Ombudperson

Initial Posting Date:
09/02/2021

Application Deadline:
09/26/2021

Agency:
Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range:
$4,441 – $6,794

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Ombudperson (Program Analyst 2)

Job Description:
Do you have experience advocating for underrepresented populations? If you are driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is the place for you! The Oregon Health Authority Ombuds Program is recruiting for an Ombudsperson (Program Analyst 2) with Case Management, Medicaid, and health equity experience to join our team.

This is a full-time, permanent position and is represented by a union. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

What you will do:
As an Ombudsperson, you will act as an advocate for individuals eligible for and enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). You will support OHP members access to quality, value-based care through individual case advocacy and resolution. You will use learnings from individual member complaints to inform operational and policy recommendations to OHA leadership and external partners.

In this role, you will work independently and as part of a team. You will support the Ombuds program day-to-day case resolution of individual Oregon Health Plan complaints through researching background and relevant contextual information, troubleshooting case records, and conducting telephone interviews for client-centered case management and to ensure concerns resolution. You will actively contribute to the program design, development, and implementation of this growing program. Previous experience understanding Medicaid complaints data categories and developing or transiting to case management or Ombuds program software is a plus.

Additionally, you will be required to demonstrate:
Empathy

Strong interpersonal and cultural humility skills,

Conflict resolution and mediation,

Collaboration with internal Oregon Health Authority and community programs, and,

Analytical investigation

What we are looking for:
Minimum Requirements : A Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a degree related to the agency program that demonstrates the capacity for the knowledge and skills; AND two (2) years of professional-level experience coordinating or administering a program.

OR

A combination of experience or education equivalent to five (5) years of experience that supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification for this position.

Requested Skills:
Demonstrated experience collecting, analyzing, and using data to communicate and influence others; particular preference may be given to candidates with experience collecting and using health data to support health equity, reduce disparities, and/or advocate for health equity principles.

Proven experience providing advocacy for underrepresented populations or proven case management experience with underrepresented and vulnerable populations.

The ability to analyze complaints, gather and analyze relevant information, and pursue effective solutions to support advocacy, equity, and client-centered resolution.

Models collaborative problem-solving skills and solution driven discussions.

Strong communication skills with the ability to persuade and communicate across a variety of forms.

Demonstrated ability to build and steward positive relationships with diverse community groups including communities of color, immigrant groups, the disability community, and other traditionally marginalized and non-dominant culture groups.

Knowledge of health services delivery systems; government health benefit programs, particularly Medicaid; and client rights related to those programs.

Bilingual language skills in one of the top five languages spoken by Oregon Health Plan members (Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic) strongly preferred.

Preference may be given to applicants with an advanced degree from an accredited institution in field such as social work, communication, psychology, law, conflict resolution, or organizational developments preferred and/or coursework, training and/or program development focused on social justice, diversity and inclusion, universal access and the ADA, dismantling institutional privilege, social determinants of health and equity preferred.

Preferences may be given to applicants with demonstrated experience advancing health equity, cultivating relationships with, and advancing the interest of non-dominant cultures such as linguistically diverse, immigrant or refugee populations, LGBTQ communities, and, gender- and ability- diverse community members.

Previous Ombuds experience.

Previous Medicaid experience.

Experience promoting a culturally competent and diverse work environment.

What’s in it for you:
The External Relations division is a team of passionate individuals working to promote health equity across the lifespan of individuals, families, and communities. We value and support unique perspectives using a trauma-informed approach and aim to reflect these values in our hiring practices, professional development, and workplace. We are committed to racial equity as a driving factor to improve health outcomes for all communities that experience inequities. We offer full medical, vision and dental benefits with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 10 paid holidays per year plus pension and retirement plans .

Working Conditions:
Frequently communicating with individuals who experience challenges with some part of the health care system; recognize and identify needs presented by individuals with Limited English Proficiency, or other physical or behavioral needs that impact communication. Support individuals in communications and act as a cultural broker where needed.

Position requires the incumbent to work a professional work week where the hours of work fluctuate on a daily and weekly basis.

May require extended working hours during legislative session, including weekends, evenings and holidays.

Extensive use of the computer, telephone, and other related technology.

Is subject to fluctuating workloads and priorities in dealing with highly complex, sensitive, and/or political issues.

Occasional overnight travel may be required. Occasional travel requires that the incumbent have a valid driver’s license or an alternate form of transportation.

Position requires the use of digital technology including laptops, computers, tablets, and cell phones which at times can vary in duration and frequency.

Position at times may require public speaking or attending meetings in environments not managed by the Oregon Health Authority.

How to apply:
Complete the online application

Complete Questionnaire

Upload Resume

Upload Cover Letter describing your experience as it pertains to the position.

External Applicants Click the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.

Current State of Oregon employees : Apply through your employee Workday account. View this job aid for assistance.

Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, OHA will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications above, under “ What are we looking for ” to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application material.

Helpful Tips:
This posting closes at 11:59 PM (PST) on the close date listed.

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You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.

Include a valid e-mail address on the application.

Check both your e-mail and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.

Additional Information:
Background Check: If you are offered employment, your offer will be contingent upon the positive outcome of an abuse check, criminal records check, and driving records check. The information will be shared with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Office of Human Resources (OHR). Any criminal or founded abuse history will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment.

Pay Equity: Please ensure your application and resume is updated and thorough; including your work history and education. Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity analysis. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.

Veterans: If you are a veteran, you may receive veteran’s preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, you will receive a notice in your Workday inbox and will be required to provide your documents at that time.

Visa Sponsorships : We do not offer VISA sponsorships or transfers. Within three (3) days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form, confirming your authorization to work in the United States.

Vaccine Requirements: The State of Oregon is requiring all executive branch employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series by October 18, 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/executive_orders/eo_21-29.pdf

Questions:
If you have questions about the recruitment process or need assistance, including an accommodation request under the American with Disabilities Act, please contact Tracie Knight at [email protected]. TTY users please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900. For technical support, please call toll free 1-855-524-5627, for customer service assistance.

Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity:
The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information or any other protected class under state or federal law. In addition, we do not discriminate, or screen applicants based on current or past compensation. We determine salary by reviewing your application materials to evaluate your related education, experience, and training for this position. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage. To learn more about OHA’s mission, vision, and core values,

The Oregon Health Authority is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to workforce diversity.