DSHS FTAA Data Science & Informatics Specialist 2

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington is seeking a Data Science & Informatics Specialist 2 to turn complex data into actionable insights for health and human services. You will perform advanced analyses, build data products, and collaborate with researchers, program leaders, and agency partners to inform policy decisions and improve programs.

The role emphasizes data extraction, statistical methods, and effective communication of findings to diverse audiences, with duties across research, evaluation, and

Qualifications

• Advanced research and statistical expertise for complex research and evaluation questions.
• Strong data science and informatics knowledge across data extraction, transformation, and visualization.
• Ability to consult with senior leaders and translate findings for policy decisions.
• Experience leading or collaborating on federally funded grant projects and teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on complex research and evaluation projects on program outcomes and costs.
• Design and perform advanced statistical analyses to address policy questions.
• Prepare and analyze large, complex datasets from structured and unstructured sources.
• Develop data products: dashboards, indicators, and technical reports.
• Provide expert consultation to colleagues and leadership on data interpretations.

Skills

Multivariate statistics

Data extraction / transformation

R / SQL / Python / SAS

Data visualization

Policy analysis storytelling

Education

Master’s degree in informatics / data science / statistics / related field

Bachelor’s degree + 2 years data science/informatics work

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

SAS

STATA

SPSS

Job description

DSHS FTAA – Data Science & Informatics Specialist 2

Join our team as a Data Science & Informatics Specialist 2 and help turn complex data and research into insights that shape health and human services across Washington.

The Research & Data Analysis (RDA) Division within the Finance, Technology, and Analytics Administration (FTAA) provides data, analytics, and decision-support tools that help improve services for 2.8 million DSHS clients. In this role, you’ll contribute to complex research and evaluation projects, using advanced statistical methods and large, integrated datasets to examine program effectiveness, outcomes, trends, and policy impacts. You’ll collaborate with researchers, program leaders, technology staff, and agency partners to develop meaningful data products including statistical analyses, dashboards, presentations, and technical reports that support informed policy decisions and program improvements. The work you do will have a direct and consequential impact on the services provided to people across Washington.

Some of what you'll do:

• Collaborate on complex research and evaluation projects that examine the need, use, effectiveness, costs, and outcomes of DSHS, Health Care Authority, and Department of Children, Youth & Families programs and services, with a focus on substance use and mental health conditions and related social health needs.
• Design and perform advanced statistical analyses using methods such as multivariate analysis, quasi-experimental research, and predictive modeling to answer complex policy and evaluation questions.
• Prepare, clean, validate, integrate, and analyze large and complex datasets from multiple structured and unstructured sources to support rigorous research, evaluation, and performance measurement.
• Develop meaningful data products including performance measures, indicators, dashboards, data tables, visualizations, presentations, policy briefs, and technical reports that clearly communicate findings and outcomes.
• Respond to complex and ad hoc data requests by identifying appropriate data sources, analytical methods, and measures to address policy, program, and performance questions.
• Provide expert consultation and technical assistance to RDA colleagues, program managers, and agency leadership, helping interpret research findings, understand data limitations, and apply results to program planning, policy, and decision-making.
• Contribute to team leadership and professional development by coordinating projects, facilitating workgroups, mentoring early-career data science and informatics staff, and supporting high-quality research practices across RDA.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Advanced research and statistical expertise, including knowledge of multivariate statistical methods, research design, sampling, quantitative analysis, and the ability to apply scientifically sound methods to complex research and evaluation questions.
• Strong data science and informatics knowledge, including data extraction, manipulation, transformation, integration, database design, data systems, algorithms, programming, and data visualization using tools such as R, SQL, Python, SAS, or similar technologies.
• The ability to provide expert consultation and sound recommendations to senior leaders and program staff, including interpreting research findings and explaining their implications for planning, programs, policies, and services.
• Experience leading or collaborating on complex research and evaluation projects, and federally funded grant projects, including coordinating teams and producing high-quality research, evaluation, or policy reports.
• Strong communication and data storytelling skills, including the ability to present complex technical and statistical information clearly through written products, presentations, dashboards, and plain-talk explanations for diverse audiences.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, including the ability to work independently and as part of a team, manage multiple priorities, facilitate workgroups, and identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and automation.
• A commitment to ethical and responsible data practices, including knowledge of data privacy, security, governance, research ethics, data sharing, applicable laws and requirements, and a commitment to ongoing professional development and learning.

Who should apply?

We are searching for professionals with:

• A master’s degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, health services research, sociology, epidemiology, public health, health economics, or a related technical or quantitative field. OR
• A bachelor’s degree in one of the fields listed above and two (2) years of professional experience performing data science or informatics work. OR
• An equivalent combination of education and professional experience totaling six (6) years.

Additional required experience

The following experience may have been obtained concurrently with the qualifications above and with each other:

• Documented training in multivariate statistical methods, sampling, and research design.
• Experience using sophisticated quantitative research methods, including research design, sampling, and complex multivariate statistical analyses.
• Experience conducting quantitative research examining the impact of programs, interventions, policy changes, and/or predictive analytics relevant to health or social services using SAS, STATA, SPSS, or other advanced statistical analysis software.
• Authorship of at least one recently published report or peer-reviewed article detailing research and evaluation findings based on sophisticated, multivariate research designs in a policy context.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

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 (N…? 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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