Description

Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is a statewide not for profit provider agency that partners with individuals, their families, and the surrounding communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness. We measure success by our ability to help individuals obtain a safe home, achieve whole health, realize a meaningful purpose, and develop connections in the community. MHC envisions a future where wellbeing is rooted in respect for the condition of being human. Our dedication to this mission is evident through our focus on community education, advocacy, and direct service. 

MHC has an immediate full-time opening (Monday - Friday with flexibility based on position needs) for a Public Policy Manager within the Farmington area. The Public Policy Manager will focus on leading MHC’s advocacy and public policy activities, building relationships, and educating legislators and the general public. This position will report to, and work closely on major public policy initiatives with, the CEO. The Public Policy Manager should have exceptional skills with written and verbal communication, including, but not limited to creating presentations and speaking in front of groups, writing policy briefs, developing advocacy alerts and social media posts, identifying which communication channel should be used for the situation presented, and emitting professionalism, respect, and social awareness while engaging in conversation.

Salary, $60,000 annually. MHC offers a competitive benefits package which includes:

• Medical and Dental (Cost share split 90/10 for individual and 80/20 for family)
• Voluntary Vision
• Company paid Life and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) Retirement plan (company match is $1.00 for every dollar contributed, up to 6%)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan one time contribution of $1000 
• Paid time off (including 11 observed holidays, 2 wellness days, wellness break period, vacation and sick time 

Requirements

You are the right candidate if....

• You are passionate about public policy, advocacy, and about creating a structure that allows for decreasing discrimination that comes from mental health stigma, improving equity, and increasing access to health care.
• You understand or able to learn how CT’s state budget system works and how MHC fits into the social service system.
• You are proficient in understanding how to decipher legislation and its impact on individuals and communities when enacted, as well as policy development from idea to bill.
• You are passionate and adept about leading groups, relationship building, and engaging audiences to champion our cause.
• You care about the details of complicated and nuanced issues, from a policy, business, and relationships perspective.
• You are guided by a personal integrity aligned with serving the values and mission of MHC, despite potential differences that could arise from personal views.
• You have a good entrepreneurial work ethic and a desire to “get the job done.”
• You are able to understand and present complex concepts to various audiences, persuasively and diplomatically.
• You are self-motivated and willing to execute day-to-day tasks independently and with confidence and reliability.
• You are available to travel, as needed, to support agency initiatives.
• You are able to develop and maintain cooperative, professional relationships with individuals, other staff, and community agencies.
• You have exceptional written and verbal communication skills and an ability to speak and deliver presentations in front of large groups.
• You are highly organized with excellent time-management skills and have the ability to prioritize and balance multiple priorities and follow through effectively.
• You are adaptable, responsive, and have the ability to problem-solve.
• You have great interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative environment.
• You are diligent, persistent, and passionate about health equity, policy change, and the importance of a functioning social service system serving its residents.
• You are able to take responsibility with minimal supervision and direction.

The Public Policy Manager responsibilities include:

• Increasing awareness and education on the importance of community-based, recovery-oriented health care.
• Developing and furthering MHC’s public policy priorities that result in legislative wins.
• Actively participating in or leading coalitions and other collaborative efforts across Connecticut.
• Increasing the number of media inquiries, requests for collaboration and support, and new opportunities for MHC.
• Elevating MHC’s visibility and recognition as a leader in system change.
• Advocating for increased federal and state support for MHC.
• Introducing/improving legislation that reduces discrimination and increases access to care for individuals living with mental health and substance use conditions.
• Monitor, track, and analyze relevant legislative and regulatory policies at the national, regional, and state level, with primary focus on CT-based legislation.
• Register as MHC’s internal lobbyist and lead all advocacy and lobbying efforts during CT’s legislative session; Track and submit required reports to the CT Office of Ethics and follow all necessary protocols required to be a registered lobbyist in the state.
• Lead the CT Parity Coalition (www.ctparitycoalition.org) and possibly others in the future; Keep the CT Parity Coalition website updated and create ongoing communications to strengthen and grow this group.
• Perform independent policy research to identify benefits and drawbacks of existing and impending policy as it relates to MHC’s advocacy priorities and impact.
• Recommend policy direction and priorities that benefit MHC and the health care and social service systems in CT, and as policies relate to and support the Social Determinants of Health.
• Build and nurture critical relationships with legislators, legislative staff, and CT administrative staff to ensure MHC’s positioning and priorities are known and communicated.
• Attend meetings with associations and other groups and actively seek to be informed of the latest developments in state budget and policy trends.
• Act as the primary liaison and representative for MHC at various advocacy groups, coalitions, and meetings to assist in the development of model policy.
• Lead and grow MHC’s Public Policy Committee for MHC’s Board of Directors and activate this group as needed to rally support for bills and policy developments.
• Coordinate with MHC staff in their efforts to support MHC program participants’ active role in testifying at hearings and becoming advocates for health equity.
• Summarize, write, and present policy analysis findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Provide briefings to senior leadership on the status of key policy and partnership activities and keep leadership informed of legislative developments that have an impact on existing and/or proposed programs, state and local agencies, national organizations, etc.
• Monitor news sources for articles that relate to MHC’s policy priorities.
• Create a system and maintain database of legislative contacts.
• Write content for MHC blog and social networks, and internal communications.
• Represent MHC at community events, when appropriate, to increase awareness and visibility for the organization.
• Willing and able to drive a personal vehicle locally and within the state.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Health, or related field with minimum of 5 years of experience required.
• Experience as a lobbyist, training in advocacy, and/or familiarity with federal and CT state legislative process strongly preferred.
• Direct experience in policy settings related to either mental health or general health policy experience preferred.
• Experience in and advanced knowledge of the legislative process, preferably in CT, and experience building relationships with community partners, legislators, policy makers, and various groups preferred.
• Prior experience working with government officials, as well as one or more of the following: non-profits, associations, advocacy groups, individual advocates, and coalitions.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid CT driver's license and auto registration and insurance.

Mental Health Connecticut, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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