Oregon Department of Human Services is hiring an Oregon Health Authority Principal Ombuds (Consultant Advisor 1)

The Oregon Health Authority is hiring a Principal Ombuds (Consultant Advisor 1) to ensure agency implementation of mandated ombuds services and advocate for individuals receiving publicly funded health services. You will transform beneficiary experiences into actionable recommendations for systems, policy, and program improvements, reporting quarterly to the Governor and state leadership.

What You'll Do

• Ensure agency implementation of ORS 414.712 through the Ombuds Program.
• Advocate on behalf of Oregon Health Plan members for access to care and quality of care.
• Channel member experiences into recommendations for systems, policy, and program improvement.
• Act enterprise-wide to center OHA's operations, policy, legislative, and initiatives in the voices of those receiving benefits.
• Report quarterly to the Governor, Oregon Health Policy Board, and other leadership on services provided and advise on centering equity and quality.
• Develop policy, program, and administrative improvements addressing barriers to access.
• Utilize cross-agency collaboration, empathy, cultural humility, conflict resolution, and analytical investigation to develop strategic advocacy priorities.
• Support and mentor the Ombuds team for case resolution and policy improvements.
• Lead with humility and kindness to bring about systems change for co-created policies.
• Execute all elements of the OHA Ombuds Program, including internal and external communication, ensuring culturally responsive customer service, and delivering written reports.
• Meet regularly with agency leadership to share beneficiary experiences and advocate for improvements.
• Identify and lead actions for systems improvements based on beneficiary experiences.
• Incorporate innovation, advocacy, and client experience into agency work.
• Mentor and develop person-centered advocates within the agency.
• Exercise stewardship of Ombuds Program resources and business acumen for program sustainability.

What We're Looking For

• Seven years of executive-level policy development or foundational experience directly related to the position.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Criminal record that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite tools.

Nice to Have

• Consumer-centered Medicaid experience and deep understanding of Medicaid in Oregon or nationally.
• Experience and/or knowledge of Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) and/or Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
• Demonstrated experience working within Oregon Medicaid to advance health equity.
• Lived and/or professional experience working directly with diverse populations.
• Experience in fields such as social work, public health administration, communication, psychology, law, conflict resolution, or organizational change focused on social justice and equity.
• Bi-lingual/bi-cultural communication skills.
• Previous Ombuds experience, particularly in an advocacy-based, health-based, and/or government-based Ombuds Program.
• Power BI experience.
• Experience in quantitative, qualitative, and evaluation methodology.

Technical Stack

• Microsoft Suite
• Power BI

Team & Environment

This role is part of the OHA Ombuds Program and reports to the Governor, Oregon Health Policy Board, OHA Director, and other leadership bodies.

Benefits & Compensation

• Monthly salary: $8,907 to $12,522

The Oregon Health Authority values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. Our core values include equity, and our mission is to foster inclusivity and build a stronger, more equitable future.