What are the responsibilities and job description for the RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II position at Department of Health Care Access and Information?
The Workforce Modeling Specialist serves as a senior technical practitioner and advisor responsible for designing, building, and maintaining workforce supply and demand models that inform the Department of Healthcare Access and Information's (HCAI) strategic planning and policy decisions. This role leads the full modeling lifecycle, from automated data extraction and exploratory analysis through data wrangling, feature engineering, model development, evaluation, and deployment. Working primarily in Python (PySpark, scikit-learn, matplotlib) with SQL for data exploration and transformation, the Workforce Modeling Specialist builds robust, scalable, and well-documented forecasting models, using Git and GitHub for version control and collaborative code review. The position applies advanced statistical and machine learning methods, including regression, classification, and unsupervised techniques, to improve projection accuracy, capture emerging workforce trends, and support scenario-based planning. The Workforce Modeling Specialist also deploys and manages models in cloud environments such as Databricks, applying MLOps best practices and partnering with IT to automate data pipelines and integrate modeling outputs into HCAI's analytics infrastructure. Beyond technical modeling, the Workforce Modeling Specialist leads complex research projects that assess workforce gaps and support equitable access to healthcare providers, particularly in underserved communities. The Specialist communicates findings through reports, visualizations, and presentations tailored to decision-makers, policy teams, and the public, clearly articulating model assumptions and limitations so that results can be responsibly applied to policy and program decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Workforce Supply & Demand Modeling
Model Maintenance, Updates, and Continuous Improvement
Advanced Data Analysis and Statistical Modeling
Data Engineering, Pipelines, and MLOps Integration
Health Workforce Research and Forecasting
Stakeholder Collaboration and Technical Communication
Data Validation, Integration, and Quality Assurance
Desirable Qualifications
Experience designing, building, evaluating, and maintaining workforce supply and demand models using Python, SQL, and machine learning methods
Experience applying data management and MLOps practices to support model development, deployment, and maintenance
Experience leading applied research efforts and contributing to end-to-end analytical projects
Experience collaborating with subject matter experts and partners to inform modeling assumptions and research design
Experience communicating technical findings clearly to policy, executive, and public audiences
Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) hours each month. For more details about PLP 2025, visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.
Anticipated timeline for interviews:
Interviews will be held virtually and are anticipated to be held the week of May 18th.
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
HCAI is committed to fostering a flexible, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports both operational excellence and employee well-being. HCAI is housed in a state-of-the-art building outside of downtown off Interstate-5. Enjoy a great work environment with many amenities, including FREE PARKING and fully equipped electric vehicle charging stations. HCAI is close to many dining and shopping choices in the Natomas area.
HCAI supports a hybrid telework schedule for many positions, consistent with operational requirements. Telework schedules are only available for CA residents. The telework policy is subject to change, and additional in-office days may be required and/or minimal notification may be given to report to the worksite if an urgent need arises.
Visa Sponsorship: HCAI is not an E-Verify employer and does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of appointment.
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement
Job Code #:
JC-516894
Position #(s):
441-301-5758-XXX
Working Title:
Workforce Modeling Specialist
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
$7,640.00 - $9,561.00
A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information works to ensure that healthcare is available where Californians need it most. With offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles, we strengthen the state’s healthcare system through facility construction, expanding the health workforce, and providing vital health information. Our diverse team upholds the values of professionalism, innovation, equity, and service. We provide tools and support to help you start, build, or transition your career while making a meaningful impact for all Californians.
The Office of Health Workforce Development increases access to healthcare services in underserved communities with a focus on building a diverse workforce. Our team evaluates healthcare policy, investigates workforce gaps, and distributes over 3,000 awards each year in the form of scholarships, loans, and grants. Be a part of a community of professionals that create innovative solutions to ensure all Californians have access to equitable and quality health care.
HCAI is committed to building an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity, where employees are appreciated and feel comfortable being their authentic selves. We value our employees’ skills, experience, and unique perspectives because they enrich our workforce and make us stronger. We embrace and support a culture of equitable opportunity, empowering our employees to advance health care access and information for the diverse populations we serve across California.
Salary : $91,680 - $114,732
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