurance Program (Husky B), and Money Follows the Person Program in the Division of Health Services. Coordinating Husky Health’s/Medicaid’s portfolio of services to include medical, behavioral health, dental and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to nearly one million Medicaid members.

We are committed to a culture of Innovation, collaboration, and results, and we seek leaders who can bring vision, courage, and diplomacy to one of the most impactful roles in state government.

This is a high visibility leadership position with influence at the highest levels of state government, including direct collaboration with the Governor’s office, legislative leaders, legislative committees such as the Medicaid Advisory Policy Oversight Council (MAPOC), and federal partners. You will be the primary senior advisor on all Medicaid related matters. You will be collaborating with senior team members and other health and human services commissioners.

About Us:
DSS has a mission that we, along with our partners, provide person-centered programs and services to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities. DSS delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency. DSS serves about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns. We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities. Services are delivered through 12 resource centers, central administration, online and phone access options.

What’s In It For You:
  • Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
  • A healthy work-life balance to all employees.
  • State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
Discover the opportunity to:
  • Engage in a rewarding career
  • Assist our employees so they can achieve success
  • Make a difference in the public sector
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment
Thinking Of Relocating?
Connecticut offers you a blend of professional advancement and a high-quality lifestyle. As a state we are renowned for our top-tier medical facilities and ample opportunities for career growth and development. Beyond professional prospects, Connecticut boasts a high standard of living, featuring safe communities, excellent schools, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities. This combination of professional excellence and a well-rounded lifestyle make Connecticut an appealing destination for those who want to thrive both in their careers and personal lives.

There are so many things to love about living, working, and playing in our state including these Key Facts and Figures:
  • #4 in the U.S. for employees with advanced degrees
  • #3 in the country for quality of K-12 education
  • #5 for quality of life in the U.S.
  • 2,000 miles of hiking/bike paths
  • 618 miles of scenic coastline
  • 21 world-class art museums
  • Five Tony-Award winning regional theatres, and more!
Check out CTVisit; they share so much valuable information on what it's like to work, play and live in our state!

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

  • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
  • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
  • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to at Christopher.Lavallee@ct.gov.

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

If you require an accommodation to participate fully and fairly under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Edward Magnano, EEO Manager at (860) 418-6148 or (Edward.Magnano@ct.gov)

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Social Services this class is accountable for directing the medical care program.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Directs staff and operations of unit;
  • Coordinates, plans and manages unit activities;
  • Formulates unit goals and objectives;
  • Develops or assists in development of related policy;
  • Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
  • Evaluates staff;
  • Prepares or assists in preparation of unit budget;
  • Maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of unit who might impact unit activities;
  • Negotiates agreements for medical care services with professional groups and service providers;
  • Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • principles, methods, and procedures in medical care administration including planning, organizing, financing, evaluating and cost control;
    • principles and practices of public welfare administration;
    • federal and state medical care programs;
  • Knowledge of
    • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of experience in an administrative capacity in the management of a large public health or medical insurance program.

NOTE: Administrative capacity must have included personnel management responsibility for a large agency division with programmatic budget responsibility of at least $1,000,000.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Public Administration, Health Policy, JD, or a related field
  • Senior-level leadership, management and supervisory experience in health policy, Medicaid/Medicare, or large-scale healthcare administration, staff and budgets.
  • Expertise of Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare regulations, financing, and program design.
  • Experience leading a state Medicaid program.
  • Demonstrated success engaging with legislators, legislative committees, and executive leadership.
  • Proven ability in high-stakes communication, including legislative testimony, public speaking and media engagement.
  • Strong fiscal management experience with billion-dollar-scale budgets.
  • Experience supervising staff, with proven team building and leadership skills.
  • Knowledge of federal and state Medicaid rules, regulations, programs, budgeting and governmental relations.
  • Experience building effective networks of governmental relations that support programs administered.
  • Experience leading large -scale healthcare reforms or payment model innovations.
  • Experience building bipartisan support for health care initiatives.
  • Experience leading a large, diverse staff.
  • Experience providing analysis and/or statutory interpretation on issues related to health care and health care policy.
  • Experience representing an organization and conveying complex information in clear and concise terms to a range of internal and external audiences.
  • Experience working with diverse populations.
  • Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.


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