HEALTH DATA SPECIALIST APPRENTICE
DEFINITION:
Under the close supervision of a Health Data Specialist 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Health, as an apprentice and productive worker, receives formal and on-the-job training to learn to conduct surveys, complete routine research activities and assist in organizing health research activities; 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:
As an Apprentice and productive worker:
Learns to develop, conduct, and evaluate health data system studies.
Learns to Conduct 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 workforce, medically underserved areas, health facility utilization, patient health care services, and health status.
Learns to develop and establish a health data system to service and measure the department's programs and activities.
Learns to assist in developing ideas for application of health economic principles and models to a wide variety of programs.
Learns to assist in the development of 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.
Learns to determine sources of health data and limitations on reliability or usability of data.
Learns to design and conduct health data surveys utilizing sampling techniques and monitors studies to obtain desired types of information.
Assists in the preparation of survey questionnaires and forms, and personally conducts surveys used in gathering of health information on the effectiveness of program activities in meeting economic and other needs related to the health delivery system of the state.
Works 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 tools and research methodologies for analysis of health data, forecasts and projects, of health status, and health care needs.
Learns to evaluate health data included in surveys, test methodologies used, assumptions made, and evaluates conclusions reached.
Learns to analyze and prepare 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.
Learns to prepare reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Maintains essential records and files.
Will be required to learn how 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.
Four (4) 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.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act 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 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 the uses, operation, and management of database systems.
Knowledge of the methods of presenting statistical information in graphic, tabular, and other forms.
Ability to learn to conduct health data evaluation studies to identify program needs not being met and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs.
Ability to learn 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 learn 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 how 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 if 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.
ADVANCEMENT:
Upon the successful completion of a twenty-four (24) month apprenticeship, appointees will be eligible for advancement to Health Data Specialist 1 in accordance with New Jersey Civil Service Commission procedures.
NOTE: The inability of an employee in the apprentice title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to Health Data Specialist 1 shall be considered as cause for separation.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
