Senior Government Data Consultant II in Phoenix, Arizona

Senior Government Data Consultant II

We are seeking a talented Senior Government Data Consultant II to join our Government Consulting team  this role, you will serve as a data team leader on large, complex Medicaid projects, working directly with actuarial, financial, and data analysts, clinicians, and health policy consultants. You'll partner with an experienced project leader to help oversee Mercer's expanding portfolio of Medicaid quality measurement work.

This position will play a key role on engagements involving HEDIS measures, the CMS Core Set of Medicaid measures, and Section 1115 demonstration measures (including SUD and SMI/SED waiver programs). The work involves interpreting technical specifications, building and validating measure logic, identifying methodology issues and client-specific nuances, and translating complex analytic findings into clear guidance for clients.

What you'll do:

• Serve as the technical lead on measure methodology for large multi-year projects with state Medicaid agencies, partnering with client teams to define scope and ensure work aligns with HEDIS, CMS Core Set, and 1115 waiver specifications.
• Translate technical specifications into accurate, efficient code against large claims datasets, and review the code produced by junior analysts to ensure quality and consistency.
• Oversee all data processing activities and provide on-going review and guidance throughout the process. Inform client and project teams on the reasons and impacts of data anomalies, exceptions on the analysis, and formulate solutions.
• Thrive and be motivated by an environment that embraces AI and technology-enabled tools.
• Work with clients to develop and finalize methodologies, document deviations from specifications, and help them understand how their own data infrastructure impacts measure results.
• Identify growth and development opportunities for junior data analysts. Provide guidance, oversight, and mentoring to support their progression.

What you need to have:

• BA/BS or equivalent experience
• 10+ years working with healthcare claims data
• Hands-on experience with SAS, SQL, Python, Databricks, or an equivalent programming language
• Experience leading project teams
• Experience programming healthcare quality measures from published technical specifications

What makes you stand out:

• Experience coding and/or validating HEDIS measures, CMS Core Set measures, or 1115 demonstration measures (SUD, SMI/SED, or similar)
• Deep familiarity with Medicaid claims data, including experience navigating common data quality and completeness challenges
• Direct experience taking measures through NCQA's HEDIS Measure Certification process - preparing submissions, working with auditors, and resolving findings
• Proven track record of managing large, complex projects, ideally in a consulting environment
• Ability to translate technical findings for clinical and policy audiences
• Strong critical thinking and a comfort prioritizing across competing demands

Why join our team:

• We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders.
• We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities.
• Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being.