Medicaid Grant Writer

Brief but strategic: The Medicaid Grant Writer is responsible for identifying, developing, and submitting grant proposals focused on Iowa Medicaid programs, behavioral health services, and federal/state funding opportunities. Keep this specific (this is what filters strong candidates): Bachelor’s degree (Master’s in Social Work, Public Health, or Public Administration preferred).

Position Summary


Brief but strategic:


The Medicaid Grant Writer is responsible for identifying, developing, and submitting grant proposals focused on Iowa Medicaid programs, behavioral health services, and federal/state funding opportunities. This role supports organizational growth by securing sustainable funding aligned with HCBS, waiver services, and behavioral health initiatives.

Key Responsibilities


Break this into 3 categories for clarity:


A. Grant Development & Writing

• Research and identify Iowa Medicaid, DHS, HHS, SAMHSA, and foundation funding opportunities
• Write, edit, and submit competitive grant proposals and RFP responses
• Develop program narratives aligned with Medicaid waiver services (e.g., HCBS, habilitation, substance use treatment)
• Coordinate data collection, budgets, and supporting documentation

B. Medicaid & Compliance Alignment

• Interpret Iowa Medicaid rules, managed care requirements, and waiver guidelines
• Ensure proposals align with: 
  • HCBS regulations
  • Iowa Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) priorities
  • CMS funding frameworks
• Track grant deliverables and reporting requirements

C. Strategy & Relationship Building

• Build relationships with: 
  • Iowa HHS
  • Managed Care Organizations (Amerigroup, Iowa Total Care, Molina)
  • Community partners
• Advise leadership on funding strategy and expansion opportunities
• Maintain a grants pipeline and calendar

Required Qualifications


Keep this specific (this is what filters strong candidates):

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s in Social Work, Public Health, or Public Administration preferred)
• 3–5+ years of grant writing experience
• Proven success securing grants ($ amounts highly preferred)
• Knowledge of: 
  • Medicaid systems (especially Iowa preferred)
  • Behavioral health / HCBS / disability services
• Strong technical writing and budgeting skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with: 
  • Iowa Medicaid Waivers (HCBS, SUD, Mental Health)
  • SAMHSA, HRSA, CMS grants
• Background in: 
  • Nonprofit or healthcare agencies
• Familiarity with grant platforms (e.g., Grants.gov)

KPIs / Performance Metrics


This is what makes the role robust:

• Number of grant submissions per quarter
• Total dollars applied for vs. secured
• Win rate (%)
• Compliance accuracy (zero submission errors)
• Pipeline growth