Data Specialist

Job Summary:

The Data Specialist will provide support to the GPTEC Applied Science and Informatics department. The Data Specialist is responsible for the organization and processing of raw data files, contributing to statistical analysis, data mapping and summarizing and preparing reports.

Essential Functions:

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

• Completes basic organization and processing of raw data files.
• Contributes to basic descriptive statistical analysis of public health data.
• Supports the summarizing/preparation of data for reporting.
• Contributes to initial data validation, cleaning, and quality review/assurance.
• Contributes to the development/adaptation of codebooks, guides, and other documentation to support engagement with and use of data.
• Apply a basic knowledge of database infrastructure to contribute to the management of GPTEC/GPTLHB data assets.
• Contributes to data mapping and linkage projects/operations.
• Inputs data into computer database systems; retrieves, verifies, and corrects information from the computer system.
• Gathers or searches for information from various documents; records information; makes adjustments or corrections; compares or verifies information; compiles data from source documents; computes numerical data.
• Establishes and maintains files, records, and other information sources related to work; keeps suspense file on recurring and other scheduled requirements for replies and reports.
• Inputs data into computer database systems; retrieves, verifies, and corrects information from the computer system.
• Provide administrative assistance with participant and training logistics; prepare training agenda and materials.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Professional Behavior

• Effectively plan, organize workload and schedule time to meet the demands of the position.
• Work in a cooperative and professional manner with OHC and GPTLHB staff.
• Treat Great Plains tribes and collaborators with dignity and respect.
• Utilize effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Advance personal educational development by attending training sessions and seminars as appropriate.
• Exemplify excellent customer service with tribal stakeholders, health board colleagues, program partners, service recipients, visitors and guests.
• Foster a work environment of wellness, courtesy, friendliness, helpfulness and respect.
• Relate well and work collaboratively with coworkers and all levels of staff in a professional manner.
• Consistently demonstrate respect for and acceptance of differing capabilities, cultures, gender, age, sexual orientation and/or personalities.
• Maintain and ensure organizational privacy and confidentiality.
• Handle crisis and tolerate stress professionally.
• Be self-directed and take proactive initiative to assist others.
• Resolve issues with other departments and coworkers without direct supervision if needed.
• Exercise flexibility to alter plans/routines when situations require and continue to perform without projecting stress/frustration that would adversely affect the work environment.
• Promote an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free lifestyle.
• Embrace modes of appearance and attire that reflect a professional presence.
• Adhere to GPTLHB policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Participates in Core Connections training and applies GPTLHB Core Connections concepts and practices in their work.
• Knowledge of public health surveillance and epidemiology methods and practices.
• Knowledge of data management key concepts and methods.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of assigned department’s policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and other applicable privacy regulations.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Ability to work with personal computer and utilize a variety of software applications
• Ability and willingness to learn new software programs and researching functional requirements, Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, statistical software e.g. SPSS, SAS.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, using tact and sensitivity.
• Ability to manage multiple demands of the job.
• Ability to set and adhere to established deadlines.
• Skill in oral and written communication, including public speaking.
• Skill in public health research in a clinical, social services or community context.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in the provision of customer service.
• Skill in use of personal computer and a variety of job-related software applications.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work, and maintenance of files and records.
• Skill in the use of such office equipment as a computer, scanner, fax machine, and copier.

Supervisory Controls

The supervisor provides continuing or individual assignments by indicating generally what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines, and priority of assignments. When there are new, difficult, or unusual assignments, the supervisor provides additional, specific instructions for including suggested work methods or advice on source material available.

The supervisor reviews finished work to assure methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures. Review of the work increases with more difficult assignments if the employee has not previously performed similar assignments.

Guidelines

There are established procedures for doing the work and a number of specific guidelines are available as a resource. Guidelines include GPTCHB and department policies and procedures, HIPPA, individual state Department of Health confidentiality requirements.

The employee must use judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines, such as agency policies, regulations, precedents, accreditation requirements, advanced clinical protocols, and work directions for application to specific cases or problems. The employee analyzes results and recommends changes.

Complexity/Scope of Work

The work consists of related steps, processes, or methods. Varying data parameters, constantly changing indicators, and changing public health priorities add to the complexity of the position.

The decision regarding what needs to be done involves various choices that require the employee to recognize the existence of and differences among a few easily recognizable situations. Actions to be taken or responses to be made differ in such things as the source of information, the kind of transactions or entries, or other differences of a factual nature.

The work involves the execution of specific rules, regulations, or procedures and typically comprises a complete segment of an assignment or project of broader scope. The work product or service affects the accuracy, reliability, or acceptability of further processes, services, and/or patient care.

Contacts

The personal contacts are with employees throughout the organization and are generally engaged in different functions and kinds of work, and may be representatives from various levels. Other personal contacts at this level include contact with partner organizations, Tribal affiliate organizations, and members of the general public.

The purpose is to obtain, clarify, or give facts or information regardless of the nature of those facts and to provide technical assistance and/or information.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items, such as papers, books, or small parts; or driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. The environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, residences, or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• An associate’s degree and one (1) year of relevant experience in public health or data collection; or, a high school diploma or GED and three (3) years of relevant experience in public health or date collection.
• Experience working in public health research in a clinical, social services or community context preferred.
• Experience that indicates the ability to interact effectively with leaders among Indian communities, government agencies, scientific and academic communities, medical and health-related organizations, non-governmental groups and the public at large is required.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota with a clean driving record.
• Must successfully pass a criminal and background check and a pre-employment drug screen.

The GPTLHB is a tribal organization which follows tribal preference laws. It is our policy to give preference to qualified Indian/Tribal candidates over qualified non-native candidates in hiring decisions, if all other qualifications are equal.

Employment is contingent upon the outcome of all required criminal background checks.