Oral Health Planning and Research Associate

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Planning & Research Associate I

Opening Date:

January 14, 2026

Closing Date:

January 28, 2026

Job Class Code:0039

Grade:20 (Pro-Tech)

Salary:$20.68 - $28.88 per hour

Position Number:

Location:

This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This position allows for partial telework with manager approval.

The Maine CDC’s Oral Health Program is seeking a Planning and Research Associate I to join our team. This position will work under the direction of the Program Manager to provide data support, contract development and oversight, as needed, and support Maine CDC’s oral health priorities in its response to the impact of COVID 19 on the oral health status of Maine people.

Providing data collection and analysis is critical for the program and Maine CDC to fully understand the impacts of COVID 19, as well as the successes of its response activities.

You will also:

• Perform complex assignments in the collecting, analyzing, and presentation of data for policy development, planning, and regulatory activities.
• Respond to technical requests for data and information from the Bureau of Health, Maine CDC, other state agencies, and the federal government by identifying and compiling relevant data for specific areas in need of oral health care services.
• Produce core reports and coordinate specific data analyses by applying knowledge of statistical methods in order to promote effective planning while maintaining ongoing data collection projects necessary for programmatic and policy development needs.
• Provide technical assistance to communities, oral health care providers, and oral health care facilities.
• Establish and maintain supportive working relationships with other agencies within the Department, other departments, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Design, coordinate, and produce graphic displays in order to provide quantitative information for use in planning, policy development, and management of programs while ensuring adherence to federal requirements.
• Work with Program Manager on budgetary needs, federal grant funding opportunities, and contract management.

A six (6) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing a knowledge of the principles of research and planning.

• Experience supporting public health research, evaluation, or program planning, including data collection, analysis, and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously, manage timelines, and work effectively with data systems, analytic tools, and standard office software.
• Ability to build and sustain working collaborative relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders, such as oral health providers, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and other state and government agencies to support planning, implementation, and evaluation of oral health programs.

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.

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 mission for the Maine Center for Disease…