Salary: $95,676.00 - $128,688.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-07414
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: FTAA
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description DSHS FTAA - Data Science & Informatics Specialist 2Join our team as a Data Science & Informatics Specialist 2 and help turn complex data and research into insights that shape health and human services across Washington.
The Research & Data Analysis (RDA) Division within the Finance, Technology, and Analytics Administration (FTAA) provides data, analytics, and decision-support tools that help improve services for 2.8 million DSHS clients. In this role, you'll contribute to complex research and evaluation projects, using advanced statistical methods and large, integrated datasets to examine program effectiveness, outcomes, trends, and policy impacts. You'll collaborate with researchers, program leaders, technology staff, and agency partners to develop meaningful data products including statistical analyses, dashboards, presentations, and technical reports that support informed policy decisions and program improvements. The work you do will have a direct and consequential impact on the services provided to people across Washington.
Some of what you'll do:- Collaborate on complex research and evaluation projects that examine the need, use, effectiveness, costs, and outcomes of DSHS, Health Care Authority, and Department of Children, Youth & Families programs and services, with a focus on substance use and mental health conditions and related social health needs.
- Design and perform advanced statistical analyses using methods such as multivariate analysis, quasi-experimental research, and predictive modeling to answer complex policy and evaluation questions.
- Prepare, clean, validate, integrate, and analyze large and complex datasets from multiple structured and unstructured sources to support rigorous research, evaluation, and performance measurement.
- Develop meaningful data products including performance measures, indicators, dashboards, data tables, visualizations, presentations, policy briefs, and technical reports that clearly communicate findings and outcomes.
- Respond to complex and ad hoc data requests by identifying appropriate data sources, analytical methods, and measures to address policy, program, and performance questions.
- Provide expert consultation and technical assistance to RDA colleagues, program managers, and agency leadership, helping interpret research findings, understand data limitations, and apply results to program planning, policy, and decision-making.
- Contribute to team leadership and professional development by coordinating projects, facilitating workgroups, mentoring early-career data science and informatics staff, and supporting high-quality research practices across RDA.
Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:- Advanced research and statistical expertise, including knowledge of multivariate statistical methods, research design, sampling, quantitative analysis, and the ability to apply scientifically sound methods to complex research and evaluation questions.
- Strong data science and informatics knowledge, including data extraction, manipulation, transformation, integration, database design, data systems, algorithms, programming, and data visualization using tools such as R, SQL, Python, SAS, or similar technologies.
- The ability to provide expert consultation and sound recommendations to senior leaders and program staff, including interpreting research findings and explaining their implications for planning, programs, policies, and services.
- Experience leading or collaborating on complex research and evaluation projects, and federally funded grant projects, including coordinating teams and producing high-quality research, evaluation, or policy reports.
- Strong communication and data storytelling skills, including the ability to present complex technical and statistical information clearly through written products, presentations, dashboards, and plain-talk explanations for diverse audiences.
- Strong project management, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, including the ability to work independently and as part of a team, manage multiple priorities, facilitate workgroups, and identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and automation.
- A commitment to ethical and responsible data practices, including knowledge of data privacy, security, governance, research ethics, data sharing, applicable laws and requirements, and a commitment to ongoing professional development and learning.
Who should apply?We are searching for professionals with:
- A master's degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, health services research, sociology, epidemiology, public health, health economics, or a related technical or quantitative field.
OR - A bachelor's degree in one of the fields listed above and two (2) years of professional experience performing data science or informatics work.
OR - An equivalent combination of education and professional experience totaling six (6) years.
Additional required experienceThe following experience may have been obtained concurrently with the qualifications above and with each other:
- Documented training in multivariate statistical methods, sampling, and research design.
- Experience using sophisticated quantitative research methods, including research design, sampling, and complex multivariate statistical analyses.
- Experience conducting quantitative research examining the impact of programs, interventions, policy changes, and/or predictive analytics relevant to health or social services using SAS, STATA, SPSS, or other advanced statistical analysis software.
- Authorship of at least one recently published report or peer-reviewed article detailing research and evaluation findings based on sophisticated, multivariate research designs in a policy context.
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Letter of interest
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at and reference job number
#07414.The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental InformationPrior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed . Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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 BenefitsEmployees 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 CompensationState 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 SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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 LeaveWashington 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 LeaveLeave 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
Which option best describes how you meet the minimum education and experience qualifications for this position?
- I have a master's degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, biostatistics, health services research, sociology, epidemiology, public health, health economics, or a related technical or quantitative field.
- I have a bachelor's degree in one of the fields listed above and at least two (2) years of professional experience performing data science or informatics work.
- I have an equivalent combination of education and professional experience totaling at least six (6) years.
- I do not meet any of the qualifications listed above.
02
Please describe your experience meeting at least two (2) of the following requirements.(A) Training in multivariate statistical methods, sampling, and research design.(B) Experience using quantitative research methods, including research design, sampling, and complex multivariate statistical analyses.(C) Experience conducting quantitative research examining the impact of programs, interventions, policy changes, and/or predictive analytics relevant to health or social services, including the statistical software you used.(D) Authorship of recently published reports or peer-reviewed articles involving research and evaluation findings based on sophisticated, multivariate research designs in a policy context.
Required Question
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