Entry Level Health Policy Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description

At Commence, we're the start of a new age of data-centric transformation, elevating health outcomes and powering better, more efficient process to program and patient health. We combine quality data-driven solutions that fuel answers, technology that advances performance, and clinical expertise that builds trust to create a more efficient path to quality care. 

With human-centered, healthcare-relevant, and value-based solutions, we create new possibilities with data. We provide proof beyond the concept and performance beyond the scope with a focus on efficiencies that transform the lives of those we serve. With a culture driven by purpose, straightforward communication and clinical domain expertise, Commence cuts straight to better care.? 

Requirements

The Health Data Analyst Intern supports the Commence Data team with entry-level analytic and data quality work in a supervised, learning-focused role. Working under the direction of a Data team manager, the intern assists with data profiling, quality checks, documentation, and descriptive reporting that support Commence's healthcare data programs.

This is a part-time, temporary internship for one academic semester. It is designed to give the intern practical exposure to healthcare data in a regulated environment while contributing useful work to the team.

Specific assignments are defined with the supervising manager during onboarding and are tailored to team priorities and the intern's academic background and interests. Depending on the projects active during the term, the intern may:

• Assist with data profiling and quality checks on assigned datasets, such as completeness, value range, duplicate, and consistency reviews.
• Write and run basic SQL queries or simple Python or R scripts against defined datasets under supervision.
• Help prepare descriptive summary tables, counts, and simple charts from specifications provided by the team.
• Contribute to data dictionary and documentation entries, including field definitions and known data issues.
• Research and summarize reference material such as CMS quality measure specifications or program documentation.
• Support a scoped analysis or documentation project and share a summary/ presentation of the results with the team.
• Observe and participate in team working sessions to build familiarity with how healthcare data moves through Commence programs.
• Take on other related assignments appropriate to the intern's experience level.

Regardless of the assignments selected, the intern is expected to:

• Complete all required onboarding, security awareness, and HIPAA privacy training prior to receiving data access.
• Follow Commence data handling, privacy, and security policies at all times.
• Perform assigned work under the direction and review of the supervising manager, and raise questions or data anomalies rather than resolving them independently.
• Document work so that methods and results can be reviewed and reproduced by others.
• Attend recurring check-ins and provide regular status updates to the supervising manager.
• Maintain a consistent, agreed-upon schedule throughout the term.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in public health, health informatics, biostatistics, epidemiology, data science, statistics, economics, or a related field.
• Completed coursework in statistics, data analysis, or database fundamentals.
• Foundational proficiency in SQL and Microsoft Excel; introductory exposure to Python or R.
• Clear written communication and demonstrated attention to detail; able to document work so that someone else can reproduce it.
• Able to follow data handling, privacy, and security requirements, and to ask before acting when a requirement is unclear.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; must successfully complete a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Medicare or Medicaid claims data, CMS programs, or healthcare quality measures.
• Exposure to Databricks, Snowflake, Power BI, or Tableau.
• Prior HIPAA or human subjects research training.
• Coursework or a project involving health services research, health policy, or population health analytics.

Additional Requirements

• The intern's specific assignments, schedule, and scope of work are established with the supervising manager during onboarding and may be adjusted during the term by mutual agreement.
• All work is performed using Commence-provided accounts and approved equipment. Company data may not be stored on personal devices or personal cloud accounts.
• Access to protected health information, if required, is granted only after completion of HIPAA training and with documented, role-based approval.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This is a remote position. Candidates must be able to sit, read, work on a computer, and watch a computer screen for extended periods of time. Occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, kneel or crouch.

Commence is an equal employment opportunity employer. All personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military and veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

Commence is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at (757) 306-4920 or hr@commence.ai. Please note that unless you are requesting an accommodation, all applications must be submitted through our online application system.