Policy Analyst

Job Duties

The Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) is looking for a dynamic, experienced professional to join its team as a policy analyst.

The BHC is a permanent Commission of the Virginia General Assembly, established to place ongoing legislative focus on the state’s behavioral health system and to improve the experience and outcomes of patients.

Members of the Commission are state legislators charged with making policy decisions to provide Virginians with access to a full continuum of high-quality and efficient behavioral health services.

The Commission’s full-time staff conducts robust, independent, and nonpartisan public policy research and performance evaluation to help guide the Commission’s agenda and to make policy recommendations that inform legislators’ policy decisions.

Commission staff are located in Richmond, Virginia. To learn more about the BHC and the work it is undertaking, please visit bhc.virginia.gov.

If you have experience in public policy research, law, program evaluation, behavioral health, and / or Virginia state government and you are passionate about having an impact on people’s lives, this is a unique opportunity to share policy recommendations directly with decision-makers who are committed to improving this key component of Virginia’s health care system.

BHC analysts have the opportunity to

• engage in primary research through interviews, fieldwork, surveys, and other qualitative methods;
• perform data analysis, including occasional statistical analysis;
• work directly with stakeholders in a variety of settings during in-person site visits and interviews;
• synthesize information from secondary sources (e.g., other states’ research, journals);
• develop actionable recommendations for BHC members’ consideration;
• support legislative members in drafting legislation and budget language to enact recommendations during the legislative session; and
• represent the agency before legislative audiences and other stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

Successful BHC analysts will have the following characteristics :

a Bachelor’s or advanced degree (preferred) in public policy or administration, health policy, or a related research-based discipline;

or a J.D. with an interest in public policy

• 5+ years of professional experience, including 2+ years conducting applied research in a public policy, program evaluation, clinical, or legal field;
• ability to conduct research in a non-partisan, neutral, and objective manner;
• excellent critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
• ability to synthesize and present complex information in a clear and concise way;
• strong writing and oral communication skills;
• ability to balance multiple workflows and manage tight deadlines;
• intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn;
• high level of attention to detail;
• ability to thrive in a team environment; and
• solid knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Knowledge of the behavioral health systems and services, particularly in Virginia, is preferred. Familiarity with Virginia’s state government and legislative process is a plus.

Additional Considerations

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding work experience and a healthy work / life balance, the BHC offers a competitive salary ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 for this position, based on experience;

a flexible work environment and the opportunity to work remotely two days a week; and an excellent benefit package that includes generous and affordable health and life insurance, 24+ days of annual / personal / sick leave plus 12 paid holidays, and a retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings and employer matching.

The BHC is committed to pursuing increased workforce diversity and ensuring an inclusive work environment.

Special Instructions

To be considered for this position, qualified applicants should email ov with (1) a cover letter; (2) a résumé; (3) at least two writing samples of three to 10 pages authored primarily by the applicant;

and (4) the name, title, and contact information of three references.

Applications will be reviewed until June 30, 2024.

Contact Information

Name : Agnes

Phone : Dymora

Email : ov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI).

Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS / DBVI to get their AHP Letter.