Director, Behavioral Health Workforce Center

Posted on May 16, 2024

The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) seeks a Director to lead a new Behavioral Health Workforce Center within the HPC, an independent state agency on the forefront of health care policy and cost containment in Massachusetts. This is an opportunity to establish a new team that will analyze and monitor the behavioral health workforce in Massachusetts, as created by the Massachusetts Legislature and in partnership with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). 

Mission of the Behavioral Health Workforce Center 

The Behavioral Health Workforce Center (“the Center”) will conduct research to inform the improvement of the supply, distribution, competency, and diversity of the behavioral health workforce in Massachusetts. The main functions of the Workforce Center will be to: (1) serve as the Commonwealth’s primary data hub on the behavioral health workforce by identifying gaps and challenges across communities and provider types; (2) monitor trends, particularly related to disparities in workforce representation and demand for services; and (3) use data to craft recommended policy solutions for identified gaps and challenge areas. 

Role and Responsibilities  

The Director will conduct research on long-standing behavioral health workforce challenges and develop policy recommendations to tackle these ongoing issues. The Director will provide subject matter expertise and coordination across three main workstreams: (1) conducting research and reporting on findings; (2) convening and managing relationships with subject matter experts and stakeholders; and (3) synthesizing information from research, reports, and relevant stakeholders to generate findings to put forth actionable policy recommendations for building and maintaining a robust behavioral health workforce in the Commonwealth. 

The Director will work in close collaboration with EOHHS and other governmental agencies to set the behavioral health workforce research and evaluation agenda for the Commonwealth. 

Duties of this position may include, but are not limited to:  

• Providing subject matter expertise in behavioral health care and recent policy reforms, particularly for issues related to the behavioral health workforce in Massachusetts (including licensure and regulation, government and private sector workforce initiatives and innovations). 

• Developing and managing an overarching workplan to produce key deliverables. 

• Overseeing production of reports, policy recommendations, white papers, and other associated collateral materials.  

• Convening and managing advisors and stakeholders in support of the work of the Center. 

• Coordinating interagency workgroups convened to identify and implement policy recommendations. 

• Contributing to the research process as an expert behavioral health resource for the HPC’s research and policy agenda.  

• Supervision of research and policy staff.  

• Managing interagency agreements undertaken in support of the Center and, as appropriate, procuring and contracting for external resources. 

Requirements and Qualifications  

Requirements 

Applicants should have at least ten years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional, or professional internship experience. Advanced degree preferred.  

Desired Qualifications (knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors):   

• A minimum of ten years’ experience in behavioral health policy work, research, program management, and/or advocacy, with direct experience in state government policy work and significant experience in working on matters with or within advocacy organizations on behavioral health initiatives.  

• Specific knowledge of behavioral health workforce policy, including policies related to specific roles, training, certification, and licensure. 

• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data sources related to the behavioral health workforce and other behavioral health topics. 

• A commitment to understanding and responding to inequities in the behavioral health workforce based on race, ethnicity, language, disability status, and other factors.  

• Ability to develop and manage workplans, ensuring adherence to deadlines and production of deliverables. 

• Experience convening and synthesizing input from behavioral health experts, stakeholders, and government partners. 

• Strong analytic and communication skills, including the ability to translate quantitative and qualitative information into cogent policy recommendations. 

• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail.  

• A dedication to public service and a desire to advance a more transparent, accountable, and equitable health care system for all Massachusetts residents. 

The HPC operates a hybrid work schedule, with employees splitting their time between the downtown Boston office and remote work.  

Compensation and Benefits 

Salary Range 

$120,000-$160,000 annually 

Salary is commensurate with experience. The HPC may adjust title, responsibilities, and salary depending on the experience and expertise of the individual selected.   

Benefits 

The HPC offers an outstanding and comprehensive package of employee benefits which should be considered toward overall compensation. These include: 

• 12 paid holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal time 

• 75% state paid medical insurance premium 

• Health, dental, and vision plans offered through the Group Insurance Commission 

• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs 

• Low-cost basic and optional life insurance 

• Retirement savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan 

• Tuition benefit for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities 

• Extended sick leave program participation 

• Professional development and continuing education opportunities 

• Qualified employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program 

• A suite of well-being benefits  

Our Commitment 

The HPC is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. We recognize that diversity in the workplace is a source of strength, vital to its ability to effectively advance its mission. The HPC is committed to: 

• Actively promoting diversity in our workforce, including greater racial and ethnic diversity, at all levels of the organization 

• Fostering a work environment in which all employees are inspired to do their best, strengthened by their different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences 

• Ensuring that no employee’s growth, achievement, or advancement is hindered because of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, genetic information, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or disability 

• Holding ourselves to a high standard of inclusion and opportunity that will serve as a model for other public and private employers throughout the Commonwealth 

• Promoting our core values of equal opportunity, equal justice, and inclusion in HPC actions and initiatives