The Washington State Health Care Authority seeks a Behavioral Health Fiscal Information and Data Analyst to support statewide budgeting, data analysis, and Medicaid rate setting for behavioral health programs, reporting to executive management in a non-supervisory capacity.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate multiple high-priority projects and resources simultaneously, proactively addressing issues and proposing alternative approaches when needed.
- Collaborate with external agencies and staff on both regular and ad hoc tasks, primarily to obtain information and deliver analyses.
- Provide expert financial planning, program evaluation, and system analysis for statewide behavioral health budgets covering community mental health and substance use services in line with Executive-level policy.
- Develop and utilize complex data systems, including databases, spreadsheets, graphs, and tracking tools, using AFRS, ER, and ad hoc tools such as Web Intelligence to extract and evaluate fiscal data.
- Prepare and manage biennial and supplemental budgets for the assigned programs within the statewide Behavioral Health portfolio, representing community mental health and substance use services for the Agency.
- Maintain and update financial models across a multi-system environment, reconciling data for budget requests and fiscal notes to ensure accuracy.
- Monitor expenditures for Behavioral Health programs and compare against budgets, forecasts, and projections to ensure fiscal adherence.
Requirements
- Option 1: Bachelor's degree in public administration, healthcare administration, finance, accounting, business, or related field, plus three or more years of professional experience with large, complex financial systems in behavioral health or health care.
- Option 2: Associate’s degree from an accredited institution plus five years of professional experience with large, complex financial systems in behavioral health or health care.
- Option 3: Seven years of professional experience with large, complex financial systems in behavioral health or health care.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and grow professionally.
- Proven capacity to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex modeling, data structuring, ad hoc analysis, pivot tables, and nested formulas.
- Creative approach to documenting workflows and analytical tools.
- Working knowledge of analytical query tools and SQL.
- Strong ability to analyze financial data, identify data needs, develop problem solving strategies, and use data to support goals and benchmarks.
- Skill in explaining differences between budgeted, forecasted, and actual expenditures and communicating the reasons clearly.
- Analytical proficiency in financial research and modeling within a multi-system environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication, with experience translating complex financial information for non-financial audiences.
- Experience communicating with a range of stakeholders, from staff to elected officials and federal auditors.
- Ability to coordinate and build consensus among internal and external partners toward departmental and legislative initiatives.
- Capability to develop and review detailed written materials and provide thorough policy analysis.
Technologies
- Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS)
- Enterprise Reporting (ER)
- Web Intelligence (WebI)
- Microsoft Excel
- SQL
Benefits
- Meaningful work with colleagues who are dedicated to serving communities, supported by the agency's mission.
- A clear, person-centered mission driving day-to-day work aligned with the agency's values.
- Healthy work-life balance with flexible scheduling and options for remote work where applicable.
- Competitive total compensation and access to state government benefits.
- A safe, welcoming workplace in a convenient location with nearby amenities and free parking.
Description
This non-supervisory analytical role reports to the Section Manager for Community Behavioral Health appropriations and concentrates on strategic planning, budget analysis, and post-implementation management of Behavioral Health initiatives including AI/AN Fee for Service programs. The position offers high impact, working directly with executive leadership on budget and program decisions, with eligibility for telework and required on-site presence one day per week. The role is based in Olympia, WA, with on-site frequency varying by operational needs.
Duties
- Review and manage priority assignments while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of analyses.
- Provide in-depth budget, program, and system analyses for statewide Behavioral Health programs in line with Executive policy.
- Develop and maintain data systems and reporting tools (AFRS, ER, WebI) to support fiscal decision-making.
- Lead biennial and supplemental budget development for Behavioral Health program populations representing community mental health and substance use services.
- Update and reconcile financial models across a complex ecosystem to keep budget requests and fiscal notes current.
- Monitor expenditures and compare to budgets and forecasts to ensure adherence to allocations.
Supplemental Information
The Health Care Authority is the state's largest health care purchaser and behavioral health authority, guiding efforts across Apple Health, PEBB, SEBB, and behavioral health programs. HCA emphasizes equity in all analyses and processes. The Financial Services Division provides strategic financial expertise for multiple programs and oversees budget and compliance functions for the state's largest operating budget. The role supports telework with on-site requirements, and applicants should anticipate related background checks and E-Verify employment eligibility. HCA is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and inclusion through employee resource groups and an inclusive workplace environment.
