Data Specialist - Co-Response

Independently analyzes and solves highly complex problems using data, systems, and software applications for public health programs. Serves as a public health informatics subject matter expert regarding public health programs and in the implementation, maintenance, operation,  enhancement, and configuration of data systems and informatics capabilities to address the needs of the Health Department. 

The focus for this data specialist position is to support Skagit County’s Co-Response programs and other North Star and Public Health related initiatives, including the supporting data analysis and program planning. The goal of the Co-Responder work is to better meet the needs of community members with complex needs who are cycling through our law and justice and emergency services. 

• Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($37.46/hr. - $40.13/hr.) dependent on qualifications. 
• Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 10 total steps (top step $49.84/hr.). The Data Specialist Co-Response is range 16 of the General (Non-Union) salary schedule. 

Independently analyzes and solves highly complex problems using data, systems, and software applications for public health programs. Serves as a public health informatics subject matter expert regarding public health programs and in the implementation, maintenance, operation, enhancement, and configuration of data systems and informatics capabilities to address the needs of the Health Department. Serves as a liaison between health program areas, business support, clinical staff, vendors and County Information Services (IS) to support the use and advancement of health data and software applications. Leads the implementation and use of innovative solutions within the Health Department data environment to enhance interoperability of our data systems and integrate these solutions with other relevant public health partners to improve and achieve organizational goals.

Analyzes health data for emergence of trends related to Co-Response Programs. Provides Co-Response programs and agencies with regular analytics reports and assessments of system performance for Stakeholders.

Plans, implements, and analyzes overdose investigations, including coordinating follow-up, data collection, and quality improvement. 

Coordinates and monitors Data Sharing Agreements, Memos of Understanding, Inter -local Agreements with local fire agencies, hospitals, regional healthcare organizations, clinics and government agencies.

Independently analyzes business requirements and/or change requests. Plans and leads the implementation, enhancement and maintenance of multiple health information data systems. 

Designs workflows and business processes for automating data management and quality assurance across multiple data environments. Proposes potential solutions for informatics needs consistent with countywide standards. 

Works closely with program staff to ensure they understand the pros and cons of proposed solutions can make informed decisions or recommendations. Works collaboratively with staff to ensure changes, modifications and/ or maintenance schedules are followed, supported and appropriately identified in standard change management practices.

Provides technical support for ongoing operation of and upgrades for care management software (Julota). Designs, manipulates, and uses databases for analysis of health problems to assess the potential public health impact. Ensures the integrity and accuracy of collected data, following ethical guidelines and privacy regulations when handling sensitive health information.

Disseminates data and key findings through statistical and narrative reports, data visualizations, public facing dashboard summaries, presentations or other means to local, regional, and state-level entities and stakeholders.

Prepares and presents reports on findings, trends, and public health recommendations to stakeholders, government agencies, and the public.

Participates in program evaluation, conducts literature reviews, designs methods, and analyzes data to evaluate program progress and effectiveness. 

Supervisory: 

This position has no direct supervisory responsibility.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Assists in other areas of the department as required.  Other related functions may be assigned to meet department needs but are in the general level of responsibility associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Performs other data analytic related duties as assigned. 

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Requires a Bachelor’ s degree in public health, public health informatics, health care informatics, information technology, computer science, data science or a related field; AND two years of progressively responsible experience in a healthcare or public health setting with health informatics responsibilities.

• Knowledge of data management, statistics and data visualization required. 
• Knowledge and experience with Power BI, ArcGIS, or similar applications required. 
• Knowledge and experience with Structured Query Language (SQL), R or similar scripting and programming tools for large data sets required.

Requires knowledge of:

• Principles of planning, time management, project coordination, group dynamics, and program and process evaluation. 
• Computer operation and a variety of office software including word processing, spreadsheet, statistical and database applications.
• Developing and maintaining data management methods (data collection, entry, cleaning, etc)
• Data analysis, utilizing statistical software (ex. SAS, STATA, R, GIS, Epi-Info, Excel).
• Principles of Health Equity.
• Evidence-based policy, systems and environmental change strategies.
• State and Federal government policies and procedures, HIPAA, and other relevant statutes.

Requires the ability to:

• Collect and analyze data using statistical software.
• Gather, organize and present facts and statistical data in a clear, concise and logical manner, both orally and in writing.
• Evaluate program, project or intervention effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with a diverse population of State, regional and local entities.  
• Use computers and basic software used in the work environment, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point).
• Learn new software programs and have ability to train and engage staff and community partners.
• Organize work activities to meet established objectives.
• Exercise initiative, discretion and judgment in carrying out work.
• Demonstrate strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate strong public speaking and presentation skills in both small and large group settings.
• Ability to work independently, but in a team-oriented work environment maintaining effective working relationships with staff, other health jurisdictions, colleagues, public and private officials and community groups, and the general public.
• Research, write and manage grants.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Washington State Driving License.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed under limited supervision requiring independent judgment and discretion. 

Work is performed primarily in an indoor office environment and requires the ability to sit for long periods at a desk and computer.   Work occasionally outside the office providing community outreach, home visits, investigation and surveillance May travels throughout the county and state to attend meetings and conferences.   May be required to lift boxes, files or other materials.  Work will require sitting for long periods of time at a computer.  

Hazards:

Those present in a health care and office environment.  Potential exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous driving conditions.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1382.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.