Policy Associate – Child and Family Health
Are you looking for a great opportunity to support states in improving systems of care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) including children’s mental health? Then consider joining the NASHP Child and Family Health Team!
About us — The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit forum of policymakers from across the spectrum of state governments, leading and implementing innovative solutions to states’ health policy challenges. At NASHP, we engage state leaders to solve problems and share solutions; conduct policy analyses and research; leverage state expertise to develop model policy solutions; disseminate information on state policies and programs; and provide technical assistance to states. We have offices in Washington, DC and in Portland, Maine and an immediate opening for a policy associate to join our Child and Family Health team.
We are operating in a hybrid work arrangement in June 2022. We require all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and be boosted, as well.
About you — You are a professional with at least six years of post-Bachelor’s experience, who is organized and detail-oriented, a skilled communicator with strong writing and analytic skills, and who thrives in a dynamic work environment, engaging in multiple projects at a time. You have a strong foundation and substantive experience in a state health policy and, in particular, state policy approaches to addressing and improving child health. You know improving the health of children and their families takes a multi-pronged, cross-sector approach and you understand the unique needs of children with chronic and complex health and behavioral health conditions. You are state-focused, interested in and understanding of what state policymakers need to know to effectively meet their most difficult challenges, and have a strong grasp of health care delivery and financing strategies including Medicaid, alternative payment models, and integrated care.
How you will spend your time — Policy associates are lead content experts on policy issues and topics facing state decision makers. As a NASHP policy associate, you will conduct qualitative policy research and analysis, contribute to project development and management, work with a team to provide technical assistance to state officials, write policy briefs and other related resources aimed at a broad policy audience and work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and directly with state health policy officials. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Tracking, researching, analyzing, and summarizing state and federal policy, legislation, rules and regulations that impact state systems of care for CYSHCN
- Providing technical assistance to state officials and others on child health systems including a pediatric alternative payment model project
- Facilitating state-to-state learning and exchange using multiple strategies, both virtual and in-person
- Leveraging knowledge and expertise of child health policy to support state technical assistance, developing issue briefs and tools states can adopt to advance policies in those domains
- Working with both internal and external stakeholders at the state and national level, effectively communicating information on trends and emerging issues in health policy
- Planning, researching, and writing blogs, briefs, reports, proposals and other publications
- Assisting in the development of grant proposal
- Assisting in staffing and support of NASHP’s policy committees and participating in the planning and implementation of NASHP’s annual conference
- Representing NASHP and relevant project work at meetings and conferences
Some travel will be required.
The salary range for policy associates ranges from $65,000 to $91,840. Note that this is not an entry level position and your salary will be commensurate with your experience. We offer a wide range of benefits including health, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, STD/LTD/ADD, paid time off and a transportation stipend. We also have a generous retirement benefit.
To apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position and in our organization, along with salary requirements to: search@oldsite.nashp.org. Please be certain to put “Child & Family Health PA” in the subject line.
NASHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, in accordance with all applicable laws. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment and are committed to building a diverse workforce and leadership team. All people are encouraged and welcome to apply.


For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 























































































































































