HEALTH DATA SPECIALIST 2 DEFINITION:
Under the limited supervision of a Health Data Specialist 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Health, organizes and directs assigned health research activities of a complex and technical nature; may function as a lead worker, providing guidance to staff of lower levels and taking the lead in health research-related matters; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Independently designs health data projects that are components of a broader research effort and assists other program staff to develop, conduct, and evaluate data system studies; revises and updates existing systems.
May take the lead.
Conducts research in the application of statistical techniques to health data management programs and assists in the development of a health data information system for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data in such areas as health manpower, medically underserved areas, health facility utilization, patient health care services, and health status.
Assists in developing new concepts for the application of research and statistical techniques in support of investigations into the problems that affect the health delivery system and its impact on New Jersey's economy.
Assists in the development of new methods to organize health data research and collection activities, as well as appropriate criteria and measures to analyze and interpret such data in support of health facility and health service project evaluations.
Devises methods for collecting and processing of socioeconomic and health data; organizes and interprets such data for use in health planning studies.
Studies health economic and cost theories, formulates methods and procedures which explain these principles, and establishes sampling techniques designed to improve data reliability and quality.
Initiates techniques for deriving health system cost factors and predicting the probable success of research studies and/or program evaluations.
Collaborates with other units and programs in the department, professional standards review organizations, health care providers, and all health systems agencies in the application and use of analytical research tools and methodologies for analysis of health data, forecasts and projects, health status, and health care needs.
Collaborates with the data processing unit in the development of systems and procedures for tabulation of data and checks reliability of results.
Advises and provides guidance to lower-level Health Data Specialists and statistical research personnel concerning methods and applications.
Evaluates health data included in surveys, test methodologies used, assumptions made, and evaluates conclusions reached.
Assists in the analysis and preparation of statistical reports of local, state, regional, and national health data, including economic information for the development of the State Health Plan and related department programs.
Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations; prepares reports on the economic impact on New Jersey of actual or proposed federal and state programs, and/or activities directly related to the health delivery system.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE:Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Seven (7) years of comprehensive technical research and statisical analysis professional experience in epidemiology, public health, economics, public health administration, or related field which invovles the use, operation, and/or management of database systems; and twelve (12) semester hour credits in Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Informatics, Health Information Management, Economics, Statistics, Quantitative Analysis, Operations Research, and/or Market Research.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by twelve (12) semester hour credits in Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Informatics, Health Information Management, Economics, Statistics, Quantitative Analysis, Operations Research, and/or Market Research; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in one of the above disciplines; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of modern research and statistical principles and procedures.
Knowledge of data collection methods, sampling techniques, statistical significance, and uses of frequency distribution, the various measures of central tendency, variance, time series analysis, the construction of index numbers, health status indicators, probability, and correlation.
Knowledge of the methods used in establishing samples, devising comprehensive surveys and research projects, conducting pilot tests, pretesting, and statistical analyses involving the application of statistical measures.
Knowledge of cost-benefit analysis techniques.
Knowledge of the problems involved in health planning, conducting research projects, and locating and collecting primary and secondary data.
Knowledge of computer database and spreadsheet software.
Knowledge of computer operations and the problems encountered in the organization of a health data collection and retrieval system.
Knowledge of the uses, operation, and management of database systems.
Knowledge of the methods of presenting statistical information in graphic, tabular, and other forms.
Ability to conduct health evaluation studies to identify program needs not being met and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs.
Ability to interpret economic facts, statistical and health trends, and forecast their impact as related to department programs and the needs or use of the health delivery system.
Ability to provide leadership and guidance to professional and clerical staff of lower levels, and explain work assignments and functions.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other personnel in the department, federal agencies, health facilities, and community and professional organizations.
Ability to organize assigned statistical and research work and develop effective work methods.
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative statistical and research reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
