Behavioral Health Policy Advisor (SPSA, Opt. 1)
Springfield, IL, US, 62704
Job Requisition ID: 52353
Closing Date: 01/22/2026
Agency: Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR - 40070
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated starting salary $11,000/monthly; Full salary range $11,000 - $13,000/monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Excluded - Subject to Paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (6) of Section 4d of the Personnel Code
A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position overview:
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services Division of Medical Programs is seeking a motivated professional to serve as the Behavioral Health Policy Advisor. The Behavioral Health Policy Advisor will lead the policy analysis and program design for Medicaid behavioral health programs, covered benefits, and provider types in collaboration with program administration staff. The Behavioral Health Policy Advisor will:
- Draft State Plan Amendments and waivers to promote access to quality behavioral health services while securing federal Medicaid matching dollars;
- Draft, review, and/or provide recommended changes to state legislation;
- Draft administrative rules and other policies and procedures supporting behavioral health service and program implementation;
- Review and provide options and recommendations for the implementation of state and federal legislation, regulations, and subregulatory guidance;
- Develop policy options and make recommendations based on research, best practices, and lessons learned, including service and program implementation in other states and at the federal level;
- Support the development of cost estimates for behavioral health services and programs;
- Collaborate with subject matter experts within the Department and across sister agencies; and
- Propose policy changes to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare coverage and support program implementation that meets policy goals and objectives.
The Behavioral Health Policy Advisor also will collaborate with and represent the Department in meetings with state and federal officials, providers, Medicaid customers, sister agency staff, staff from other state Medicaid agencies, and meetings with state and national associations and organizations. The Behavioral Health Policy Advisor will report directly to Deputy Administrator for Policy within the Division of Medicaid Programs.
The ideal candidate will have experience leading the development of policy and program implementation for behavioral health services and programs in Medicaid, Medicare, the Marketplace, or other government healthcare programs. The ideal candidate also will have experience drafting, reviewing, and implementing legislation and regulations, leading teams, and representing and speaking on behalf of their organization at external meetings.
HFS values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.
Employees receive a robust benefit package including:
- Monday-Friday work schedule
- Flexible work schedules are available in many program areas. (Remote work may be an option for certain positions.)
- Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Pension Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
- Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually.
- New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually.
- Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually.
- (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
If you are seeking a new opportunity, and this position appeals to you, please apply today!
At the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), we value staff as our greatest asset. We work in a spirit of teamwork to help millions of Illinoisans access high quality healthcare and fulfill child support obligations to advance their physical, mental, and financial well-being. We provide healthcare coverage for children and adults through Medicaid and other medical programs, and we help ensure that children receive financial resources from both their parents through Child Support Services. The HFS Office of the Inspector General investigates, audits and reviews program activity to ensure the integrity of our programs is maintained.
HFS is committed to promoting and preserving a workplace culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and value employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents. It is the collective sum of our individual differences that provides a broad perspective, leading to greater innovation and achievement. In recruiting for our team, we recognize the unique contributions of each applicant regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. HFS is an equal opportunity employer.
Essential Functions
- As the Behavioral Health Policy Advisor for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), serves as principal policy-making official on behavioral health with an equity-based approach formulating and implementing policy and funding designs that support access to high quality behavioral health services, delivery system infrastructure, financing incentives supporting quality and access, and meeting the needs of underserved populations
- Provides administrative input into planning for future initiatives in collaboration with program administration staff
- Serves as a policy leader in the Division of Medical Programs
- Serves as official spokesperson for the Department regarding all behavioral health policy issues
- Collects, analyzes, and reports on data related to behavioral healthcare
- Serves as a full line supervisor
- Provides informed assumption to input into program budget preparation and controls
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in public policy, public administration, business administration, or similar field of study
- Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public policy, public administration, or business organization
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience working in the healthcare industry or government
- Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience developing and implementing policy for a public or private organization
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience conducting research on healthcare policies, Medicaid regulations, and behavioral health guidelines
- Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience serving as spokesperson and subject matter expert for a health care program
- Advanced degree in public policy, public health, public administration, business administration, or similar field of study
Conditions of Employment
- Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
- Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a laptop and/or cell phone
- Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate
- Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends
- Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine
- This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings
- The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Headquarter Location: 201 South Grand Ave E Springfield, IL 62704-3803
Work County: Sangamon
Email: HFS.DPASApps@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Leadership & Management
Revolving Door:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Springfield