State Plan Specialist - Planning Director State

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/05/2026
• Closing Date: 08/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / HCA AC Medicaid Dir Fed Rel
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: State Plan Specialist Job Class: Planning Director State Agency: Human Services Dept

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

As the State Plan Specialist, the incumbent will provide leadership and direction to staff on all matters related to the Medicaid state plan. The Medicaid state plan is a legal agreement between Minnesota and U.S. Health and Human Services Administration’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that outlines how the state operates its Medicaid and CHIP programs as authorized by Title XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act. The state plan describes program eligibility, covered services, provider payment rate methodologies, and the methods for state administration. Any changes to Medical Assistance coverage and/or rates must receive CMS approval through the state plan amendment (SPA) process. This individual acts as the lead expert on coverage, payment, and benefit policies, and provides counsel and direction to agency leadership to ensure federal approval of program policies.

Responsibilities Include But May Not Be Limited To

• Oversee all activities required to draft, submit, and negotiate state plan amendments with the federal government and ensure programs are designed in accordance with state and federal law. Provide information and training to DHS policy teams on federal Medicaid compliance requirements related to coverage and rates. Draft state plan amendment with guidance from the policy team. Develop and carry out a negotiation strategy for each state plan amendment.
• Develop workplans and utilize public tracking to ensure communications are clear and federal approval is in place to meet state law timelines.
• Act as the principal advisor on federal Medicaid law regulation, and policy regarding Medicaid coverage, payment rates, and provider requirements.
• Engage external parties in planning and required public consultation activities including legislators, the Governor’s office, tribal government officials, and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications

• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.

Three (3) years of experience conducting complex regulatory and legal analysis.

Experience Must Also Demonstrate

• Expertise in interpreting federal and state law, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance;
• Knowledge of federal Medicaid law and regulatory requirements for federal financial participation and regulations;
• Understanding of Medical Assistance operations (e.g., provider enrollment, claims payment processing, etc.);
• Working with state policy, finance, and budget issues, as well as state health care delivery systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the principles of group dynamics, facilitation, mediation, and problem resolution.
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s Medical Assistance coverage and rates policy.
• Specific knowledge and experience working with Minnesota’s Medicaid waiver programs.
• J.D. or a Masters Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field of study.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Leah S Montgomery at Leah.S.Montgomery@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alexander Duren at alexander.duren@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

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