Senior Data Science and Information Specialist (DSIS3/SPI)

The Senior Data Scientist role is the agency’s go-to expert for health data, using statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, and programming to turn complex health care data into clear, compelling stories that drive policy decisions and improve outcomes. Remote eligible and based in Olympia, this role is well suited for an experienced data professional with a background in data science, health care analytics or quantitative research with interest in behavioral health care and delivery systems.

About the division:

The DATA (Data Acquisition, Transformation and Analytics) team of the Health Care Authority, within the Strategy, Policy, and Innovation (SPI) division, is responsible for leading agency data strategy; and leading the implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of the data management, analytics and reporting systems that inform agency leadership in support of HCA’s goals, as well as for monitoring program performance to ensure accountability and alignment with agency activities.

About the position:

This position is designated as a HCA technical and professional senior data science and informatics specialist in the area of Behavioral Health. This position utilizes specialized programming, creates advanced data analytics and visualizations and applies statistical techniques to extract knowledge from structured and unstructured health care data in support of behavioral health care programs and the populations they serve.

This position leads the preparation of and submission of data reports to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, making sure submissions are accurate, complete, and meet all federal compliance standards, leverages data to develop data storytelling, responds to data requests, and collaborates in the design of new data collection and measurement strategies to make informed policy decisions and improve health care outcomes. This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site.

The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.

Duties:

Some of what you will do:

• Independently generate high-quality data products from structured and unstructured data sources using programming languages such as R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python to write data code/query scripts.
• Lead the submission to SAMHSA of the Substance Use Treatment Episode Data Set, Mental Health-Client-level Data, and Uniform Reporting System-National Outcomes Measures (URS-NOM).
• Write advanced-level and efficient SAS and R code/scripts to produce required deliverables.
• Independently use health care claims and encounters from Provider One joined with supplementary behavioral health data sources to design and revise complex behavioral health data analysis using advanced programming and statistical methodologies.
• Use tools such as R, PowerBI and/or Tableau to develop data models and interactive visualizations using behavioral health data.
• Investigate reporting discrepancies and data, conduct data validation checks and collaborate with partners in DATA, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) and across HCA to identify root causes.
• To increase programming efficiency among data analysts, identify data constructs which are commonly needed and design data schema and write programming code/scripts in SQL to produce analytic tables for frequent use.
• Provide recommendations on the combining of multiple data formats and sources such as health care claims, data collected in customized template, surveillance data and surveys to meet analytic project requirements.
• Determine resolution of complex issues, using innovated methods to solve complex technical challenges.
• Apply medical coding such as ICD-10, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes to analyze health care data.
• Produce online data dictionaries and documentation to facilitate use of behavioral health data by data specialists and non-specialists.
• Lead the development of advanced algorithms, build data models, and automate data processing tasks in support of behavioral health data analytics as prioritized by leadership.
• Provide consultation to agency leadership regarding data access, feasibility, statistical validity, etc.
• Provide advice and consultation on agency data policy development and strategic recommendations.
• Mentor journey or entry level data scientists through peer review, constructive feedback and knowledge sharing.

Required qualifications:

Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and application.

• Technical & Programming Coding & Scripting: Demonstrated ability to write advanced queries and code using SAS, SQL, R and Python.
• Data Products: Demonstrated skills in building high-quality data products from structured and unstructured sources.
• Visualization Tools: Demonstrated ability to develop advanced interactive visualizations and data models using PowerBI, Tableau, and R.
• Automation: Demonstrated ability to automate data processing tasks and build advanced algorithms.
• Statistical & Research Methods Quantitative Analysis: Demonstrated ability to apply and oversee statistical techniques like regression, clustering, and time series analysis.
• Research Expertise: Skilled in advising on scientific, surveillance, and epidemiological research methods.
• Data Validity: Demonstrated ability to oversee data validity checks and define logic models for accurate analysis.
• Project & Infrastructure Leadership Project Management: Demonstrated ability to independently lead multiple medium-to-large, complex data science projects.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Skilled at guiding teams to design, build, and enhance data pipelines and infrastructure.
• Troubleshooting: Demonstrated ability to resolve complex technical challenges and minimize disruptions in data transmission.
• Advisory & Strategic Consultation Leadership Guidance: Skilled at advising agency leadership on data access, feasibility, and statistical validity.
• Policy Development: Demonstrated ability to provide strategic recommendations and advice on agency data policies.
• Innovative Solutions: Demonstrated ability to assess and develop new approaches to solve analytical problems.
• Mentorship & Quality Assurance Staff Mentoring: Skilled at guiding entry-level and journey data scientists through knowledge sharing and feedback.
• Technical Review: Demonstrated ability to serve as the key technical expert reviewing the work of other specialists.

Required Competencies:

• Equity Lens – All HCA employees are required to consider equity in their decisions, processes, and day-to-day work, including how their work may affect the people and communities we serve.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow – You take action to learn and grow by seeking new perspectives, learning from experiences, and using what you’ve learned to continuously improve how you work and serve others.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others – You take action to meet the needs of others by listening, understanding different perspectives, and responding with care, respect, and solutions that support the people of the communities we serve.

Preferred qualifications:

While these are not required, having them may help you stand out as an applicant.

• Experience using each of three programming skills - SAS, SQL and R.
• Experience working with behavioral health data which demonstrates knowledge of ICD-10 diagnosis code groupings for mental health conditions and substance use disorders, various behavioral health service modalities and medications for treating behavioral health conditions.
• Master’s degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related technical or quantitative field, and one (1) year of experience performing data science or informatics data work, within health care, public health, and/or behavioral health, working with complex analytics, data visualization software and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming.
• Bachelor’s degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related technical or quantitative field, and three (3) years of experience performing data science or informatics data work, within health care, public health, and/or behavioral health, working with complex analytics, data visualization software and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming.
• Seven years of professional experience performing data science or informatics data work within health care, public health, and/or behavioral health. Experience must include at least three years of experience working with complex analytics, data visualization software and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming.
• Advanced knowledge of medical and/or pharmacy coding such as ICD-10, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes; health care business and systems.
• Comfortable interacting with staff members at all levels of the agency; high level of workload management including organization and prioritization of tasks; ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team; excellent written and verbal communication skills.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files: A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position Current resume To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following: Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve
• Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby. And free parking!

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment. HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov. The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.