Geospatial Data Analyst

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. The Geo-Spatial Analyst reports to the Manager of the Medicaid Data Management team within the Office of Data, Analytics, and Performance (DAP). The DA V designs and conducts advanced geospatial research and analysis projects, conducts provider network analysis activities, and ensures location data are accurately geocoded and/or configured for spatial analysis. The DA V performs advanced (senior level) data analysis work related to Medicaid and CHIP service utilization, eligibility, provider and drug data, as well as data submitted from the Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and the External Quality Review Organization to meet contract standards, among other sources. The DA V will help guide the integration of provider data from multiple sources to optimize its value for measuring program performance. Work involves providing direction in database administration operations and planning; providing for the efficient and effective storage, retrieval, customization, and archiving of data to ensure integrated database systems; planning, developing, and implementing database policies and procedures; and maintaining and verifying data integrity. Work will involve consulting with DAP data analysts concerning data models and efficient access to the data stored in the provider data system and with HHSC staff to understand business needs. Works under moderate supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Knowledge of utilizing ESRI ArcGIS products and tools within analysis workflows
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of computer databases, programming, and systems design
Knowledge of computer operations, systems, and procedures
Knowledge of computer database application systems
Knowledge of computer programming languages
Knowledge of data science best practices, particularly with Python data science libraries ArcPy, Pandas, NumPy and FuzzyWuzzy
Knowledge of data processing flowcharting techniques
Knowledge of database structures and theories
Knowledge of current database technologies
Knowledge of data analysis, evaluation, and testing techniques and protocols with an emphasis on online analytics processing
Knowledge of SQL Server spatial data types, functions, and indexing
Knowledge of Snowflake platform.
Ability to explain complex technical information and provide training to individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise
Ability to identify and define user task needs, to process information logically, to conduct short-range and long-range project planning studies
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to train others
Skill in using ArcGIS software
Skill in using SQL Server Spatial Tools
Skill in scripting and automation with Python and SQL Server
Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software
Skill in complex problem solving and critical thinking
Bachelor's degree, equivalent, or higher degree in epidemiology, statistics, public health, data science, social or natural sciences, or other discipline which requires data management and analysis skills.
Four years’ experience with data acquisition, data collection, management, analyses, visualization and presentation of health and human services-related data and/or large datasets.
Four years’ experience in writing queries and using statistical software (e.g. SAS or SPSS)
Experience with collecting, managing, and analyzing geospatial data
Employment application will illustrate effective and accurate written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Designs and conducts advanced geospatial research and analysis projects specific to Medicaid and CHIP.
Gathers data from multiple sources and performs transformation or pre-analytic processing as required.
Ensures location data is accurately geocoded and/or configured for spatial analysis.
Develops methodologies and determines the most effective process to address a given provider or related data request (regular or ad hoc), construct a performance measure, or monitor various trends.
Compiles and manipulates data using SQL, Python, or other languages from a variety of source formats, to support complex analyses.
Cleans and prepares data to produce datasets required for data visualization or software products.
Designs, develops, maintains and/or supports visualizations or web apps with ArcGIS software.
Engages with a variety of people across the agency to build strong relationships and to find creative solutions to leveraging Medicaid and CHIP provider and related data to complete analytic projects.
Utilizes communication skills to gather the information necessary from customers to assess and address their needs.
Explains analysis results in clear and non-scientific language as necessary to ensure that customers can leverage the information in decision-making.
Coordinates with program subject matter experts and leadership to both ensure accuracy in how MCDA is approaching the analysis and to inform staff of findings in a timely manner.
Trains and assists DAP and other HHSC staff in querying of the data and in data extraction for analysis and reporting.
Provides suggestions regarding systematic changes that will improve the efficiency and quality of Medicaid CHIP provider and related data.
Assesses data quality by identifying any missing, erroneous, incongruent, or duplicate data.
Coordinates with other internal groups within the Office of Data Analytics and Performance or other areas to identify issues, address data quality, and improve reporting.
Consults and provides requirements for the improvement of data collection systems and the methods used to perform data analytics.