THW Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist (OPERATIONS & POLICY ANALYST 3)

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If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!  THW Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist (OPA3).  The Traditional Health Worker Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist position is responsible for serving as central point of contact and critical role of providing high level program policy decision making to Divisional and executive leadership and senior management by implementing Statewide lactation providers doula legislatively mandate through SB1568 (2026) its impacts, and policy changes needed to address maternal child health disparities. Positions enhance coordination and collaboration across internal and external partners and offer oversight and lead cross agency wide policy development and analysis to support the objectives of SB 1568 (2026).

Opportunity Awaits — Apply Today! 

THW Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist (OPA3)

The Traditional Health Worker (THW) Lactation Health Policy and Implementation Strategist serves as the central point of contact and provides high‑level program and policy leadership to divisional and executive leadership. This role is responsible for implementing the statewide lactation provider and mandates established under SB 1568 (2026), assessing their impacts, and identifying necessary policy changes to address maternal and child health disparities.

This position strengthens coordination and collaboration across internal and external partners, offering oversight and leadership in cross‑agency policy development and analysis. The strategist plays a key role in advancing the objectives of SB 1568 (2026) and supporting improved maternal health outcomes across Oregon.

This position leads statewide maternal and child health policy initiatives integrating Lactation Counselors, Educators, postpartum doulas, and other Traditional Health Workers (THWs) into Oregon’s into Oregon’s health system. It conducts policy research, develops recommendations, and drives implementation drives implementation of SB 1568 through cross‑agency coordination, legislative support, and administrative rulemaking.

The role oversees operational planning, systems alignment, program evaluation, and organizational improvement organizational improvement strategies that strengthen statewide access to culturally responsive services. It manages contracts, monitors budgets, evaluates contractor performance, and conducts ROI and workforce analyses to support effective resource use.

The position collaborates with CCOs, state agencies, community partners, and internal divisions to develop standards, bilingual training requirements, registry infrastructure, and data governance processes. It also coordinates accessible, culturally responsive communications and public engagement, ensuring alignment across OHA divisions.

This role serves as OHA’s lead strategist for lactation and maternal‑child health equity—advancing statewide policy development, operational reform, and system integration that directly supports THWs, Oregon Health Plan members, and statewide health equity goals.  Bilingual language skills are desired to support effective communication and engagement with diverse communities and individuals with limited English proficiency. The ability to communicate effectively in English and another language may be beneficial in carrying out outreach, education, translation, and community engagement responsibilities. Employees who meet applicable language proficiency requirements may be eligible for a 5% bilingual pay differential, consistent with applicable state policies and collective bargaining provisions.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications must be reflected in your application for consideration.

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.

OR;

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.

Desired Attributes: The following are desired attributes that we have identified as key to success for this role at OHA. These are the candidate attributes we are searching for. If you possess the following candidate attributes, please let us know in your application.

Preferred Qualifications

-Advanced degrees in Public Health, Human Services, Social Work, Social Sciences, Ethnic

-Studies or Public Administration preferred, with coursework and training in social justice dismantling institutional privilege, social determinants of health and equity, community

-organizing, and policy advocacy preferred. Organizing, and policy advocacy preferred.

• Bilingual language skills are desired to support effective communication and engagement with diverse communities and individuals with limited English proficiency. The ability to communicate effectively in English and another language may be beneficial in carrying out outreach, education, translation, and community engagement responsibilities. Employees who meet applicable language proficiency requirements may be eligible for a 5% bilingual pay differential, consistent with applicable state policies and collective bargaining provisions.

• Must have extensive knowledge of how historical bias impacts certain communities, communities experiencing behavioral health inequities and demographic trends in Oregon

• Significant experience with health policy analysis and development. Experience in developing, implementing policies and programs that promote equity and inclusion. Experience advancing state and community-based programs and initiatives that promote equity and eliminate inequities.

• In-depth experience applying principles of Equity and Inclusion in relation to behavioral health system. Ability to lead equity centered, transformative behavioral health policy work.

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the full continuum of family child health care,

maternal child health care administration, family health policy and principles.

• Demonstrated understanding and experience considering the impact of social determinants of health and health inequities on health outcomes for diverse populations in Oregon, including communities harmed by inequities.

• Knowledge of research and practices in health care.

• Balances complex issues and competing interests

• Knowledge and experience with health care workforce training/certification processes.

• Knowledge and experience working with/within culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

• Demonstrated experience of doing multiple projects and short timelines.

• Demonstrated experience in setting  program goals and objectives and evaluating program success. towards goals/objectives.

• Demonstrated experience convening, staffing, and facilitating advisory councils or committees.

• Demonstrated experience serving in a lead role in team projects.

• Demonstrated experience at a leadership level communicating with a diverse group of partners on complex topics.

• Ability to objectively consider viewpoints and needs expressed by diverse groups and to make a good faith effort at communicating such to their counterparts.

• Experience leading groups with diverse and/or opposing views through a consensus process that results in a mutually acceptable solution.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including experience with written reports

• Strong multi-tasking skills with an ability to meet varying deadlines.

• Experience using the Microsoft Office suite of programs including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Experience in promoting a culturally competent and diverse work environment.

• Requires valid driver’s license or other acceptable methods of transportation.

Application Guidance

Your candidate profile and application are your opportunity to showcase your skills and interest in this role. Submissions will be reviewed for clarity, consistency, and communication skills, and for alignment with the guidance provided in the below:

Submission Requirements:

• Resume – Attach your current resume that clearly outlines your learned and professional (including volunteer) experience, education, and work experience relevant to this position.
• Cover Letter – A cover letter is required and will be reviewed and considered during the review and selection process.  Please submit at maximum a two-page cover letter. Please include specific examples of your experience.
• Supplemental Questions – Answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.
• Final Check! – Before submitting, confirm that all required materials are included, and your Workday Job History is current. The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.

How to Apply:

• External Candidates:  Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage or click the “Apply” tab above to submit your application, following all submission requirements.
• Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login, following all submission requirements.

After You Apply:

• Complete any pending tasks in Workday under “My Applications” prior to the application deadline.
• Check your email (including junk folder) and Workday inbox regularly for updates on your application.

Reminders:

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. To protect your information and ensure correct processing, please follow the instructions for submitting your Veterans’ Preference documentation.
• Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline.

About the Team & Benefits of Joining

We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of smart, experienced and passionate people.

If you are seeking work that is meaningful and changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority may be the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Additional Details

• This is a remote/ position meeting in-person if/or when needed “Review Section 4: Working Conditions” in the position description (linked above) for more information.
• Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check and a driving records check (if applicable) that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information, see the Classification and Compensation page.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.
• This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position.
• We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

Contact Information
Recruiter: Tracy Blach
Email: tracy.blach@oha.oregon.gov

Phone (text friendly): 503-509-5513

Reasonable Accommodation Requests (ADA): OHA provides reasonable accommodation under the ADA, which may include alternative formats of materials. If you need a reasonable  accommodation to apply for this position or participate in the selection process, please contact the recruiter listed above.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class – including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientationand do not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position.

OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.