Program Policy SME

Job Description

**Position Title:**
Benefits / Program Policy Subject Matter Expert (SME)

**Location:**
Linthicum, MD (Hybrid: onsite 3–4 days/week)

**Clearance Requirements:**
Eligible for MD Public Trust (H1B visa holders considered)

**Position Status:**
Long-Term Contract

**Pay Rate:**
Competitive based on experience

**Position Description:**

We are seeking an experienced Benefits / Program Policy SME to support statewide system modernization efforts in health and human services (HHS). This role will serve as a strategic liaison between policy experts, technical teams, product owners, and state agencies to translate complex program rules into actionable technical and business strategies. The SME will work within cross-functional agile teams to drive system modernization, ensure compliance, and enhance program delivery.

**Key Responsibilities:**

– Translate federal and state public policy into actionable business and technical solutions.
– Lead cross-functional design sessions with technical architects, data teams, and business stakeholders.
– Define, validate, and document functional and non-functional requirements for system modernization.
– Develop modernization roadmaps, including solution blueprints, impact assessments, and product plans.
– Review and structure data flows for eligibility, benefit issuance, and external reporting.
– Collaborate with QA, Security, and DevOps teams to ensure compliance with HIPAA, accessibility (508), and performance standards.
– Support the design and implementation of business rules engines from a compliance and program integrity perspective.
– Identify solution gaps, integration points, and risks across legacy and modern platforms.
– Communicate complex technical and policy concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.

**Required Skills / Education:**

– Bachelor’s degree in any field.
– 7+ years of experience in benefits or IT, with at least 5 years directly related to HHS programs.
– Strong expertise in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Child Support, and Integrated Eligibility Systems (IES).
– Proven experience with system modernization, functional requirements, user stories, and system interaction documentation.
– Familiarity with modern technology stacks (e.g., Java, .NET, Corticon, PostgreSQL/Aurora, AWS, Informatica) is a plus.
– Knowledge of modular architecture, rules-based systems, SOA, and data governance.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy into actionable solutions.
– Strong stakeholder management and problem-solving capabilities.

**Preferred Qualifications / “Set Yourself Apart”:**

– 10+ years in public sector technology, with deep exposure to HHS programs and regulatory environments.
– 5+ years working directly with state or federal eligibility systems and cross-program solutions.

**About Seneca Resources:**

At Seneca Resources, we are more than a staffing and consulting firm—we are your trusted career partner. We connect professionals with meaningful work at leading organizations nationwide, supporting growth, development, and success. Our contractors enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, retirement plans, and a dedicated team advocating for them every step of the way.

Seneca Resources is proud to be an
**Equal Opportunity Employer**
, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.