Data Privacy & Automation Specialist
DDG Consultant / Data Privacy & Automation Specialist Location Remote (California-based preferred) Engagement Type Contract (12 months with potential extension) Engagement Overview We are seeking a DDG Consultant to support a California State Agency in executing and maintaining compliance with Data De-Identification Guidelines (DDG). The agency manages sensitive data collected from regional service providers and state programs. This role ensures all public records and datasets are properly de-identified and approved for public release in accordance with HIPAA, the Information Practices Act (IPA), and CalHHS DDG standards. The consultant will conduct de-identification data reviews, complete Publication Risk Assessments, sign Expert Determination Declarations, develop training materials, maintain SOP documentation, and build automation solutions to streamline DDG processes. Key ResponsibilitiesDDG Review & Compliance (Primary Focus) • Conduct data de-identification reviews in accordance with DDG Standard Operating Procedures for assigned datasets and reports • Apply statistical disclosure controls including small count suppression, complementary suppression, aggregation, and pseudonymization • Complete and document Publication Risk Assessments using templates and scoring criteria • Sign Expert Determination Declarations for each assigned dataset/report per HIPAA Safe Harbor and Expert Determination requirements • Support DDG submissions through ServiceNow ticketing including file analysis, data determination, attachments, and closure notes • Use statistical and scientific principles to determine re-identification risk of data files • Evaluate compliance against HIPAA Privacy Rule, California Information Practices Act (IPA), and CalHHS DDG requirements • Coordinate with the Privacy Team to identify privacy data restrictions and obtain program data owner approvals • Maintain audit-ready documentation for all DDG activities Training Development & Delivery • Develop comprehensive DDG training curriculum and materials based on lessons learned and best practices • Create training presentations, guides, exercises, and job aids for DDG section team and data requesters • Deliver training sessions to agency staff on DDG processes, statistical methods, and compliance requirements • Create video training content for DDG processes and tools • Update training materials based on feedback, policy changes, and regulatory updates SOP Documentation & Maintenance • Review existing DDG SOPs and identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas requiring updates • Create and update SOP documentation aligned with current regulatory requirements and best practices • Develop Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documentation for common DDG scenarios and edge cases • Create quick-reference materials, checklists, and decision trees to improve compliance consistency • Maintain version control, change history, and approval documentation for all SOPs Automation & Technical Development • Develop and automate DDG review workflows using Power BI, Power Automate, or equivalent tools • Build AI Agent/Bot capabilities to support DDG process automation and user assistance • Create Power BI dashboards for ServiceNow ticket tracking, DDG metrics, and compliance reporting • Write Python scripts and automation tools for custom DDG processing needs • Support public-facing data transparency initiatives including dashboards and open-data releases • Maintain and improve internal ServiceNow dashboards and workflow processes Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Public Health, Health Informatics, Computer Science, or related field • 5+ years of experience in data privacy, de-identification, or statistical disclosure control • Deep understanding of HIPAA Privacy Rule, Safe Harbor method, and Expert Determination requirements • Experience conducting re-identification risk assessments using statistical and scientific methods • Proficiency with Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, Power Automate) • Experience with Python scripting for data analysis and automation • Experience with ServiceNow or similar ticketing/workflow systems • Strong technical writing skills for SOP documentation and training materials • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills Preferred Qualifications • Master's degree in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, or related quantitative field • Experience with California state government agencies or health/human services programs • Knowledge of CalHHS Data De-Identification Guidelines • Experience with California Information Practices Act (IPA) compliance • CIPP/US, CIPM, or similar privacy certification • Experience developing AI/chatbot solutions for process automation • Background in developmental disabilities services or healthcare data • Training development and delivery experience Compliance Requirements This role requires compliance with strict confidentiality requirements imposed by State and Federal laws including: • Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) • Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) • California Civil Code Sections 56 et seq. and 1798.24-1798.24b • California Welfare and Institutions Code sections 4514, 5328, and 15600 et seq. • CalHHS Data De-Identification Guidelines • Information Practices Act (IPA) The selected consultant will be required to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and complete annual security and privacy training. Pay: $75.00 - $95.00 per hour Benefits: • Health insurance Work Location: Remote Apply tot his job