988 and BH Crisis System Operations, Policy and Strategy Lead (Operations & Policy Analyst 4)

If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusiveness, we encourage you to apply. At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

About the Role

The Behavioral Health Division (BHD) helps lead Oregon’s mental health and substance use services, ensuring people can get equitable, good, safe, and helpful care. In this job, you will guide policy and planning for Oregon’s 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis System. The goal of this system is to give every Oregonian fast, easy, and connected help during a crisis. You will lead the team’s work to build strong policies that support this statewide crisis system. You will ensure decisions are based on data, shaped by input from communities and partners, and aligned with the long-term plan for a clear and easy-to-use system.

You will create, organize, and carry out policies that improve fair access to high-quality crisis services. These services are provided by Community Mental Health Programs, Coordinated Care Organizations, 988 centers, and other partners. Because these policies affect many parts of Oregon’s health system and other state agencies, your work will require teamwork, planning, and strong communication with providers and people who have lived experience.

You will study laws and policies, explain complex issues, and give clear recommendations to senior leaders. You will also monitor current resources, find gaps or new needs, and share that information so leadership can make good decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy and planning for Oregon’s 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis System to ensure equitable, accessible, and high-quality crisis care.
• Develop, organize, and implement policies that improve access to crisis services across Community Mental Health Programs, Coordinated Care Organizations, 988 centers, and other partners.
• Ensure policy decisions are data-driven, community-informed, and aligned with the statewide crisis system’s long-term vision.
• Analyze laws, policies, and complex issues, providing clear recommendations to senior leadership.
• Monitor current resources, identify gaps or emerging needs, and communicate findings to support informed decision-making.
• Facilitate collaboration and communication among providers, individuals with lived experience, and cross-agency partners.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science, or any degree demonstrating relevant knowledge and skills; and five years of professional-level evaluative, analytical, and planning work.
• OR any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years that supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.

Skills

• Experience facilitating complex discussions and meetings, including problem-solving, mentoring, coaching, and working with varied stakeholders such as consumers, advocates, legislators, and local government partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and projects from start to finish, including planning, scoping, coordinating teams, managing timelines, providing technical assistance and training, and producing results.
• Experience developing and analyzing policy, including interpreting statutes, federal rules, 1115 waivers, drafting regulatory language, reviewing administrative rules, and preparing clear policy recommendations.
• Experience analyzing government processes and legislative issues, including preparing materials for the Governor’s Office, legislators, Tribes, and multiple state agencies.
• Experience with Medicaid behavioral health systems, including value-based payments, funding strategies, reimbursement models, and coordinating across Medicaid policy partners.
• Experience using financial and operational data to support decisions, including developing funding strategies, analyzing grants, creating payment models, and understanding financial metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to apply equity-centered communication and organizational awareness, including promoting equitable practices, supporting system transformation aligned with OHA goals, building partnerships, and engaging communities, including collaboration with Tribes, advocacy groups, community providers, cross-agency teams, and other government jurisdictions.

Preferences

Preference may be given to candidates with experience in crisis systems and unlicensed assistive personnel, certified, or licensed professionals who have served in clinical settings specifically assisting with crisis, substance use, and/or behavioral health clients/patients.

Benefits

• Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Pay

$7,537 - $11,098 monthly. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

Schedule

This is a full-time, permanent, hybrid (5-10% in-office) position based in Salem, Oregon.

Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check and a driving records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.