Research Data Specialist III

Job Description and Duties

Why Join DHCS?

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role:

Under the general direction of the Manager II, the Research Data Specialist III (RDS III) will support the Data Analytics & Case Development Branch (DACD) within Audits & Investigations (A&I), providing specialized analytics, research, and coordination across multiple fraud-detection and program-integrity initiatives. As lead data scientist for DACD, the incumbent will design, develop, and complete complex, large-scale research projects to identify and study issues of potential fraud, waste and abuse in the Medi-Cal program.

The incumbent independently determines the scope, objectives, research criteria, analytical parameters, data requirements, and methodologies for the Department's most complex fraud, waste, and abuse studies affecting Medi-Cal programs and operations.

The RDS III provides quality research, data analysis, and evaluation; develops specifications and other documentation related to data analysis, case creation, and reporting; conducts statistical and econometric analyses using various specialized healthcare payment data sources; and leads the development of metrics, specifications, and data files that may include confidential patient data.

The RDS III researches, develops, validates, and implements innovative or previously undefined analytical methodologies, indicators, models, and reporting approaches to identify emerging fraud schemes, assess program vulnerabilities, and forecast future programmatic and fiscal impacts.

Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact: View email address on us.fitly.work, we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!

This position is subject to the Department's Conflict of Interest Code and filing a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) when assuming office, annually while in office, and upon leaving office.

Electronic applications are highly encouraged.

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Please see the Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details.

Special Requirements

Simple Application Steps:

If you are interested in this position, complete the following simple steps:

1.Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ’s) for the Research Data Specialist III. See Minimum Requirement section above. 

2.Complete the state application by clicking “Apply Now” above. See below for detailed application instructions.

3.Submit your application package with all required documents - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.

Statement of Qualifications Requirement Section

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion, not a cover letter, prepared by the applicant describing how their skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience, qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of the applicant’s ability to present information clearly and provide DHCS additional information about their experience and qualifications concisely in writing.

The SOQ must be no more than two pages in length, double-spaced and using 12-point font. You must indicate your Full Name and Job Control Number at the top right corner.

Candidates who fail to provide an SOQ with their application or do not follow SOQ instructions may be disqualified. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Please describe your experience and education as it relates to job duties.

Education: If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your diploma/degree and/or unofficial/informal transcripts for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.

***The position requires a Live Scan prior to being hired***

Successful candidates are required to submit to a background investigation process, including mandatory electronic fingerprinting via the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan system.

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:

Knowledge of: Data analysis methods and techniques including gathering and collection of structured and unstructured data, as well as general principles, concepts and terminology used in research; planning studies and investigations; trend analysis procedures; time management techniques to provide for efficient prioritization and completion of projects and assignments; software to prepare spreadsheet summaries, reports, charts, and tables; basic arithmetic and statistical techniques to analyze numerical data; and departmental policies and procedures. Advanced automated processes for capturing data and applying quality control procedures to design and implement complex research projects; current leadership techniques and their application to ensure effective oversight of project team members; project management principles to monitor project progress, and conduct final project evaluation; and function as lead for complex large scale research projects.

Benefits

DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:

Continuous and ongoing training

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Additionally, as a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:

Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Holidays and vacation/leave

Defined retirement program

Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)

Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

Full benefits information can be found on CalHR's?California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary

Telework Section

This position is currently eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change consistent with DHCS’ Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 – 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required.

Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated office and residence subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Salary: Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receive a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the position’s associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction. Please reach out to the hiring unit contact listed on this job advertisement for details.

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 - See Statement of Qualifications under the "Special Requirement Section".