Policy Specialist

Position: Policy Specialist Reports to: Director of Policy & Strategic Partnerships Direct Reports: None Location: Hybrid with travel. KY residence preferred. Kentucky Voices for Health (KVH) has been a respected voice of consumer advocates and a catalyst in health policy decision-making since 2007. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nonpartisan coalition, we bring together individuals, advocates, community organizations, state agencies, and policymakers to address the underlying causes of poor health by connecting Kentuckians with opportunities to make change through policy advocacy. Position Overview KVH seeks to hire a Policy Specialist to work collaboratively with boots-on-the-ground partners, safety-net providers, MCOs, state agencies, and policymakers to monitor changes in the healthcare system and assist Kentuckians in accessing health insurance, healthcare services, and other types of public assistance to meet their basic needs. Successful applicants will share KVH’s mission to amplify the voices of consumers and health advocates in the decisions that affect the health and wellbeing of Kentuckians. The duties of the position are outlined below.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Outreach & Coalition-Building Work in collaboration with staff to update and implement an outreach and enrollment plan with targeted regions/groups across the Commonwealth. Provide clear and useful information to Kentuckians about options for health coverage, with timelines and mechanisms for enrollment. Assist people experiencing barriers with Medicaid, KCHIP, or QHP enrollment and renewals. Cultivate relationships and continue to grow KVH’s statewide network of advocates through outreach and enrollment activities with existing boots-on-the-ground partners, safety-net providers, MCOs, and state agencies working to assist Kentuckians in accessing health insurance, healthcare services, and other types of public assistance to meet basic needs. Facilitate coalition meetings, office hours, and other interactive sessions to serve as an effective feedback loop among boots-on-the-ground community professionals to collect and share information. Policy Monitoring and Implementation Support Monitor Medicaid, Marketplace, and related eligibility and enrollment policy changes at both the state and federal levels. Identify and track benefits-eligible individuals/groups experiencing barriers to coverage or care, working through partnerships with providers and outreach workers, surveys, listening sessions, open records requests, and other data sources. Translate changes to eligibility and enrollment policies into practical implementation guidance and information for KVH and our partners. Identify emerging issues and trends and work with state and federal agencies to mitigate barriers to care. Provide technical assistance and support to coalition partners, providers, and boots-on-the-ground community professionals related to the implementation of new or changing policies. Work collaboratively with state agencies, policymakers, providers, community organizations, and boots-on-the-ground community professionals to improve coverage, access to care, health outcomes, and health equity through policy advocacy and systems change. Participate in meetings that support policy monitoring and technical assistance. These could include groups such as the Louisville Metro Board of Health Outreach & Enrollment Subcommittee; KY Health Benefit Exchange Advisory Board; kynect Outreach, Education & kynector Subcommittee; Medicaid Advisory Council; and others. Prepare public comments related to state and federal regulations. Education and Communications Work in collaboration with staff to: Support the KVH Ambassador program, ThriveKY roadshow, coalition meetings, webinars, and community forums, including serving in work groups on behalf of KVH to represent the needs of consumers. Translate policy changes into meaningful information, plain language educational materials, policy briefs, blogs, toolkits, and tailored messaging for consumers, advocates, providers, and policymakers. Amplify consumer voices in the decisions that influence their health or their communities. This includes, but is not limited to: story-banking, comment collection, oral testimony at administrative and legislative hearings, in-person and/or virtual press conferences, virtual survey management, and media interviews. Maintain a database of curated educational resources to distribute to the public, advocates, community professionals, and policymakers who need timely information for decision-making and to share with their networks. Contribute content to weekly newsletters, radio and television, social media, and direct communications to KVH stakeholders. Other Duties Track goals, objectives, and tasks; manage grant activities and deliverables; and write reports as required by funding sources. Provide support for internal data analysis and research. Carry out administrative tasks as needed, including database entry, mailings, event support and other activities. Attend and participate in meetings on behalf of KVH. Support grant, sponsorship, fundraising, and other related activities. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong commitment to health justice for all Kentuckians, regardless of race, place, age, gender, income or other identifications. Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience. Personal experience or experience working with individuals and communities experiencing barriers to care. Knowledge of public policy and barriers faced by low-income and minority populations. Knowledge of the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and other public assistance programs. Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to engage with a diverse range of consumers and professionals. Outstanding communication skills with the ability to build rapport, cultivate trust, and connect with diverse audiences. Strong writing skills that demonstrate ability to translate complex information into plain language for various audiences. Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail sufficient to manage a project with multiple contributors, tasks, and deadlines. Ability to adapt to changing situations, prioritize work, meet deadlines, handle confidential information, and switch between different projects and tasks on short notice. Ability to be self-motivated and self-directed, working constructively both independently and in teams. Must be willing to work in a hybrid office/remote position with regular in-state travel and occasional out-of-state travel. A valid drivers’ license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation. Preferred Experience Two years of experience working as a kynector, Application Assister, Certified Application Counselor, or Community Health Worker preferred. Training can be provided. Experience with administrative and legislative policy advocacy at the local, state, and/or federal levels. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, G Suite, Wordpress, and Airtable preferred. Training can be provided.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

KVH is an equal opportunity employer and dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to building a team that is excellent and reflects the communities we serve. We are seeking candidates who are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender identity, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, abilities, veteran status and other qualities. We encourage people of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary Range $60,000 - $70,000 annually, based on experience Schedule This is a full-time, exempt position at 40 hours per week. Days generally worked are Monday – Friday during normal business hours with occasional evening or weekend hours. Some in-state travel is required with occasional out-of-state travel for conferences. Mileage is reimbursed at the state rate. Benefits Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and two floating holidays. Paid Time Off: Full time employees are eligible to accrue PTO based on tenure Paid Medical Leave: 15 days per year Paid Parental Leave: 30 days per year for the birth or adoptive/foster placement of a child Child Care: $200 monthly Healthcare: $537.50 monthly contribution made to a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Account (QSEHRA) to reimburse out-of-pocket healthcare costs including health insurance premiums. Retirement: 401k participation with 5% employer contribution. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Little Light House Central Kentucky, Inc.