Government Consultant – Program/Waiver Evaluation Specialist

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Government Health Services Consulting (GHSC) team at Mercer, a Marsh business. This can be based anywhere near a Mercer office and offers a hybrid work arrangement, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office.As a Government Consultant – Program/Waiver Evaluation Specialist, you will play a vital role as a core team member providing expert insights on complex projects for 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:Design and conduct research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of Medicaid programs, including 1115 demonstration waivers, in alignment with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines and best practicesCollaborate with the CMS, as directed by clients, to develop and implement evaluation designs for Section 1115 demonstrations, state-directed payments, and other Medicaid programsCollect, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources to assess program implementation, outcomes, and impacts on target populationsInvestigate and document facilitators or barriers to program implementation, generating insights that inform current and future programs improvementsUtilize CMS-developed tools to assist states and independent evaluation teams in preparing comprehensive, high-quality evaluation reportsProvide technical assistance to states and independent evaluation teams throughout the evaluation process, facilitating effective use of CMS resources and toolsDevelop clear, data-driven reports and presentations on 1115 waiver performance, supporting clients in meeting CMS reporting timelines and standardsOffer strategic recommendations for improving 1115 waiver and other program design and implementationEngage and collaborate with stakeholders, including Medicaid leadership, providers, and beneficiaries, to gather feedback and inform program recommendationsManage the quality and timeliness of client deliverables, communicating regularly and effectively with project teamsAssist with developing and presenting project results to clients and stakeholdersStay current on market trends and regulatory changes affecting client programsWhat you need to have: Bachelor’s degree3-5+ years of experience evaluating Medicaid programsKnowledge of Medicaid policies, regulations, and program operationsStrong 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 dataExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsProven ability to manage multiple priorities across large, complex projects in a fast-paced environmentExcellent attention to detail, organization, and time management skillsDemonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build relationships across teams and leadershipWhat makes you stand out?Master’s degree in public health, health policy, health services research, or a related field with statistical analysisExperience evaluating 1115 waivers, including SMI/SPMI, SUD, SED, justice-involved (JI), and/or health-related social needs (HRSN) waiversExperience working with Medicaid claims dataFamiliarity 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 structureExperience working with CMS, state Medicaid agencies, or healthcare consulting desiredStrategic mindset with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challengesStrong stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging Medicaid leadership, providers, and beneficiariesProject management experience or credentialsWhy join our team:We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders.We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have an impact on colleagues, clients, and communities.Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being.Mercer is a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH), a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information about Mercer, visit mercer.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting reasonableaccommodations@mmc.com.Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one “anchor day” per week on which their full team will be together in person.The applicable base salary range for this role is $68,500 to $137,000.The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based incentives.We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition assistance, 401K savings and other retirement programs as well as employee assistance programs.R_344054