Behavioral Health Policy Fellowship

 

The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) is a national resource, partner and advocate for state public health leaders and others working to improve the health of women, children, youth, and families, including those with special health care needs. AMCHP leads and supports programs nationally to protect and promote the optimal health of maternal and child health (MCH) populations. We envision a nation that values and invests in the health and wellbeing of all women, children, youth, families, and communities so that they may thrive.

This is a fellowship position within AMCHP’s Health Systems Transformation Team to support public health leaders in developing and implementing programmatic and policy initiatives that address the behavioral health needs of women with substance misuse, addiction, and mental health disorders. The fellowship position is full-time (35 hours/week). The appointment is 2-years in length, beginning May 2021. 

At the end of the 2-year term, the fellow will demonstrate knowledge and applied competency in the following areas:

·      Analysis of mental health and substance use policy through a health equity lens.

·      Understanding of federal and state public health approaches to addressing the behavioral health needs of MCH populations.

·      Communication and resource development for various stakeholders.

·      Identification of evidence-based behavioral health policies and practices for MCH populations.

·      Research, analyze, and report on national and state level policy and systems trends, needs and gaps related to the behavioral health needs of MCH populations.

·      Identify equity-focused mental health and behavioral health policy options to promote state-level policy and systems change that can help states and jurisdictions improve behavioral services and outcomes for MCH populations.

·      Author a minimum of two issue briefs, fact sheets and/or other communications/publications related to emerging issues in MCH behavioral health policy.

·      Provide production support for a special issue of a peer-reviewed journal.

·      Maintain and update mental health and behavioral health content on the AMCHP website and social media platforms.

·      Participate in the development and implementation of meetings, forums, learning collaboratives, and skills building/training events.

·      Serve as a member of AMCHP’s internal Mental Health team.

·      Represent AMCHP at partner meetings, workgroups, and policy coalitions.

·      Support implementation of AMCHP’s strategic and operational plans including aligning projects and activities with strategic goals and supporting cross-cutting initiatives.

·      Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the principal duties, the fellow will have opportunities to participate in grant writing and implementation; facilitate events, trainings, and proceedings; present at national/regional meetings and conferences; and work with AMCHP’s dedicated staff, as well as MCH leadership in 59 states, territories, and jurisdictions.

·      Knowledge of public health and behavioral health policy

·      Knowledge of substance misuse, addiction, and mental health disorders, and implications for women of reproductive age (preferred)

·      Knowledge of the spectrum of behavioral health intervention, including prevention, treatment, and recovery. (preferred)

·      Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, Power Point)

·      Demonstrated excellence in verbal/written communication skills

·      Strong organizational skills with attention to detail

·      Ability to work independently and within a team environment

·      Ability to manage tasks for concurrent or overlapping projects

·      Steadfast commitment to AMCHP’s core values: Leadership, Collaboration, Health Equity and Social Justice, Inclusion, Integrity, Excellence, and Stewardship

Education: Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Public/Population Health, Social Work, Psychology, or a related discipline. Qualifying degree should have been received within the last five (5) years.

Other: AMCHP offers 100% virtual work/telework environment while our nation responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants are not required to relocate to the Washington, DC area. If public health experts determine air travel and group congregations are safe, this position includes the ability to travel approximately 5‐10% of the time. This position requests flexibility to work occasional weekends and/or nontraditional hours (approximately 5‐6 times per year). This position is funded by a cooperative agreement from the federal government.

Physical/Sensory Demands: We are committed to an inclusive culture that values all types of diversity, including the accommodation of a wide range of disability and related workplace needs. 

Starting Salary: $55,000.00

Job Type: Full-time, time limited, approximately 2 years

Estimated Project Timeline: May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2023

We are a dynamic, energetic team comprised of MCH subject matter experts and individuals passionate about building a nation that values and invests in the health and wellbeing of all women, children, youth, families, and communities so that they may thrive. We take specific, focused action to center anti-racism in our work and be assets for health equity and racial justice.

AMCHP is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our employment practices reflect our core values and guide us in our commitment to dismantling structural racism and rebuilding the systems that serve our communities in ways that center racial and other forms of equity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

AMCHP offers an exceptional benefits package that includes flexible work options; generous paid time off; health, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution; parental leave; employer paid life, short and long-term disability insurance; and professional development assistance.

Interested? Submit your resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript, and (3) references. Indicate #21-10005 Behavioral Health Policy Fellowship in subject line. No phone calls, please. (E.O.E.)

Disclaimer: This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected and may not be a comprehensive listing of required duties or responsibilities. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as necessary.