APD Analyst

Overview of Job:

Diversified Services Network is seeking an APD Analyst to play a key role in the successful modernization of the Illinois Medicaid Enterprise System (MES).

The APD Analyst supports the State of Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) in the modernization of its Medicaid Enterprise by providing analytical, coordination, and advisory services across procurement strategies, independent government cost estimation, market research, and costing/price analysis. This role collaborates with stakeholders to develop, track, and update Advanced Planning Documents (APDs) and associated deliverables, ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements. The APD Analyst works closely with client leadership, project teams, and federal partners (such as CMS) to support business operations, funding requests, and project documentation for Medicaid programs.

*The position is remote, with the possibility of up to 25% travel to the client location in Springfield, Illinois.

Duties Include:

·         Write and coordinate information gathering for APDs, including Planning, Implementation, Operational, As Needed, and Annual APDs.

·         Track and report on assigned APD activities and financials, including federal funding requests and contract amendments.

·         Collaborate with client project teams and stakeholders to understand project scope, APD requirements, and business needs.

·         Support the development of procurement strategies, including research of available products, services, suppliers, and evaluation of acquisition approaches.

·         Collect, review, and analyze data to develop Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) and perform cost benefit, costing, and price analysis.

·         Conduct market research to evaluate suppliers, compare services and costs, and provide recommendations for procurement plans and strategies.

·         Prepare and present analytical reports, findings, and recommendations to support decision-making throughout the procurement and APD lifecycle.

·         Ensure all work products and deliverables meet technical, documentation, and quality standards.

·         Participate in and/or facilitate engagement with CMS and other federal/state agencies to ensure collaborative working relationships and compliance with APD submission requirements.

·         Manage client relationships and expectations, working regularly with key client leadership.

·         Provide recommendations for critical business and project decisions.

·         Participate in meetings and communicate deliverable status, risks, and issues to stakeholders, including the client and federal government.

·         Support continuous improvement of processes, personnel, and organizational systems related to procurement, APD, and financial management.

·         Review deliverables and processes for quality and completeness, ensuring all project-identified processes and methodologies are executed and followed.

Mandatory Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in a related field, or four years of additional relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

·         Minimum of 4 years’ experience in developing and applying analytic methodologies, including Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) APD development and maintenance, federal grant or funding requests, or status reporting with a state or federal agency.

·         Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a business analyst with, or consultant to, State Health Programs.

·         Minimum of 3 years’ experience with elicitation and verification of business requirements.

·         Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), with expertise in MS Excel.

·         Strong customer service attitude and effective oral and written communication skills.

·         Ability to work independently or as part of a team, with a high degree of professionalism in deliverables and client interactions.

·         Experience with cost benefit analysis and financial tracking/reporting.

·         Ability to review deliverables and processes for quality and completeness.

Preferred Experience / Qualifications:

·         Business Data Analytics Certificate, Cost Estimator/Analyst Certification, CPA License, or PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP).

·         Understanding of State Medicaid Manual, 45 CFR 430, 610, 611, 612, State Medicaid Director’s Letters, and APD Submission Requirements.

·         Three or more years’ experience working collaboratively with CMS State Representative or equivalent federal agency.

·         Prior experience with Advance Planning Documents (APDs) and state procurement processes.

·         Experience and skill in the development and maintenance of Microsoft Project schedules.

·         Ability to communicate succinctly and accurately in written and verbal English.