DSHS FTAA Data Science & Informatics Specialist 1

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services seeks a Data Science & Informatics Specialist 1 to turn complex data into actionable insights for social and health services across 2.6 million DSHS clients. You will integrate data from multiple state systems, develop analyses and dashboards, and collaborate with researchers, staff, and leaders to improve programs and outcomes.

Responsibilities include building data structures, performing advanced analytics, and communicating findings to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling five years is acceptable.
• One year of experience performing data science or informatics work.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, and maintain complex data structures and analytic applications to support evaluation and performance measurement.
• Integrate data from multiple state systems to create policy-relevant datasets and measures.
• Develop and perform statistical analyses and data validation using SAS and SQL.
• Transform data into reports, dashboards, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with researchers, program staff, managers, and leaders to define data needs and guide data integration decisions.
• Provide technical expertise on data systems, sharing practices, and security requirements including HIPAA and FERPA.
• Support data governance and privacy by implementing appropriate data-sharing policies.

Skills

Data analysis

Programming

Data extraction

Data transformation

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in informatics/data science/computer science/statistics

Tools

SAS

SQL

R

Python

Power BI

Tableau

REDCap

Excel

Job description

Join our team as a Data Science & Informatics Specialist 1 and help turn complex data into meaningful insights that improve social and health services for more than 2.6 million DSHS clients. The Research and Data Analysis (RDA) Division within the Finance, Technology, and Analytics Administration (FTAA) provides data, analytics, and decision-support tools that help DSHS and its partner agencies evaluate programs, measure performance, and identify opportunities to improve services. In this role, you’ll integrate data from multiple state systems, develop statistical analyses and dashboards, and collaborate with researchers, program staff, and leaders to make data more useful and actionable. Your work will help support informed decision-making, program innovation, and better outcomes for the people we serve.

Some of what you'll do:

• Design, develop, document, and maintain complex data structures, integrated databases, and analytic applications that support research, evaluation, and program performance measurement.
• Integrate and manage data from multiple systems and sources across DSHS, the Health Care Authority, and the Department of Children, Youth & Families to create meaningful, policy-relevant datasets and measures, with a focus on substance use and mental health conditions and related social health needs.
• Develop and perform complex statistical analyses, data validation, quality assurance, and testing using tools such as SAS and SQL.
• Analyze and transform data into accurate reports, performance measures, dashboards, presentations, and other products that clearly communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with researchers, program teams, managers, and senior leadership to define data needs, solve complex problems, identify opportunities for improvement and automation, and guide strategic data integration decisions.
• Provide technical expertise and consultation on data systems, data sharing, research methods, dashboards, and the appropriate use of service, cost, and outcome data.
• Support data governance and security by developing and maintaining data-sharing practices that meet applicable confidentiality, privacy, and security requirements, including HIPAA and FERPA.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Strong data analysis and programming skills, including experience with SAS, SQL, R, Python, or similar tools, as well as data extraction, manipulation, transformation, and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of database design, data systems, and integration, including data structures, algorithms, informatics, interoperability, and principles of data system development.
• Experience with data visualization and communication, including tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar applications, and the ability to clearly communicate complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of data governance, privacy, security, and ethical data practices, including requirements related to the collection, management, sharing, and use of sensitive data.
• Research and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify complex problems, evaluate data, recognize opportunities for process improvement and automation, and develop solutions that meet user needs.
• Strong collaboration and consultation skills, including the ability to work with diverse teams, understand business and data requirements, provide technical assistance or training, and build effective partnerships across organizations.
• Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning, including the ability to learn new technologies, tools, and methods and apply them to evolving research, data, and business needs.

Who should apply?

• A bachelor’s degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or a related technical or quantitative field and one (1) year of experience performing data science or informatics work.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling five (5) years.

Additional required experience:

• One (1) year of experience using SAS or SQL for data management and analysis.
• One (1) year of experience preparing statistical analyses and data tabulations for reports involving social and/or health services or other large, person-level statewide databases.
• One (1) year of experience creating metrics or indicators from transactions, medical claims or encounters, service records, or similar data sources.
• One (1) year of experience creating dashboards using Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar data visualization tools.
• One (1) year of experience using REDCap for data administration and survey design.
• One (1) year of experience with federal GPRA data collection for Center for Substance Abuse Treatment grants, including providing technical assistance to sub-grantee recipients.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Necotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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