RHT Senior Health Data Analyst (DSIS3/SPI) - Project

Full Job Description

RHT Senior Health Policy Analyst (DSIS3/SPI) - Project

71113297

This is a project position funded through 10/30/2026.

Join the Washington State Health Care Authority and help turn complex health care data into meaningful insights that improve care and inform policy decisions.

As the Senior Health Policy Analyst, you’ll use tools such as R, SQL, Python, Power BI, and Tableau to analyze data, build models, and create visualizations that support the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program.

This telework-eligible position, based in Olympia, WA, offers an opportunity to apply your technical skills while making a real impact on Washington’s health care system.

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 DATA (Data Acquisition, Transformation and Analytics) team of the Health Care Authority, within the Strategy, Policy & Innovation (SPI) division is responsible for leading agency data strategy; and leading the implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of the data management, analytics and reporting systems that inform agency leadership in support of HCA’s goals, as well as for monitoring program performance to ensure accountability and alignment with agency activities.

About the position:

This position is part of Washington’s Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. The RHT Program comes from the H.R.1 budget reconciliation bill, which Congress passed in 2025.

As an experienced Health Policy Analyst (Data Science and Informatics Specialist 3), you will focus on creating advanced data analytics, applying statistical techniques, and developing data visualizations in support of RHT programs.

This position will support the development of actionable insights that can be used to improve health care outcomes, solve problems, meet reporting requirements, and make informed policy decisions.

This position is eligible to telework but is occasionally required to report on-site to meet business need.

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.

Requirements

Some of what you will do:

• Generate high quality data products from structured and unstructured data sources using programming languages such as R, SAS, SQL, M code, and/or Python to write data code/query scripts.
• Lead multiple complex data science projects in collaboration with internal and external partners
• Use and oversee the use of tools such as R, Power BI, and/or Tableau to develop data models and interactive visualizations.
• Serve as expert of the use of advanced quantitative research methods commonly used in scientific, surveillance, and/or epidemiological research to analyze and interpret data.
• Oversee and apply statistical analysis techniques to find patterns, trends, and conclusions.
• Serve as key data science technical expert for the agency, within the rural health transformation project.
• Review proposal plans and implementation activities for statistical analysis such as regression analysis, clustering, or time series analysis.
• Mentor journey or entry level data scientists through peer review, constructive feedback and knowledge sharing.
• Oversee the gathering, prioritizing, and validation of data requirements.
• Provide consultation to agency leadership regarding data access, feasibility, statistical validity, etc.
• Assess statistical approaches, tools and methods for feasibility, relevancy and effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot highly complex issues in a timely fashion and minimizes disruption of data transmission.
• Lead cross-functional teams to support the design, build, and enhancement of data pipelines and infrastructure.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will 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 and one (1) year of experience performing data science or informatics data work.

This must include one (1) year of experience working with complex health care or public health analytics, data visualization software, and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming.

Option 2:

Bachelor's degree in a field identified above, and three (3) years of experience performing data science or informatics data work.

This must include three (3) years of experience working with complex health care or public health analytics, data visualization software, and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming

Option 3:

Seven (7) years of experience performing data science or informatics data work. Experience must include at least three (3) years of experience working with complex health care or public health analytics, data visualization software, and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming.

Required Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant
• amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of medical and/or pharmacy coding such as ICD-10, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Coding System (HCPCS) codes; health care business and systems; research methods; advanced statistical theory and techniques; and/or prior experience analyzing healthcare claims data.
• High level of workload management including organization and prioritization of tasks; ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team; excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable interacting with staff members at all levels of the agency
• Advanced experience working with large and complex data sets; advanced level SQL, R, Python, SAS or other programming skills
• Experience with data visualization using Power BI, Tableau and other similar visualization tools.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the required 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:

• 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.

Additional 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.
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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 Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@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.

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