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Data Science and Informatics Specialist 2 (DSIS2/FS)

State of Washington
Walla Walla, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/28/2026 CLOSED ON 2/27/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Science and Informatics Specialist 2 (DSIS2/FS) position at State of Washington?

Description

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.

    Duties

    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.

    Qualifications

    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.

    Supplemental Information

    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.

    More than Just a Paycheck!

    Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

    We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

    Read About Our Benefits

    The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

    Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

    Insurance Benefits

    Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

    Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

    To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

    Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

    Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

    The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

    Retirement And Deferred Compensation

    State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

    Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

    Social Security

    All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

    Public Service Loan Forgiveness

    If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

    Holidays

    Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

    Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

    Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

    Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

    Sick Leave

    Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

    Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

    Vacation (Annual Leave)

    Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

    Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

    Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

    As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

    Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

    Military Leave

    Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

    Bereavement Leave

    Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

    Additional Leave

    Leave Sharing

    Parental Leave

    Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

    Leave Without Pay

    Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

    Updated 01-07-2026

    01

    If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? The attached link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

    • Yes
    • No

    02

    Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit? For purposes of this question "sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit" means "an H-1B visa petition, an O-1 visa petition, an E-3 visa petition, TN status and 'job flexibility benefits' (also known as I-140 portability or Adjustment of Status portability) for long-delayed adjustment of status applications that have been pending for 180 days or longer." (Please contact us at the email address on the bottom of this job posting if you are uncertain whether you may need immigration sponsorship or desire clarification.)

    • Yes
    • No

    03

    I acknowledge that this position will be eligible to telework but is typically required to report on-site 1-2 business days per week to meet business needs (Olympia, WA). I also acknowledge that telework is a privilege and may be revoked at any time.

    • Yes
    • No

    04

    Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:

    • High school graduation or equivalent
    • Associate degree
    • Bachelor's degree
    • Master's degree or higher
    • None of the above

    05

    Which of the following best describes your professional experience performing data science or informatics data work?

    • I do not have this experience
    • Less than 1 year
    • More than 1 year, but less than 3 years
    • More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
    • More than 5 years, but less than 7 years
    • More than 7 years, but less than 9 years
    • More than 9 years, but less than 11 years
    • More than 11 years

    06

    Please select the skills you posses from the 9 below:

    • 1. Experience with using analytical querying protocols/software such as SQL.
    • 2, Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
    • 3, Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex datasets.
    • 4, Demonstrated ability to explain complex or technical information using plain language, ask clarifying questions, and clearly and concisely emphasize key points.
    • 5. Demonstrated ability to analyze policy and program descriptions, and to accurately project implications of proposed changes.
    • 6. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and a high degree of political sensitivity.
    • 7. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
    • 8. Demonstrated ability to take action to learn and grow.
    • 9. Demonstrated ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
    • Required Question

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