Washington State ESD
Data Science and Informatics Specialist 2 (DSIS2/FS)
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Data Science and Informatics Specialist 2 (DSIS2/FS)
70076968
This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on
January, 7th 2026
and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.
The Data Science and Informatics Specialist 2 position offers a unique blend of analytic challenge, significant public impact, and high-level responsibility. This role appeals to individuals who have a strong curiosity to explore and analyze healthcare business, policies, and data to inform policy decisions and monitor program changes. If you are driven by the opportunity to think critically with the utmost attention to detail, able to conduct logical problem‑solving, and willing to learn new skills, this may be a good fit 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 Financial Services Division (FSD), in collaboration with other Health Care Authority (HCA) divisions and a variety of external stakeholders and legislative partners, provides strategic financial expertise for Apple Health, Public Employee Benefit Board (PEBB) and School Employee Benefits Board (SEBB) programs. In addition, FSD oversees the budget and compliance functions necessary to manage and monitor the single largest Washington State individual agency operating budget. Functions include budget management, accounting, forecasting, professional and hospital rate setting, financial analysis, and payment/collection operations.
About the position This DSIS2 position has the responsibility of determining methodologies and conducting data‑intensive analyses in various areas such as services provided to medical assistance clients, state and national health care trends, and efficient healthcare budgeting. A majority of the analytical work involves unknown, unfamiliar, and unexplored areas and therefore often involves risk assessment and assumption establishment. Analyses have substantial impact to the agency and public as fiscal projections are critical to ensuring adequate funding and resources for agency programs.
This position is eligible to telework but is required to report on‑site at least 1 day a week to meet business needs. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on‑site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out‑of‑state telework.
Some of what you will do
Produce analyses and other data products and provide relevant consultations to inform and guide agency decision‑making on budget, financial operations, program rates, and outcomes.
Design and execute analytical projects in response to complex program analytic needs and public reporting requests related to agency operations, including, but not limited to, HCA budget and decision packages, fiscal notes, bill analyses, and other ad hoc financial analytic needs.
Engage and collaborate with peers, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to perform methodological peer review and ensure approach aligns with and supports agency decisions and processes.
Apply agency and program policies, procedures, and best practices as well as understand and follow applicable healthcare laws and rules regarding data quality, security and privacy.
Conduct literature reviews and analyze reports prepared by other state and federal agencies to evaluate their impact on and relationship to HCA's goals, objectives, and budget.
Design, generate and disseminate analytical reports, dashboards, and other data products to support agency leaders (including program and policy staff, the senior leadership team, and the executive leadership team), legislative staff, and the governor's office in their strategic decisions regarding agency operations and budgeting. Deliverables include data products used to ensure that the agency is adequately monitoring and spending resources to align with its goals and mission, while complying with state and federal guidelines and requirements.
Provide consultation and data‑driven insight to agency leaders and other stakeholders regarding budgetary needs, financial status, program rates, and outcomes related to agency operations.
Required qualifications
Experience with using analytical querying protocols/software such as SQL.
Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex datasets.
Demonstrated ability to explain complex or technical information using plain language, ask clarifying questions, and clearly and concisely emphasize key points.
Demonstrated ability to analyze policy and program descriptions, and to accurately project implications of proposed changes.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with tight deadlines and a high degree of political sensitivity.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability to take action to learn and grow.
Demonstrated ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Qualifying candidates will also meet
one
of the following criteria options:
Option 1
Master's degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related technical or quantitative field.
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.
Option 3
Six (6) years of recent professional experience in performing data science or informatics data work.
Preferred qualifications
Expert/Advanced level skill and experience with Microsoft Excel.
Effective verbal, visual, and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research/analytical information for non‑research/non‑analytical audiences.
Ability to creatively use available resources to develop/document workload processes and analytical tools.
Experience with medical coding and/or billing.
Experience using data to inform policy decisions and anticipate the impact of possible outcomes.
Experience working with Medicaid Management Information Systems and state Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS) data.
Knowledge of the protocols and processes of the executive and legislative branches of state and local government.
Knowledge of the State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations that impact/govern the State's Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and State funded health programs.
Ability to analyze situations, identify policy needs, develop strategies, promote ideas, develop goals and objectives, set priorities, establish benchmarks and use data for decision making.
Ability to develop and review complex written materials and provide detailed policy analysis.
Ability to track multiple activities projects and tasks at once.
Ability to report financial information in a clear, understandable manner both verbally and in writing.
Ability to facilitate meetings and negotiate between diverse groups.
Ability to represent the Division and Agency to outside stakeholders and other entities.
