HEALTH POLICY ANALYST ADVANCED

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MDH, MHCC, Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board, Bowie, MD

The Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB, Board) is seeking a health policy analyst advanced to serve as a Policy and Special Projects Manager for the PDAB to support the establishment of the organization including, board member orientation, legislative and inter-governmental liaison, and facilitation and support of stakeholder engagement. The position will report to Board and the Executive Director when that position is filled.

The Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board is an independent agency of Maryland government. Maryland is one of only two states that has formed a prescription drug oversight board to address issues of high drug costs and the rapid growth of those costs. Five members comprise the Board, one each appointed by the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, and the Attorney General; and one appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates, who serves as chair. The mission of the PDAB is to: (1) study the entire pharmaceutical distribution and payment system in the State and (2) identify policy options being used in other states and counties to lower the list price of pharmaceuticals, including setting upper payment limits, using a reverse auction marketplace, and implementing a drug bulk-purchasing process. The Board, in consultation with the Prescription Drug Affordability Stakeholder Council (Council), which is defined in the law, must (1) study the entire pharmaceutical distribution and payment system in the State and (2) identify policy options being used in other states and counties to lower the list price of pharmaceuticals, including setting upper payment limits, using a reverse auction marketplace, and implementing a drug bulk-purchasing process. The Council is comprised of specified stakeholders appointed by the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House. Collectively, members of the Council must have knowledge in the following areas: the pharmaceutical business model; supply chain business models; the practice of medicine or clinical training; consumer or patient perspectives; health care costs, trends, and drivers; clinical and health services research; or the State's health.

The position will primarily be responsible for:

• Assisting the Chair and the Executive Director in preparing materials and presentations for the Board and the Council. Supporting the PDAB and the Council in developing agenda, convening meetings, and documenting the discussion and meeting results. During the Maryland legislative session, preparing position papers, briefing documents and correspondence for the Chair, Board members, and Executive Director.
• Writing procurement documents, overseeing contract deliverables, conducting research on a variety of drug policy topics, write reports with actionable recommendations, draft various documents (including correspondence), manage project work plans, and make presentations to the Board and Executive Director.
• Facilitating stakeholder input in PBAD special projects, including work groups mandated by the State legislature. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing relationships, recruiting meeting participants, arranging meetings, sending invitations, preparing and editing material for work group meetings, planning meeting facilitation; taking meeting minutes, posting public meeting materials to the PBAD website, and maintaining various contact lists of PBAD stakeholders (payers, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, physicians, other health care practitioners, consumers, business, and labor).
• Presenting to the PBAB and other audiences on legislative policy goals, special projects, and other topics as assigned. Supporting other members of the team in developing and implementing a strategic communications plan for PBAD. Support other members of the team in coordinating and responding to press inquiries with staff from PBAD and other State Agencies. Support website redesign project and routinely edit the PBAD website.
• The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills as the role requires managing multiple projects. An interest in health policy related to drug policy is important. The individual will be expected to develop broad expertise in policy areas impacting the work of PBAD (including drug pricing, drug safety and quality, and strategies for reducing drug costs for consumers).

We are seeking a candidate who actively seeks information and opportunities, proposes solutions to problems, and takes a leadership role in their own development and growth. The candidate will align their work with PDAB's mission, the Governor's high standards for customer service and work product, and the ethical and political sensitivity that is appropriate for public service.

Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three years of experience evaluating, analyzing, researching and developing health care services, policies and programs.

Notes:

1. A Master's degree in Health Sciences, Health Care Administration, Public Health, Public Policy or closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

2. A PhD in Health Sciences, Health Care Administration, Public Health, Public Policy or closely related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Preferred candidates will possess the following:

• Demonstrated knowledge of health policy (including an understanding of the regulation of the health care system at the federal and state level);
• An understanding of pharmaceutical drug payment policies and industry pricing practices;
• Strong writing and public speaking capabilities are essential;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple, ongoing projects;
• Ability to communicate effectively with different audiences including industry representatives, policymakers, and the public;
• Understanding of state legislative processes (preferably Maryland’s);
• Demonstrated experience analyzing financial data, claims data, or public health data, and the ability to interpret data analysis produced by others;
• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision in business start-up environment; and,
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) and Google Suite.    

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

A resume and cover letter should accompany your application.  These documents should be uploaded together into the resume section of the application.

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. 

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. 

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.