Healthcare Payments Data Research Scientist

Job Description and Duties

Hybrid Telework Opportunity.

The Research Scientist II (RS II) (Social/Behavioral Sciences) designs, conducts, analyzes, draws conclusions and serves as a team leader on scientific research studies of moderate scope and complexity. This involves making independent, difficult scientific decisions using statistical methods, established guidelines and technical scientific procedures.

Under general direction, and with work reviewed periodically to assure that it meets the assignment’s objectives, the RS II is a member of the Healthcare Analytics Branch (HAB) of the Office of Information Services (OIS)and serves as a team lead on producing public reports in line with the aims and priorities of the Healthcare Payments Data (HPD) Program for the Cost and Quality Analysis Group (CQAG) within the Analytics and Data Section (ADS). The RS II will produce public reports and research products on healthcare quality and cost and health equity with a special focus on data from the Healthcare Payments Data (HPD) Program. The analyses will require the RS II to innovate and work collaboratively with other staff to integrate data from diverse sources, design complex data analyses, employ appropriate de-identification processes, determine the best way to communicate results to various audiences, develop visualizations, write explanatory and technical texts, and deliver public presentations. The research products created may compare analysis groups to statewide or national benchmarks on the cost and quality of care provided. This includes analyses of patient measures, as well as provider-level, hospital-level, and provider group measures. These analyses are highly sensitive and may affect the reputation of health plans and hospitals, thus accuracy and unbiased reporting is critical. The RS II will also investigate the feasibility of new research projects and may lead them. Finally, the RS II will serve as a lead on internal HPD data requests and as a knowledge resource on HPD databases, research methods, reports, analytic products and procedures, and visualizations.

In the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) work environment staff may handle confidential patient data. Specific statutes, regulations, and HCAI policies and procedures govern the collection, storage, disclosure and use of confidential data. The employee will be responsible for the safe and secure handling of this data in compliance with these policies and procedures.

Take a 2-minute survey to tell us why you applied for HCAI! – https://forms.office.com/g/B6eXh2NKpZ

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

HCAI offers a hybrid telework schedule with a combination of remote and in-office work schedules for CA residents only. The telework policy is subject to change, and additional in-office days may be required and/or minimal notification may be given to report to the worksite if an urgent need arises. If you are interested in maintaining a life/work balance and not dealing with a daily commute, then this position may be for you!

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH SCIENTIST II (SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES)
• RESEARCH SCIENTIST II (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-446687

Position #(s):

441-539-5590-XXX

Working Title:

Healthcare Payments Data Research Scientist

Classification:

RESEARCH SCIENTIST II (SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES)

$7,152.00 – $8,889.00

Shall Consider:

RESEARCH SCIENTIST II (EPIDEMIOLOGY/BIOSTATISTICS)

$7,152.00 – $8,889.00

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information ensures healthcare access is provided to Californians where it is needed most. With offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles, we strengthen the state’s healthcare system through facility construction, expanding the health workforce, and providing health information. Our diverse team upholds the values of professionalism, innovation, equity, and service. We can provide you with the tools to start, build, or transition your career while making an impact for all Californians.

At HCAI’s Office of Information Services, we shape conversations and generate impactful insights about California’s healthcare landscape from data submitted to us by hospitals, health plans, prescription drug manufacturers, and California’s health care workforce. These conversations and insights inform policymakers, researchers, community leaders, and the broader health care industry regarding topics such as health care cost transparency, the total cost of care, and health outcomes. Our mission is to expand equitable access to quality, affordable health care for all Californians. Join a dynamic team of technology enthusiasts implementing and maintaining innovative solutions to meet the Department’s needs.

HCAI demonstrates a commitment to building an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity, where employees are appreciated, and comfortable as their authentic selves. We value our employees’ skills, experience, and unique perspectives because they enrich our workforce and make us stronger. We embrace and support a culture providing equitable opportunities which empowers health care access and information serving diverse CA populations.

To learn more about HCAI, visit: http://HCAI.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your unofficial transcripts and/or license for verification. Official sealed transcripts will be required upon appointment. If it is determined an application does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the applicant will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Applicants who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/4/2024

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Health Care Access and Information

Attn: Human Resources: Classification and Pay Unit

2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016

Sacramento, CA95833

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Health Care Access and Information

Human Resources: Classification and Pay Unit

2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016

Sacramento, CA95833

Drop off at 8th Floor Receptionist, Attention Human Resources

08:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other –
• Unofficial transcripts must be included if qualifying under an education pattern of the minimum qualifications. If selected, official transcripts will be required upon appointment.
• Statement of Qualifications –
• A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. (The SOQ is a separate document with your Name and Job Control number noted on the top, typed in Arial 12 pt font, no more than two pages.) Resumes and cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ. Applications without a clearly titled SOQ or that do not follow the instructions above or clearly address the question (below) will not be considered for the position. The SOQ should address the following question:
• Please describe how your background, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities best qualify you for this position.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• At least 2 years data analysis experience.
• At least 2 years experience using SAS, R, Stata, etc.
• At least 1 year data management experience.
• At least 1 year experience merging/linking disparate data sources.
• At least 1 year experience creating visualizations using Tableau, Power BI, R, etc.
• At least 1 year experience working on health equity issues.
• Knowledge of healthcare and/or health conditions.
• Experience with oral presentations and/or communication with stakeholders.
• Writing experience (e.g., peer-reviewed scientific or government publications, grant applications, technical documents).

Benefits

In addition to competitive public employee wages and a comprehensive benefits package, our employees enjoy meaningful and interesting work that supports access to healthcare.

To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the Salary and Benefits page on the CalHR website.

HCAI is housed in a state-of-the-art building outside of downtown off Interstate-5. Enjoy a great work environment with many amenities, including FREE PARKING and fully equipped pay-per-charge electric vehicle charging stations. HCAI is close to many dining and shopping choices.

University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) employees may qualify to transfer their current and previous employment credit to State of California employment through CalPERS. Human Resources can help with this process upon employment or you can reach out to CalPERS for inquiries at (888) 225-7377.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:

Ashley Trujillo

(916) 326-3230

[email protected]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department’s EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

EEO Office

(916) 326-3261

[email protected]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Requirements

You must include: 1) the classification title you are applying for, 2) “JC-#446687”, and 3) your source of eligibility (i.e. List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, SROA/Surplus) in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for which you applying” section of your application. Applications received without this information may be disqualified.

If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you MUST include a copy of your unofficial transcripts and/or license for verification. Example: if you are applying for a Staff Services Analyst position based on your Bachelor’s degree, you must attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts showing the conferred date of the degree you obtained. Official sealed transcripts will be required upon appointment. Applicants who fail to provide this information shall be disqualified.

Applications received via email or fax will not be accepted.

Examination Information

Candidates that are new to state service must take the online examination to establish eligibility. The examination can be found at the following link CalCareers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

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