DSHS FTAA Research Associate (Data Science & Informatics Specialist 3)

DSHS FTAA Research Associate (Data Science & Informatics Specialist 3)

Salary

$105,612.00 - $142,020.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-07906

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Opening Date

09/30/2026

Closing Date

10/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits

Description

If you are someone:

• Excited about a research career that directly impacts programs and policies and focuses on improving the well-being of Washington State's most vulnerable populations.
• Who thrives in an intellectually stimulating environment.
• With a background in research, program evaluation, and statistical analysis.
• Who enjoys working both independently and as part of a collaborative team of professionals.

Use your research and statistical skills in an exciting analytic environment in the service of others. Research and Data Analysis (RDA) is seeking a Research Associate to join our team. RDA provides data, analytics, and decision support to improve the delivery of health and human services for clients of Washington's publicly funded social and health services programs. These programs are administered by DSHS, the Health Care Authority, and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Our integrated administrative databases support research, evaluation, monitoring, predictive modeling, and geographic analysis on a wide range of program and policy areas such as: Aging and Long-Term Care; Behavioral Health (Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services); Cash and Food Assistance; Child Welfare and Well-Being; Criminal Legal Involvement; Developmental Disability Services; Health Services; Homelessness and Housing; Poverty; and others. Results of our work are shared through direct consultation with program leaders and policy makers, research briefs and reports, and presentations to workgroups and colleagues.

As part of our research team, you will function as a lead researcher, using your research methods, data analysis, and communications skills, and your experience in social service program monitoring and evaluation using large complex datasets. Your work will include designing and implementing research and program evaluation, primarily based on complex large administrative databases. You will also work collaboratively with other research professionals and analytic programmers to conduct ad hoc analyses and in-depth research while contributing to the ongoing improvement and maintenance of RDA's analytic data infrastructure.

RDA is a national leader in health and human services research. The high-level statistical research and evaluation performed in this role contributes to reports that are used by the State legislature and executive branch to inform policy, programming, and budgeting choices related to multiple health and social service program and policy areas. A minimum of one day per week will be required on location in Olympia. A flexible hybrid schedule is available upon successful completion of probation.

Some of what you will do:

• Apply an advanced level of skill to manage research and evaluation projects involving a specific social or health service program area.
• Collaborate with your research team and state agency partners to develop and implement sound scientific research and evaluation studies, program monitoring, and performance measurement.
• Collaborate on the development of data collection strategies that will meet federal reporting requirements and provide technical assistance, training, and quality assurance for external partners gathering this information to support program evaluation activities.
• Link, restructure, and recode multiple large complex administrative datasets at different levels of observation from various sources to prepare analytic datasets suitable for research purposes. Identify appropriate measurement concepts to support research objectives.
• Advise on the construction of measures designed to help stakeholders monitor, measure, and improve their performance on key metrics.
• Monitor developments in and changes to social and health measures, data systems, and/or performance measures; modify reporting as needed in response to changes.
• Perform specialized analyses in SAS or SQL, using advanced quantitative methods to evaluate the need, demand, use, and outcomes of Washington's publicly funded health and human services.
• Prepare reports summarizing analytic results for non-technical audiences and present key findings to a variety of stakeholder groups.

Who should apply

• 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

related technical or quantitative field, and one year of experience performing data science or

informatics data work.

Or,

• Bachelor's degree in informatics, data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics,

biostatistics, health services research, sociology, epidemiology, public health, health economics, or

related technical or quantitative field and three years of professional experience performing data

science or informatics data work.

Or,

• Equivalent education/experience.

Concurrent work experience should include:

• Advanced training in multivariate statistical methods, sampling, and research designs.
• 5 years' experience using sophisticated quantitative research methods including design, sampling, and complex multivariate statistical evaluations.
• 5 years' experience in conducting quantitative research regarding the impact of programs, interventions, policy changes, and/or predictive analytics relevant to health or social services.
• Demonstrated experience in SAS, SPSS, STATA, or other advanced statistical analysis software.
• Senior authorship of three or more recently published reports or peer-reviewed articles detailing research and evaluation findings from sophisticated, multivariate research designs in a policy context, preferably with relevance to vulnerable populations or publicly funded social and health services.
• Ability to provide reliable, professionally sound, scientifically valid advice, consultation, and technical assistance to high-level leadership. This advice applies an advanced level of expertise interpreting research findings to guide planning, programs, and policies.
• Ability to present complex ideas and information to a variety of audiences in both written and presentation formats and explain complex or technical information using plain talk principles.
• Demonstrated competency with the Microsoft suite of applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Certification in Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) or equivalent human subjects research training with 2 years of experience using administrative data for research, including applicable rules and concerns pertaining to human subjects and data protection.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• An advanced degree in health services research, sociology, epidemiology, public health, health economics, or related field.
• Documented ability to work both independently and cooperatively as a team member, managing multiple work projects leading and facilitating teams and work groups.
• Experience with DSHS programs, mission, goals, and/or strategic plan or experience working with WA States Health Care Authority or Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
• Ability to exhibit strong quantitative skills
• Experience linking complex data sets with a common identifier across multiple levels of observation.
• Experience with analysis of administrative data.
• Specified knowledge of and experience conducting research related to vulnerable populations and services
• Use of social and health service agency records to generate risk and outcome data to inform policy, programming determinations, and funding allocations
• Understanding of security procedures for working with confidential client data and human subjects research protocols, including experience with IRB processes
• Passionate about social justice, behavioral health services, and improving the lives of others.

Interested? Please Include:

• Three professional references' contact information on your application.
• Your current resume.
• A cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role.

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.

Questions: Please contact the recruiter, Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 07906 as the subject.

Supplemental Information

Prior 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 drivers 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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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 reviewedhere. 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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

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

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov