Policy Analyst

The Policy Analyst is responsible for monitoring, analyzing and interpreting state policy, contracts, and legislative policy and appropriations bills that have an impact on behavioral health (BH) and child welfare (CW) programs and services. This position contributes to the development of the Federation’s annual BH and CW budget and advocacy priorities, and actions aligned with the Federation’s strategic plan. The Policy Analyst will attend or review recorded legislative hearings, conduct and analyze research, develop advocacy tools, and provide staff support to the Member Interest Network (MIN) program areas for BH and CW, as assigned.

Full time, salaried. Based in Lansing, Michigan. Work is largely remote with some in-person attendance and travel required.

• Communicates regularly with member organizations through individual and group meetings to identify policy priorities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen the Federation’s collective advocacy impact.
• Facilitates program and service area Member Interest Network (MIN) meetings by coordinating logistics, preparing materials, guiding discussion, and capturing follow-up actions, to gain understanding of relevant issues and support MIN advocacy agendas and actions.
• Gathers and synthesizes member feedback to understand their BH and CW priorities, especially related to workforce needs, appropriate reimbursement levels for contracts, priorities for community partnership, and partnering with MDHHS in a contractual nature.

• Participates in the creation of BH and CW policy research reports, policy updates, and summaries of existing material to inform member organizations regarding issues affecting their work.
• Maintains ongoing understanding of relevant policy, appropriations, and legislation affecting BH and CW services delivered by member organizations.
• Conducts BH and CW related research and summarizes findings as needed.
• Reviews, monitors, and analyzes proposed federal and state policy, legislation, and appropriations affecting BH and CW service provision by community-based organizations.
• Identifies relevant subject matter information for use in developing the monthly Policy Press e-Bulletin.

• Participates in coalition-building strategies at the state and local levels and maintains key relationships involving the public and private sectors and key partners.
• Supports the development and dissemination of BH and CW advocacy tools and talking points regarding policy and legislative developments for use with local, state, and national partners, policy makers, and the media.
• Provides reliable, timely analysis, and strategic guidance to assist with the development of the Federation's Advocacy & Policy Priorities and annual budget priorities relative to both BH and CW.
• Keeps [supervisor role] apprised of progress of job responsibilities, promptly bringing important matters/problems to their attention.

• Knowledge of community-based organizations, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services programs, and Michigan legislative, administrative, and judicial processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of issues, programming, and challenges related to behavioral health, child welfare, residential treatment and juvenile justice services.
• Familiarity with systems-level change strategies and policy making processes.
• Excellent consensus-building, meeting facilitation, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with a team and other organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with groups and individuals across the political spectrum and operate in a non-partisan manner.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting legislation, appropriations bills, regulatory language, and bodies of evidence-based research and scholarly works.

• Espouses a personal commitment to the Federation’s mission, vision, and core values.
• Assures quality by producing and expecting accurate and thorough work.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability for actions, and keeps commitments.
• Exercises professional…