Role Description

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.

Duties

• 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 minimize disruption of data transmission.
• Lead cross-functional teams to support the design, build, and enhancement of data pipelines and infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

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.

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.