If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.
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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Comprehensive Health Planner II
Opening Date: April 9, 2026
Closing Date: April 23, 2026
Job Class Code: 5050
Grade: 26 (Pro. & Tech. Svcs.)
Salary: $56,264.00 - $78,998.40 per year
Position Number: 02000-3228
Location: Augusta
This position allows for partial telework with management approval.
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
Core Responsibilities:
The Delivery System Reform Program Specialist plays a key role in supporting MaineCare’s efforts to improve how health care is delivered and paid for across the state. This position helps design, implement, and refine program models by gathering and synthesizing information, coordinating project activities, and preparing materials for decision‑makers. The Specialist works within the DSR unit—collaborating with clinical, operational, and policy staff—to support program research, quality reporting, proposal development, and ongoing monitoring of initiatives such as primary care payment models. The role also contributes to communications and stakeholder engagement by preparing reports and presentations, explaining program findings, and ensuring that information compiled is accurate, concise, and accessible.
The Delivery System Reform Program Specialist will:
- Conduct research and compile program information to support proposals, operational planning, and leadership decision‑making
- Assist with development and review of program models, operational plans, and quality reporting review
- Draft reports, presentations, summaries, and communications for internal and external audiences
- Present program information and support stakeholder understanding of program goals
- Prepare materials for public review and help ensure transparent, accessible communication
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and other state offices and with a wide variety of third parties including members, providers, and advocates
- Think critically and strategically to address complex health policy issues and manage multiple priorities at once
- Effectively research healthcare best practices, statute, federal regulations, and value-based principles to inform policy development
Minimum Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Public/Community Health, Health Administration, Health Sciences or Health Education; Public Administration, Public Policy, Law/Legal Studies, Government, Social Work, or a closely related field and three (3) years professional experience in the planning, development, coordination and/or evaluation of health programs or services -OR- an equivalent seven (7) year combination of education, training, and experience.
Preference will be given to candidates with professional experience researching, interpreting, and writing policy at the program, local, state, or federal level.
Applicants must include a resume, cover letter, and writing sample with their application.
Preferred experience includes:
- Experience with and knowledge of the Medicaid program and/or other health and human services programs serving low-income populations.
- Lived experience with Medicaid and/or other health-related social needs common to individuals and families receiving Medicaid coverage.
- Knowledge of Alternative Payment Models and value-based purchasing.
The background of well-qualified candidates must demonstrate the following competencies:
- Experience with the analysis, development, interpretation and/or implementation of policy and programs.
- Knowledge of health care benefit programs (e.g., MaineCare, other state Medicaid, or private insurance coverage) and relevant issues facing the health care field and health care consumers.
- Strong analytic and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated writing, editing and proofreading skills, including the ability to simplify and summarize technical language and complex subject matter in a concise manner and in alignment with plain language principles.
- The ability and motivation to work effectively within a team environment and actively contribute as part of a collaborative, solution-focused team.
- Self-motivation and initiative utilizing available tools and research to complete tasks independently.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.
Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
The Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) within DHHS administers the state’s Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health insurance coverage for low-income Mainers so they can access the healthcare services they need to work, care for family, go to school, and participate in the community. OMS works collaboratively with other State agencies, the Legislature, the Office of the Governor, MaineCare members, health care providers, and other health care purchasers on statewide healthcare improvement initiatives. OMS is committed to advancing health equity efforts to improve access to care and positive health outcomes for all low-income Mainers. OMS provides benefit coverage and support services in alignment with Department goals, federal requirements, and State statutes. OMS also provides oversight necessary to ensure accountability and efficient and effective administration of the state’s Medicaid program. This position is located within the OMS Delivery System Reform (DSR) unit and will report to the Primary Care Program Coordinator of DSR. The DSR unit seeks to improve outcomes through changes to healthcare operations, delivery, rates, and/or payment models. The team incorporates clinical, social, fiscal, and operational considerations into the design and implementation phases of these MaineCare initiatives and assists in the transition of ongoing operations. Members of the DSR unit collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve program goals.
Application Information:
For questions about this position, please contact Charyl Malik at 207-624-4043.
Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.
To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.
