State Plan Specialist - Planning Director State

Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: Yes (applicants must reside in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the primary work location)
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

About the role

The State Plan Specialist provides leadership and direction on all matters related to the Medicaid state plan—a legal agreement between Minnesota and the U.S. Health and Human Services Administration’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This plan outlines how the state operates its Medicaid and CHIP programs under Title XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act, covering program eligibility, services, provider payment rates, and administration. The role ensures federal approval of program policies, including any changes to Medical Assistance coverage or rates through the state plan amendment (SPA) process.

Responsibilities

• Oversee drafting, submission, and negotiation of state plan amendments with the federal government to ensure compliance with state and federal law.
• Provide training and guidance to DHS policy teams on federal Medicaid compliance requirements related to coverage and rates.
• Draft state plan amendments with input from policy teams and develop negotiation strategies for each amendment.
• Create workplans and public tracking systems to ensure clear communication and federal approval within state law timelines.
• Serve as the principal advisor on federal Medicaid law, regulations, and policies regarding coverage, payment rates, and provider requirements.
• Engage external stakeholders—including legislators, the Governor’s office, tribal officials, and the public—in planning and required consultation activities.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of experience conducting complex regulatory and legal analysis, including:
  • Interpreting federal and state law, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance.
  • Knowledge of federal Medicaid law, regulatory requirements for federal financial participation, and Medical Assistance operations (e.g., provider enrollment, claims processing).
  • Experience with state policy, finance, budget issues, and health care delivery systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in group dynamics, facilitation, mediation, and problem resolution.
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s Medical Assistance coverage, rates policy, and Medicaid waiver programs.
• J.D. or Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Experience working effectively with diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• Reference and background checks, including a criminal background check, will be conducted prior to appointment.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the start of employment; sponsorship for work visas is not provided.

Pay

$37.91 - $56.39 / hourly
$79,156 - $117,742 / annually

Schedule

Day Shift, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday - Friday

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave, plus 12 paid holidays per year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care (including IVF), diabetes care, and dental/orthodontic coverage for adults and children.
• 6 weeks of paid leave for parents of newborns or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing retirement income after three years of service.
• Employer-paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources for physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Career development support:
  • Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility (for qualifying positions).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services (e.g., chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care).

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding, union agreements, location, and length of service.