Behavioral Health Policy

What You’ll Do At DBH

The Behavioral Health Policy Office is seeking a Policy Staff professional to join the team. This position serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing policy analysis, implementation guidance, and cross‑agency coordination to advance departmental priorities and statewide behavioral health goals.

This role requires a high degree of judgment, discretion, and policy expertise, along with the ability to operate effectively in complex governmental environments.

• Conduct comprehensive policy analysis and environmental scanning at the federal, state, and local levels to inform executive decision‑making.
• Evaluate policy trends, legislative developments, and best practices to assess alignment with agency priorities and emerging system needs.
• Develop policy recommendations, impact assessments, and strategic guidance for senior and executive leadership.
• Advise leadership and stakeholders on current and proposed policy initiatives affecting behavioral health systems, workforce development, and service delivery.

• Represent the office in high‑level collaborations with internal divisions, state agencies, advocacy organizations, boards, and external partners.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships that support coordinated policy development and implementation.
• Contribute or participate in inter‑agency discussions related to behavioral health policy, regulation, and financing.
• Respond to complex and sensitive inquiries from government officials, partners, and the public.

• Support the execution of policy initiatives through structured planning, including timelines, work plans, risk assessment, and evaluation strategies.
• Oversee or conduct surveys, data analysis, and evaluations to assess policy effectiveness and system impact.
• Interpret legislative and regulatory requirements and communicate implications clearly to leadership and stakeholders.
• Support the development of administrative rules and formal policy documentation, as needed.

• Provide subject‑matter expertise on public health and behavioral health financing structures, including Medicaid and other public coverage programs.
• Analyze regulatory frameworks and coverage authorities impacting behavioral health services.
• Contribute to fiscal modeling and funding strategies aligned with agency priorities.
• Apply knowledge of reimbursement methodologies, benefit design, and healthcare coding concepts to inform policy development.

• Author executive‑level policy briefs, reports, legislative summaries, position papers, and impact statements.
• Prepare materials for publication and public communication, including policy messaging and press‑related content.
• Deliver presentations and briefings to executive leadership, policymakers, stakeholders, and public audiences.
• Translate complex policy concepts into clear, actionable information for diverse audiences.

This position is unclassified in accordance with ORC 124.11 (A) (26), pay commensurate with experience.

• Demonstrated experience in public policy, behavioral health policy, healthcare policy, or a related field.
• Experience conducting complex policy analysis and developing executive‑level recommendations.
• Strong understanding of governmental structures, legislative processes, and regulatory environments.
• Experience with public‑sector healthcare financing and insurance systems preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively on diverse teams and openly receive constructive criticism.
• Proficiency with standard office and document‑development software.
• 3‑5 years of senior‑level policy experience in behavioral health, healthcare, or public policy.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Proven ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and effectively.
• Experienc…