Data Specialist

Under general direction of the Research Data Supervisor II, incumbent serves as an analyst for supporting the various data-related projects for the Office of Health Workforce Development (OHWD). This position supports the development of reports summarizing outcomes and, when required, presents the information to executive leadership or decision-making bodies. The incumbent has knowledge of data provisioning, validation, testing, standardization, reporting/dissemination, and application scoring criteria. Provides consultative services regarding healthcare workforce programs and their impacts, as well as the healthcare workforce industry. Utilizes a variety of software packages to conduct research, perform data analyses, and create data visualizations, including but not limited to Tableau, Qualtrics, ArcGIS, Excel, Power BI, R, Python, Microsoft Dynamics and PowerPoint. Analyzes qualitative and quantitative data and understands survey design, as well as best practices for a variety of data collection and reporting processes. Works with OHWD management, departmental staff, legislative bodies, governmental entities, commissions, partners, stakeholders, and other customers and serves on healthcare workforce planning advisory bodies, ad hoc groups, and other work teams to ensure research is relevant and accurate.


Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) hours each month. For more details about PLP 2025 , visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.


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

Working Conditions
HCAI is committed to fostering a flexible, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports both operational excellence and employee well-being.


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 electric vehicle charging stations. HCAI is close to many dining and shopping choices in the Natomas area.


HCAI supports a hybrid telework schedule for many positions, consistent with operational requirements. Telework schedules are only available for CA residents. 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.


Visa Sponsorship: HCAI is not an E-Verify employer and does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of appointment.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-527354


Position #(s):
View phone number on click.appcast.io-XXX

Working Title:
Data Specialist


Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I $6,955.00 - $8,706.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# 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 works to ensure that healthcare is available where Californians need it most. With offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles, we strengthen the state's healthcare system through facility construction, expanding the health workforce, and providing vital health information. Our diverse team upholds the values of professionalism, innovation, equity, and service. We provide tools and support to help you start, build, or transition your career while making a meaningful impact for all Californians.


The Office of Health Workforce Development increases access to healthcare services in underserved communities with a focus on building a diverse workforce. Our team evaluates healthcare policy, investigates workforce gaps, and distributes over 3,000 awards each year in the form of scholarships, loans, and grants. Be a part of a community of professionals that create innovative solutions to ensure all Californians have access to equitable and quality health care.


HCAI is committed to building an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity, where employees are appreciated and feel comfortable being 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 of equitable opportunity, empowering our employees to advance health care access and information for the diverse populations we serve across California.


Department Website:


Special Requirements Application must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ must be in 12-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than 2 page(s) in length. The SOQ must include responses to the following questions in numerical order; do not consolidate responses. In-Person Interviews are anticipated to be held September 1st.


1. Describe a project where you collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to deliver a visualization or analysis. Include any challenges you faced and how you addressed them to achieve success.


2. Describe your experience managing multiple, high priority projects simultaneously while still meeting deadlines.


To support fair hiring, applicants should prepare their application materials using their own knowledge, experience, and skills. Your responses should show your own qualifications and work history. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools should only be used responsibly.


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: 8/14/2026
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 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
Human Resources Office
Attn: Classification and Pay
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016


Sacramento , CA 95833


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 Office
Attn: Classification and Pay
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016


Sacramento , CA 95833
Drop off at 8th Floor Receptionist
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 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.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted to apply 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:

• Experience in performing data collection, standardization, and reporting data findings
• Experience with healthcare data a plus
• Software and analytical tools proficiency (e.g. SQL, R, Tableau, Power BI, ArcGIS, Qualtrics, Excel, Python or similar platforms)
• Ability to translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights (e.g., displaying findings in dashboards and data visualizations)
• Strong collaboration/communication/coordination and stakeholder engagement skills

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 .


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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
HCAI Recruitment
View phone number on click.appcast.io
View email address on click.appcast.io


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
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View email address on click.appcast.io
California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Additional Application Requirements
To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current work experience in the duties performed section. The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification.


Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your state application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information e.g. Social Security Number (SSN).


Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your high school or college/university transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.


Foreign Degrees or Transcripts - Applicants with foreign degrees or transcripts who wish to apply that coursework toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which his/her foreign coursework is equivalent. HCAI accepts foreign transcript evaluations that are completed by one of the agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.


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.