05/08/2007 05691

HEALTH STATISTICS DIVISION CHIEF

DEFINITION: This is managerial work in directing and analyzing statewide public health statistics, surveillance, health information systems, and biostatistical research and analysis programs.

An employee in this job serves as a division chief in the Bureau of Health Statistics and Research with responsibility for managing, planning, and directing complex statewide programs involving the integration of multiple public health statistics and information management programs. Work involves managing and evaluating the collection, analysis, reporting, presentation, dissemination, and maintenance of public health records, statistics, and research. Work also involves developing and implementing Departmental and external policies and procedures related to public health data management and research. An important aspect of this work involves preserving the integrity of the Commonwealth’s public health statistics, surveillance and health information systems. Work includes
evaluating data quality and managing integration and coordination efforts required for public health information collection and dissemination for data partners and data collection clients within the Department, other state agencies, other states, the federal government and other entities. An employee is responsible for ensuring that collection, analysis and dissemination of public health data is in compliance with applicable state, federal and interstate regulations and policies when used to assess public health program effectiveness, statewide healthcare delivery policy issues, or other public policy. Supervision is exercised over professional, technical, and clerical staff. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by the Bureau Director through conferences and reports for program effectiveness and adherence to Departmental policy and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Manages health information systems used to compile, process, analyze, disseminate and preserve vital statistics, public health surveillance data, and other statistical information.

Develops and maintains health information statistical networks via contacts with federal and state agencies, other states, or public health information systems.

Negotiates agreements for the sharing of health data among multiple users.

Develops, enforces, and implements policies on confidentiality, data release, and shared data systems.

Researches and resolves or recommends resolution to data collection jurisdictional questions.

Develops and recommends new or revised legislation, regulations, policies and procedures related to data collection and dissemination.

Establishes and integrates data collection with the specific needs of various program offices in the Department.

Directs a system for providing statistical support services and technical assistance to Department staff.

Oversees the Department’s data driven management program to ensure program and core function accountability for evidence-based performance management.

Directs large or complex data sharing initiatives with federal and state agencies, other states, or public health information systems.

Administers federal contracts or cooperative agreements involving data collection and sharing.

Evaluates new or developmental data collection, processing, analysis and reporting programs and mechanisms.

Oversees the development, provision and conduct of educational presentations on the Department’s statistical and health information delivery systems and methods.

Develops, monitors and controls division budget.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of mathematical and statistical methods, formulas, and computations.

Knowledge of basic principles and methodology of research.

Knowledge of health statistics management, collection, analysis and reporting.

Knowledge of health research design.

Knowledge of demography as applicable to the field of public health research and statistics.

Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing the collection and reporting of health statistics.

Knowledge of confidentiality requirements for the collection, reporting and publication of health information.

Knowledge of records management with regard to health data.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Knowledge of advanced statistical and mathematical theories and methods.

Knowledge of the sampling, collection, presentation, analysis, and interpretation of public health statistics.

Ability to plan multiple or integrated research and statistics programs.

Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

Ability to provide consultative and advisory services to project officers on the use of public health program data.

Ability to present advanced technical and scientific reports and ideas orally.

Ability to present advanced technical and scientific reports and ideas in writing.

Ability to express and interpret meaningful relationships, estimates, projections, and analyses in proper statistical or mathematical terms, formulas, and symbols, and in narrative, tabular and graphic form.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Five years of experience planning, developing and implementing public health data collection systems, or health information and records management systems, or biostatistical research and analysis programs, which include two years of supervisory experience, and a bachelor's degree in statistics, biostatistics, public health, health information management or a closely related field;

                                                                                                                                          or

An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of supervisory experience in public health data collection systems, or health information and records management systems, or biostatistical research and analysis programs.