Data Science Prior Authorization Reporting Lead (DSIS3/SPI) - Internal

Salary : $105,612.00 - $142,020.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2026-05559
Department: Health Care Authority
Division: SPI
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Data Science Prior Authorization Reporting Lead (DSIS3/SPI) - Internal

71114713

This opportunity is internal and available to current HCA employees only.
The Data Science Prior Authorization Reporting Lead applies advanced statistical techniques, mathematical modeling, and specialized programming to extract actionable insights from complex health care data in support of Apple Health's prior authorization program. The position develops data storytelling and analytics to inform policy decisions and improve health care outcomes using tools like Power BI, Tableau, SQL, R, and Python. This is a great promotional opportunity for a highly experienced data professional within HCA with a background in public health analytics.
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, and 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 utilizes data informatics, mathematics, statistics, and specialized programming to extract knowledge from structured and unstructured health care data. As a highly experienced Data Scientist, the position's focus is on creating advanced data analytics, applying statistical techniques, and developing data storytelling, in support of Apple Health (Medicaid) prior authorization program and to report out on trends, insights, and critical funding and policy inquires. This position will provide expert guidance for developing 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 and is typically not required to report on-site. 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. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.
Duties
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 the development of advanced algorithms, build data models, and automate data processing tasks.
• Develop complex data quality processes and metrics to ensure accurate and timely reporting to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Washington state legislature.
• 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.
• Ensure overall compliance with agency process and external policy and/or legal requirements while assuring accuracy and completion of analytic projects.
• Determine the best strategy for the delivery of services within the work unit to include but not limited to ensuring a balanced workload distribution between staff.
• Maintain a participatory process by involving staff in decisions affecting them.
• Mentor staff members to build their knowledge and skills as it relates to analytical techniques, agency programs, data infrastructure, processes and best practices.
• Set standards and objectives for performance and identify strategies for implementation.
• 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 prior authorization team.
• Provide advice and consultation on agency data policy development and strategic recommendations.
• 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.
• Provide expert consultation on how to manage analytic barriers, opportunities and implement innovations.
• Oversee the gathering, prioritizing, and validation of data requirements.
• Provide consultation to agency leadership regarding data access, feasibility, statistical validity, etc.
• Determine resolution of complex issues, using innovated methods to solve complex technical challenges.
• Develop innovative and effective approaches to solve requestors analytics problems.
• 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.
• Inform complex data definitions and logic models for analysis and measures.
• Oversee staff data validity checks to identify and report anomalies in the data.
• Propose and lead technical solutions, informed by health care systems knowledge.

Qualifications
Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

Master's degree or higher 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, within health care, public health, and/or behavioral health.

• Experience must include at least one (1) year working with complex 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, within health care, public health, and/or behavioral health.

• Experience must include at least three (3) years working with complex 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, within health care, public health, and/or behavioral health.

• Experience must include at least three (3) years working with complex analytics, data visualization software and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming.

Required competencies:

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

Preferred qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of medical and/or pharmacy coding such as ICD-10, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes; health care business and systems, including health care prior authorization processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team, comfortable interacting technically and politically with staff members at all levels of the agency.
• Demonstrated high level of workload & project management including organization and prioritization of tasks.
• Excellent technical written and verbal communication skills, and visual story-telling through dashboards, reports, and data visualizations.
• Highly advanced experience working with large and complex data sets; advanced level SQL, R, Python, SAS or other programming skills; significant experience with data visualization using Power BI, Tableau and other similar visualization tools.

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
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package
• 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 .Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at or
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an All applicants with a in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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 (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 (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 , 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

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

I acknowledge that this internal opportunity is only open to current HCA employees.

• Yes
• No

02

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

03

Which of the following best describes your professional experience working with complex analytics, data visualization software and R, SAS, SQL, M code and/or Python programming?

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

04

Which of the following best describes your professional experience performing data science or informatics data work, within health care, public health, and/or behavioral health?

• 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 7 years
• More than 7 years

05

If you indicated you have the experience(s) noted in the above questions, please explain how, where, and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see resume" or copy and paste that material. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
06

Do you have the ability to take action to learn and grow?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have the ability to take action to meet the needs of others?

• Yes
• No

08

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:

• Yes
• No

09

Will you require sponsorship for an employment-related immigration benefit, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

10

I acknowledge that I have included at least three references, and that I have uploaded a cover letter and resume in the attachments section of my application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question