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