As a Senior Government Consultant - Program/Waiver Evaluation & Implementation Specialist, you will play a vital role as a core team member on project teams, lead projects, and/or provide subject matter expertise for complex projects with Mercer Government’s clients, which are primarily state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies and related state agencies responsible for Medicaid and CHIP fee-for-service and managed care programs. This is a great opportunity to join a global company known for its dynamic culture, excellent benefits, and commitment to professional growth where you can experience meaningful work alongside supportive leaders dedicated to your success!

We will count on you to:

• Lead, design, and conduct research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of Medicaid programs, including 1115 Medicaid demonstration waivers, ensuring alignment with CMS guidelines and best practices
• When necessary and directed by the client, collaborate with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop and implement evaluation designs for Medicaid section 1115 demonstrations, state-directed payments, or other Medicaid programs, ensuring alignment with CMS’s expectations and guidance
• Thrive and be motivated by an environment that embraces AI and technology-enabled tools
• Obtain and analyze data related to the implementation process, outcomes, and impacts of Medicaid programs, focusing on whether the programs are being executed as intended and their effects on the target population
• Investigate and document the factors that facilitate or hinder the implementation of program policies, providing insights that can inform adjustments and improvements to current and future programs
• Utilize CMS-developed tools to assist states and independent evaluation teams in preparing comprehensive evaluation reports that meet rigorous standards for quality and accuracy
• Provide technical assistance and support to states and independent evaluation teams throughout the evaluation process, facilitating the effective use of resources and tools provided by CMS
• Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from various sources
• Support development of clear, data-driven reports and presentations on 1115 waiver performance, including providing guidance to clients on meeting CMS reporting timelines.
• Offer strategic recommendations for improving 1115 waiver and/or other program design and implementation
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including Medicaid leadership, providers, and beneficiaries, to gather feedback on 1115 waiver and other program recommendations
• Manage the quality and timeliness of client deliverables and communicate regularly and effectively with project teams
• Assist with developing and presenting project results to clients and stakeholders
• Stay informed on market trends and regulatory changes affecting client programs

What you need to have: 

• Master’s degree or higher
• 3-5+ years of experience evaluating Medicaid programs
• Knowledge of Medicaid policies, regulations, and program operations
• Expertise in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis (SAS experience preferred
• Strong critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret both quantitative and qualitative data
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities across large, complex projects in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build relationships across teams and leadership

What makes you stand out?

• Doctoral degree in public health, health policy, health services research, or a related field with statistical analysis
• Experience evaluating 1115 waivers, including SMI/SPMI, SUD, SED, justice-involved (JI), and/or health-related social needs (HRSN) waivers
• Experience working with Medicaid claims data
• Familiarity with quasi-experimental program evaluation methods (e.g., interrupted time series, difference-in-differences)
• Understanding of waiver design and implementation, including amendments, budget neutrality, and program structure
• Experience working with CMS, state Medicaid agencies, or healthcare consulting desired
• Strategic mindset with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging Medicaid leadership, providers, and beneficiaries
• Project management experience or credentials

The applicable base salary range for this role is $88,000 to $176,000.