DD Waiver Enrollment & Appeals Specialist

The Office of Community Living (OCL) administers Colorado Medicaid programs that provide long‑term support for people with disabilities and older adults. OCL strives for a system that is person‑centered, seamless and offers a continuum of services and innovative funding mechanisms for Coloradans today and in the future.

This position functions as a recognized staff authority within the OCL CMQP Division on HCBS‑DD waiver enrollment policy, Emergency Enrollment Request standards and HCBS/CFC appeals operations. The position independently interprets federal regulations, state statute and waiver requirements; develops policy recommendations that shape statewide enrollment practices; and advises Department leadership on programmatic impacts, compliance risks and long‑term sustainability strategies.

• Seven (7) years of related professional experience in Policy Analysis and Development, Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation, Program or Workforce Development, Data Interpretation and Application.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in public policy, public administration, health administration, social work, psychology, human services, economics, sociology or a related field and three (3) years of professional experience in Policy Analysis and Development, Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation, Program or Workforce Development, Data Interpretation and Application. Appropriate education substitutes for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
• An associate will count as two years of experience.
• A bachelor will count as four years of experience.
• A master’s degree will count for six years of experience.
• A doctorate or juris doctorate degree will count for seven years of experience.

• Master’s degree in public policy, health administration, or a related field.
• Experience with federal and state health policy compliance (especially CMS and HCBS regulations).
• Experience leading cross‑agency or interdepartmental initiatives.
• Experience designing or managing workforce development platforms.
• Technical expertise in managing data systems, web content, or benefit platforms.
• Professional experience providing case management or service coordination for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including assessment, eligibility determination, or ongoing monitoring.
• Experience preparing for or participating in administrative appeals, fair hearings, or interactions with Administrative Law Judges, particularly within human services or Medicaid programs.
• Experience interpreting, applying, or operationalizing eligibility rules or regulatory criteria in a state or county‑administered human services system.

• Demonstrated familiarity with the Home and Community‑Based Services (HCBS) Developmental Disabilities waiver, including targeting criteria, enrollment prioritization, and management of the DD waiver waitlist.
• Solid understanding of Home and Community‑Based Services and federal/state healthcare policy frameworks.
• Knowledge of effective recruitment, retention, and compensation strategies in the direct care or healthcare sector.
• Ability to draft clear, compliant policy language and interpret legal/regulatory updates.
• Skill in applying workforce and provider data (e.g., wage trends, capacity gaps) to inform strategic decisions.
• Ability to connect long‑term workforce sustainability goals to operational and policy levers.
• Ability to coordinate initiatives involving multiple departments, vendors, or funding sources.
• Ability to hold partners and stakeholders accountable while also offering constructive technical assistance and solution‑oriented support.

• All positions at HCPF are security‑sensitive and require a criminal record background check as a condition of employment.
• Employees who have been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of disciplinary termination, or negotiated their termination from the State of Colorado must disclose this information on the application.

The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.