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 Angelic Matthews at Angel.Matthews@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.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
70076968
This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on
January, 7th 2026
and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.
The Data Science and Informatics Specialist 2 position offers a unique blend of analytic challenge, significant public impact, and high-level responsibility. This role appeals to individuals who have a strong curiosity to explore and analyze healthcare business, policies, and data to inform policy decisions and monitor program changes. If you are driven by the opportunity to think critically with the utmost attention to detail, able to conduct logical problem‑solving, and willing to learn new skills, this may be a good fit 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 Financial Services Division (FSD), in collaboration with other Health Care Authority (HCA) divisions and a variety of external stakeholders and legislative partners, provides strategic financial expertise for Apple Health, Public Employee Benefit Board (PEBB) and School Employee Benefits Board (SEBB) programs. In addition, FSD oversees the budget and compliance functions necessary to manage and monitor the single largest Washington State individual agency operating budget. Functions include budget management, accounting, forecasting, professional and hospital rate setting, financial analysis, and payment/collection operations.
About the position This DSIS2 position has the responsibility of determining methodologies and conducting data‑intensive analyses in various areas such as services provided to medical assistance clients, state and national health care trends, and efficient healthcare budgeting. A majority of the analytical work involves unknown, unfamiliar, and unexplored areas and therefore often involves risk assessment and assumption establishment. Analyses have substantial impact to the agency and public as fiscal projections are critical to ensuring adequate funding and resources for agency programs.
This position is eligible to telework but is required to report on‑site at least 1 day a week to meet business needs. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on‑site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out‑of‑state telework.
Some of what you will do
Produce analyses and other data products and provide relevant consultations to inform and guide agency decision‑making on budget, financial operations, program rates, and outcomes.
Design and execute analytical projects in response to complex program analytic needs and public reporting requests related to agency operations, including, but not limited to, HCA budget and decision packages, fiscal notes, bill analyses, and other ad hoc financial analytic needs.
Engage and collaborate with peers, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to perform methodological peer review and ensure approach aligns with and supports agency decisions and processes.
Apply agency and program policies, procedures, and best practices as well as understand and follow applicable healthcare laws and rules regarding data quality, security and privacy.
Conduct literature reviews and analyze reports prepared by other state and federal agencies to evaluate their impact on and relationship to HCA's goals, objectives, and budget.
Design, generate and disseminate analytical reports, dashboards, and other data products to support agency leaders (including program and policy staff, the senior leadership team, and the executive leadership team), legislative staff, and the governor's office in their strategic decisions regarding agency operations and budgeting. Deliverables include data products used to ensure that the agency is adequately monitoring and spending resources to align with its goals and mission, while complying with state and federal guidelines and requirements.
Provide consultation and data‑driven insight to agency leaders and other stakeholders regarding budgetary needs, financial status, program rates, and outcomes related to agency operations.
Required qualifications
Experience with using analytical querying protocols/software such as SQL.
Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex datasets.
Demonstrated ability to explain complex or technical information using plain language, ask clarifying questions, and clearly and concisely emphasize key points.
Demonstrated ability to analyze policy and program descriptions, and to accurately project implications of proposed changes.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with tight deadlines and a high degree of political sensitivity.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability to take action to learn and grow.
Demonstrated ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Qualifying candidates will also meet
one
of the following criteria options:
Option 1
Master's degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related technical or quantitative field.
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.
Option 3
Six (6) years of recent professional experience in performing data science or informatics data work.
Preferred qualifications
Expert/Advanced level skill and experience with Microsoft Excel.
Effective verbal, visual, and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research/analytical information for non‑research/non‑analytical audiences.
Ability to creatively use available resources to develop/document workload processes and analytical tools.
Experience with medical coding and/or billing.
Experience using data to inform policy decisions and anticipate the impact of possible outcomes.
Experience working with Medicaid Management Information Systems and state Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS) data.
Knowledge of the protocols and processes of the executive and legislative branches of state and local government.
Knowledge of the State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations that impact/govern the State's Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and State funded health programs.
Ability to analyze situations, identify policy needs, develop strategies, promote ideas, develop goals and objectives, set priorities, establish benchmarks and use data for decision making.
Ability to develop and review complex written materials and provide detailed policy analysis.
Ability to track multiple activities projects and tasks at once.
Ability to report financial information in a clear, understandable manner both verbally and in writing.
Ability to facilitate meetings and negotiate between diverse groups.
Ability to represent the Division and Agency to outside stakeholders and other entities.
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 Angelic Matthews at Angel.Matthews@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.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
#J-18808-Ljbffr