Public Health Data Planner

Job Summary

Collects, analyzes, and disseminates health data and trends to help local government and health care providers make decisions and plans to improve people's health and reduce disparities in efforts to improve the health of their communities. Plans, leads, and manages the development, implementation, and evaluation of complex data analysis projects. Collaborates with other public health professionals in the development of regional and statewide strategies to improve data collection, analysis, and reporting to support community and system planning and decision-making.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Analyzes and evaluates departmental, county, state, and national public health data, and assists with developing outcome measurement plans.  
• Conducts data analysis and interpretation; summarizes data and produces statistical reports across all program areas. Develops written summaries of findings and conclusions. 
• Supports responses to requests for data and information from a variety of sources, including local, regional, and national and explains their significance to leadership, staff, and community partners.
• Participates in continuous performance management and quality improvement effort and monitoring.  
• Provides technical assistance to public health staff in their use of client and program data.  
• Combines data and information from multiple sources, analyzing, interpreting, and creating new information to support decision-making and the community health assessment processes and improvement plan.  
• Utilizes current information technology tools to identify, locate, access, assess, and appropriately interpret and use online public health-related information and data.  
• Participates with external partners and internal groups on the coordination of program improvement, monitoring, and evaluation of department data collections.
• Assists with the development of research proposals and grant applications by providing both quantitative data and narrative summary that identifies data and policy issues, as well as potential solutions.
• Supports and informs key interagency partnerships related to research and data analysis projects. 
• Participates in the development, implementation, and training of the electronic health records system.  
• Participates in meetings, trainings, and/or conferences as required.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.  
• Performs other duties as assigned. Includes, but is not limited to, emergency preparedness and response, including fulfilling roles in an incident command structure as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree (Master's Degree preferred) in Public Health, Sociology, Business, Informatics, Public Administration, or related field and two years' experience in informatics, program evaluation, and/or systems/process analysis with demonstrated knowledge of public health services and principles and competence in use of a range of analysis tools. A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision and direction of the Public Health Director. Discretion, independence, and judgment are regularly required. Work is reviewed for accuracy and quality through observation, examination of records and reports generated, and through meetings.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge of statistical, analytical, and research concepts and methods.
• Knowledge of public health principles and services.
• Knowledge of Microsoft operating systems and Office applications.
• Ability to maintain neat and accurate documentation regarding spatial databases.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to deal tactfully and efficiently with internal and external customers.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to make independent decisions concerning choice of procedures to follow.
• Ability to maintain complex clerical records and prepare reports from such records.
• Ability to deal tactfully and efficiently with all levels of management and the general public.
• Ability to apply basic research and statistical skills in the preparation of reports; ability to review and correct written and numerical reports, accounts, forms, and other documents.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.   

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.