What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Science & Analytics Program Director position at Samaritan Health Services and Careers?
Samaritan Health Plans (SHP) provides health insurance options to Samaritan employees, community employers, and Medicare and Medicaid members. SHP operates a portfolio of health plan products under several different legal structures: InterCommunityHealth Plans, Inc. (IHN) is designated as a regional Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) for Medicaid beneficiaries; Samaritan Health Plans, Inc. offers Commercial Large Group, and Commercial Large Group PPO and EPO plans; SHP is also the third-party administrator for Samaritan Health Services’ self-funded employee health benefit plan.
As part of an Integrated Delivery System, Samaritan Health Plans is strategically and operationally aligned with Samaritan Health Services’ mission of Building Healthier Communities Together.
This is a remote position in which we are able to employ in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin
- JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSEServes as a strategic leader advancing clinical data science, data analytics, innovation, and data governance for Samaritan Health Plans (SHP). Guides a growing team and drives the development of advanced analytics, predictive modeling, AIenabled solutions, and scalable data infrastructure that support population health, operational efficiency, and organizational growth. Leads clinical data initiatives with a focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and adoption of industrystandard best practices.
- Responsibilities include designing and evaluating predictive models, shaping and executing SHP’s payer data strategy, mentors data analysts and data engineers, and assessing emerging AI/ML technologies to improve quality performance, risk adjustment, valuebased care, and population health interventions. Provides operational leaders comprehensive, meaningful, and advanced data visualizations using tools, such as Arcadia Vista Dashboards and Power BI. Works crossfunctionally to deliver measurable impact—reducing timetoinsight, strengthening serviceoriented partnerships with SHP stakeholders, increasing the pace and rigor of model deployment, and building scalable solutions that meet evolving operational needs. Reposition all data delivery (regulatory reporting, self-service reporting, data analytics, data sciences) for SHP to a data analytic model from a traditional report development model through redesigning the data warehouse architecture though comprehensive dataset creation. This role positions SHP as a forwardthinking, datadriven health plan.
- EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
- One (1) of the following required:
- Master’s degree in a quantitative field (e.g., statistics, mathematics, computer science, data science or equivalent).
- Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field plus two (2) years of applied data science experience in healthcare.
- Seven (7) years experience in data analytics with a focus on healthcare or a related industry required, including four (4) years in a leadership or a senior individual contributor role involving predictive modeling and AI applications. A PhD in a healthcare or quantitative related field may be substituted for two (2) years experience.
- Experience in the following required:
- Data visualization tools and techniques.
- Cloud-based data platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP).
- Population health management tools and platforms.
- PhD in a quantitative field or equivalent preferred.
- KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Advanced understanding of healthcare data sources, including claims data, clinical data, patient registries, and electronic health records, with expertise in integrating fragmented data for scalable analysis.
- In-depth knowledge of quality metrics (e.g., STARs, OHA CCO metrics) calculation, risk adjustment methodologies, and value-based care frameworks.
- Expertise in data mining, statistical modeling, machine learning, and AI techniques, including predictive analytics for financial forecasting, policy simulations, and population health interventions.
- Fluency in programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, and tools for Azure workflows and data pipeline development.
- Strong strategic thinking for building data independence, conducting talent inventories, gap analyses, and team training to enhance retention and scalability.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex data science concepts to technical teams, business stakeholders, and executives, while mentoring junior staff.
- Comprehensive knowledge of healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA, CMS guidelines) and compliance requirements for data handling, AI deployment, and reporting.
- Ability to drive KPIs such as time-to-insight reduction, model deployment frequency, and readiness for multi-state operations, while mitigating risks in mergers or expansions.
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Rarely
(1 - 10% of the time)
Occasionally
(11 - 33% of the time)
Frequently
(34 - 66% of the time)
Continually
(67 – 100% of the time)
CLIMB - STAIRS
LIFT (Floor to Waist: 0"-36") 0 - 20 Lbs
LIFT (Knee to chest: 24"-54") 0 – 20 Lbs
LIFT (Waist to Eye: up to 54") 0 - 20 Lbs
CARRY 1-handed, 0 - 20 pounds
BEND FORWARD at waist
KNEEL (on knees)
STAND
WALK – LEVEL SURFACE
ROTATE TRUNK Standing
REACH - Upward
PUSH (0 - 20 pounds force)
PULL (0 - 20 pounds force)
SIT
CARRY 2-handed, 0 - 20 pounds
ROTATE TRUNK Sitting
REACH - Forward
MANUAL DEXTERITY Hands/wrists
FINGER DEXTERITY
PINCH Fingers
GRASP Hand/Fist
Location: Samaritan Health Services · SHS Health Plan Ops - COO
Schedule: 1.0 (80 hrs/pp), Day