Data Science and Informatics Specialist 2 (DSIS2/SPI)

Data Science and Informatics Specialist 2 (DSIS2/SPI)

71066281

This position monitors and analyzes data for federal reporting on the use of behavioral health resources and needs across Washington. This Data Science and Informatics Specialist utilizes SAS, R, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI for reporting and analysis and ensures the accuracy and integrity of incoming data. If you are in search of an opportunity to support the utilization of behavioral health services across the state, this may be the opportunity for you!

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

The DATA (Data Acquisition, Transformation and Analytics) team of the Health Care Authority (HCA), 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 extracts knowledge from structured and unstructured health care data with a focus on creating advanced data analytics, applying statistical techniques, and developing data visualizations in support of SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Block Grants; SAMHSA Inventory of Treatment Facilities, and behavioral health programs.

Some of what you will do:

• Use health care claims and supplementary data sources to design and develop health care reporting and visualizations for behavioral health programs and populations to help the agency make data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate with internal partners to acquire data, maintain, and update datasets in support of federal reporting requirements and behavioral health service availability assessments. 
• Develop data expertise on the regional distribution of behavioral health facilities.
• Conduct quantitative analysis, reports, and interactive dashboards using Power BI or Tableau to provide insights to leadership. 
• Develop analytic deliverables for internal and external requestors, HCA website, and legislative reports.
• Monitor, identify and understand data quality and completeness issues that impact business needs.
• Write data code/query scripts to create analytic datasets and generate data products from data sources using programming languages such as R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python. 
• Develop algorithms, build data models, and automate data processing tasks. 
• Combine multiple data formats and sources such as health care claims, medical records, surveillance data, surveys, and/or pharmacy data to meet analytic project requirements. 
• Apply medical coding such as ICD-10, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes to analyze health care data. 
• As directed, support management and information technology staff to monitor, identify, and understand data quality and completeness issues. 

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options (experience requirements may be gained concurrently):

Option 1: 

• Master's degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related technical or quantitative field, and
• Two (2) years of experience working with complex health care, behavioral health, and/or public health analytics, data visualization software and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming.

Option 2:

• Bachelor's degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related technical or quantitative field, 
• Two (2) years of professional experience performing data science or informatics data work, and
• Two (2) years of experience working with complex health care, behavioral health, and/or public health analytics, data visualization software and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming.

Option 3: 

• Associate degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related technical or quantitative field, 
• Four (4) years of professional experience performing data science or informatics data work, and
• Two (2) years of experience working with complex health care, behavioral health, and/or public health analytics, data visualization software and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming.

Option 4:  

• Six (6) years of professional experience performing data science or informatics data work and
• Two (2) years of experience working with complex health care, behavioral health, and/or public health analytics, data visualization software and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced professional experience using R or SAS to write data code and query scripts.
• Advanced professional experience using SQL or Python to write data code and query scripts.
• Advanced experience working with large and complex data sets and combining data from multiple sources; .
• Demonstrated knowledge of behavioral health primary prevention, treatment, and recovery services delivery or clinical settings. 
• 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; research methods; advanced statistical theory and techniques. 
• Experience with data visualization using Power BI, Tableau and other similar visualization tools. 
• Professional data quality assurance experience identifying and understanding data quality and completeness issues.
• Professional experience communicating complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of the structure and operations of behavioral health systems at the local, state and national levels. 
• 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. 
• Demonstrated planning, critical thinking/analytical skills, and commitment to collaborative teamwork. 
• Proficiency in problem identification, ability to view issues from multiple perspectives, and generate a variety of solutions. 
• Oral communication skills facilitating small group meetings, written communication including concisely worded and professional e-mail communication, short, concise memoranda, flow diagrams, logic models, graphics and other visualizations.

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. 

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 HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• 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 and Vietnam era 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 Jake Nelko at 360-725-0945 or jake.nelko@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.

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Salary : $93,804 - $126,168