Senior Data Analyst

California-Mental-Health-Services-Authority; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Data Analyst at California-Mental-Health-Services-Authority drives the design, development, and delivery of analytics, dashboards, and reports to inform behavioral health programs and operations. You will mentor junior analysts, partner with programs and leadership, ensure data quality, and translate complex data into actionable insights using SQL, Python, R, and Power BI.

Strong communication and data storytelling are essential as you present findings to stakeholders at all levels

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, data science, computer science or related field with 4+ years of analytics experience, Master’s preferred.
• Experience architecting data models and pipelines that support downstream analyses and visualizations.
• Ability to design advanced dashboards (Power BI) translating complex data into clear insights.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain complex data models, dashboards, and reports to support decision-making.
• Extract, clean, and transform large datasets from multiple sources using SQL, Python, or R.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify trends in behavioral health programs.
• Translate findings into clear summaries and visuals for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with programs and leadership to deliver data solutions addressing key questions.
• Maintain data documentation and KPI frameworks across departments.
• Monitor data quality and resolve issues across systems.
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to data standards and best practices.
• Stay current on data analytics trends to enhance capabilities.

Skills

Data analysis

Data storytelling

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in healthcare, data science, computer science or related field

Tools

SQL

Python

R

Microsoft Power BI

Tableau

ArcGIS Pro

Excel

Job description

SUMMARY

The Senior Data Analyst is a key contributor within the Analytics and Insights department, responsible for transforming complex datasets into actionable insights that inform organizational strategy and decision-making. This position leads the design, development, and delivery of data analyses, reports, and visualizations that support both internal operations and CalMHSA's broader behavioral health mission. The Senior Data Analyst works independently and collaboratively across departments, serving as a subject matter expert on data interpretation, quality, and methodology. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, as this role regularly presents findings and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels of the organization. May oversee and mentor junior analysts and contribute to the development of departmental data standards and best practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include but are not limited to:

• Design, develop, and maintain complex data models, dashboards, and reports that support organizational and program-level decision-making.
• Extract, clean, and transform large datasets from multiple sources using SQL, Python, R, or similar tools to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Conduct in-depth quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify trends, patterns, and insights relevant to behavioral health programs and operations.
• Translate complex analytical findings into clear, concise summaries and visualizations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with program, operations, and leadership teams to understand data needs and deliver solutions that address key business questions.
• Develop and maintain data documentation, including data dictionaries, methodology notes, and reporting specifications.
• Monitor data quality and integrity across systems; identify discrepancies and work cross-functionally to resolve issues at the source.
• Support the development and refinement of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics frameworks across departments.
• Participate in the evaluation, implementation, and optimization of data tools, platforms, and pipelines.
• Mentor junior analysts, providing guidance on analytical methods, tools, and best practices.
• Stay current on trends in data analytics, health informatics, and public behavioral health to proactively identify opportunities to enhance analytical capabilities.
• Report findings and elevate data quality or methodology concerns to leadership as needed.

BACKGROUND CHECK ELIGIBLE DUTIES

This position will have access to various applications that house confidential information, including county records, employee demographic and private behavioral health information; ensure that access is used responsibly, maintaining the integrity and security of systems while preventing accidental or malicious misuse.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Requires a bachelor’s degree in healthcare, data science, computer science and/or a related field, and a minimum of four years of qualifying informatics and analytics experience, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s-level training preferred.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Experience architecting data models and pipelines that support multiple downstream analyses and visualizations, not just individual reports.
• Ability to design and build advanced dashboarding and reporting solutions (e.g., Power BI) that translate complex data into clear, decision-ready insights for varied audiences.
• Ability to interpret complex datasets and independently select and apply the right statistical techniques and coding languages for a given question.
• Ability to proactively identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in data, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Ability to evaluate and prioritize potential data product use cases based on organizational impact and feasibility.
• Advanced experience with data modeling, database development, and management, including evaluating tradeoffs across different technical approaches.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment on ambiguous or competing priorities, and to adapt quickly to shifting demands.
• Able to act with a high degree of emotional intelligence, including building trust and influence across teams.
• Strong communication and management skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to identify confidential and sensitive information and handle according to security and compliance best practices

COMPUTER SKILLS

Demonstrated advanced proficiency with SQL (querying, data modeling, and pipeline development) and Microsoft Power BI (advanced report and dashboard development) is required. Knowledge of additional visualization tools such as Tableau and ArcGIS Pro is preferred. Experience with data automation and analysis tools such as Excel, R, or Python is preferred.

Databricks experience highly preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS and MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, and respond appropriately through written or verbal form; demonstrate tactfulness when communicating including internal communication with staff members of all levels; ability to communicate with a variety of audiences effectively. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all measure units, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING

Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply common sense and follow through to daily tasks; demonstrate the ability to work with little or no supervision; demonstrate excellent analytical skills; demonstrate the ability to efficiently conduct research and ask appropriate probing questions to complete necessary tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and stand; use phone and headset; use hands, arms, fingers to type; answer phones; write; use calculator; demonstrate strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds; demonstrate clear vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; and drive a motor vehicle on public roads and highways.

SENSORY DEMANDS

The incumbent must spend long hours in intense concentration. The incumbent must also spend long hours on the computer entering information which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.

MENTAL DEMANDS

There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant pressure. The incumbent must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.

REGULAR WORK SCHEDULE

– Varies depending on business needs; however, company normal business hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.