Job Specification Details

Strategically plan and implement Vital Records and Statistics' data systems that will provide information to program managers and the Vermont Department of Health partners that is accurate, complete, and timely. These systems must meet federal/state laws and standards for confidentiality and electronic verification, while maintaining and expanding the Department's collection of vital public health data. This position is responsible for guiding internal development by Information Technology staff and external development by ITS vendors for the implementation and integration of new Vital Records and Statistics applications and databases. This position is also responsible for implementing user-friendly applications for program managers to access Vital Records and Statistics' data and reports. In addition, the position will serve as the expert on identity theft/fraud prevention and data sharing and release. Duties are performed under the direction of the Public Health Statistics Director. Supervision is exercised over the Vital Records/Statistics Supervisor, including the Vital Records Office.

All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Assesses health data needs and data gaps, evaluates the quality of existing data, integrates existing data to ensure its usefulness for decision-making and develops and maintains interagency liaisons to establish effective statistical systems. Provides accurate, timely, and complete data to guide and inform program managers on specific public health issues. Evaluates existing Vital Statistics' data systems in accordance with accepted surveillance criteria. Facilitates and organizes discussions on strategic planning for public health data collection. Coordinates collaborative activities with external organizations that need to link with Vital Statistics' data systems (SSA, DMV, etc.). Oversees federal grants and contracts for compliance and reporting. Reviews federal and state regulation, pending legislation, and national standards related to public health information systems. Consults with legal counsel on unusual or difficult vital event scenarios. Gathers input from stakeholders in the clinical and technical fields and incorporates their needs into system design and implementation. Plans and implements Vital Statistics' data systems that are reliable, comprehensive, and user-friendly. Documents user requirements and facilitates changes to databases containing Vital Statistics data. Balances the technical needs of projects against the costs, time available, staffing capacity, political issues, and relative priority. Oversees contracts, establishes accountability standards and assesses deliverables for quality. Performs statistical analyses of data and reviews the analytical output of staff for accuracy. Translates data into information to guide policy and program decisions. Prepares clear and concise reports, report cards, policy briefs, and other assessment documents. Prepares and presents material involving technical concepts and processes. Prepares educational material for training and user support. Supervises technical and administrative staff and provides performance feedback. Addresses customer service complaints and issues when escalated. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Meetings with data users and providers may require some travel, for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required.

Thorough knowledge of assigned programs and projects.

Considerable knowledge of Health Department data resources.

Ability to manage complex projects and supervise analytical staff.

Considerable knowledge of data system design and planning.

Considerable knowledge of the techniques of statistical analysis.

Ability to present educational material orally to a variety of specialized groups.

Ability to work with and analyze complex databases.

Ability to identify data requirements and develop effective techniques for collection and storage.

Ability to gather input from a variety of stakeholders including medical professionals and clinical software vendors, and incorporate into ongoing system design and implementation.

Ability to oversee contracts involving technical work, establish accountability standards, and assess deliverables for quality.

Ability to prepare material involving technical concepts and processes.

Ability to interpret state and federal regulations and implement plans for compliance.

Thorough knowledge of public records laws, confidentiality regulations, and health surveillance guidelines.

Knowledge and ability to use specialized statistical software.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of program evaluation.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to promote projects and their objectives on a local and state level.

Ability to think systematically, see connections, link programs and systems.

Ability to work effectively with data users, vendors, and members of the public.

Ability to prepare and present concise reports regarding statistical and technical information.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Master's degree in Statistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, Public Administration, or a Social Sciences discipline AND six (6) years of professional level work in health-related research, statistics or program evaluation where the activities include data collection planning, systems implementation, and data quality management, including at least three (3) years supervising.

OR

Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a health-related or social sciences discipline, including 12 college credits in statistics, research or computer sciences AND eight (8) years of professional level work in health-related research, statistics or program evaluation where the activities include data collection planning, systems implementation, and data quality management, including at least four (4) years supervising.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.