Data Application Specialist

PMHCC Inc.•Philadelphia, PA

8d•$80,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Data Application Specialist works as a member of the Data Modernization team under the Data Modernization Director. Their primary function is to find technical solutions for modernization projects developed by the Data Modernization Director and stakeholders within the Agency. In that capacity, they have a variety of core duties and responsibilities ranging from maintaining infrastructure to supporting applications and workflows. A good candidate has a wide breadth of experience in IT functions and is eager to learn new skills and applications. The position is full-time in office. We’re looking for an individual with broad IT knowledge, a penchant for learning, a desire to be challenged, and a real interest in being in service to the residents of Philadelphia. This is an opportunity to learn and grow within the department working with people of varied backgrounds and on a wide variety of applications. You need to be flexible, adaptable, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. You need to respect others regardless of their differences and have a desire to be part of a truly diverse team. You will work with a team to create sustainable, maintainable solutions to complex problems.

Requirements

Demonstrated proficiency writing complex queries, stored procedures, and views within SQL
Demonstrated ability to manage, operate, and maintain relational database systems
Proficiency in Python as a primary programming language for data processing, automation, and Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) development, with strong command of Python-specific syntax, idioms, and patterns
Demonstrated Knowledge of HL-7 2.5.1 or later version for public health applications, such as ELRs, eCRs, elCRs, Immunizations, or other applicable implementations
Demonstrated ability to produce human-readable data reports
Able to create, adopt, and implement best practices for data quality, including validation, error handling, and logging
Able to create, modify, and maintain REST APIs and HTTP-based integrations, including authentication patterns, request handling, pagination, and error management
Demonstrated ability to use version control systems, such as Git/Github for code management
Ability to translate between the technical and the non-technical, including explaining technical issues to less technical personnel, and framing technical solutions in a business context
Able to perform Linux administration and command-line proficiency in a server or production environment, including bash scripting and familiarity with core system utilities such as, systemd, cron, ssh, and curl
Demonstrated ability work with data sets in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA.
Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new languages, tools, techniques, and technologies.
Fundamental understanding of data structures, algorithms
Ability to manage time and tasks in a complex environment with multiple priorities
Effective oral and written communication skills
Organizational and operational adaptability
Basic customer service skills.

Nice To Haves

Certification or coursework in relevant technologies or topics a plus
Significant course work in Computer Science, information science, MIS, data analysis, software engineering, or a related field a plus
A masters’ degree or advanced coursework in a related field a plus
Experience in data management, integration, and reporting, preferably in a healthcare or public health environment; government experience a plus
Practical Python experience with the standard library, data-oriented packages such as pandas and NumPy, ETL and database integration libraries such as SQLAIchemy and pyodbc, and standard ecosystem tooling including pip and venv for dependency and environment management.
Experience with data and database security; general knowledge of application controls and security
Experience designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and ETL/ELT workflows
Preferred experience with T-SQL and Microsoft SQL Server specifically, including stored procedures, SQL Agent, and SSMS
Preferred experience with one or more relational database platforms: Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, or MySQL
Preferred experience with database performance tuning, including query optimization, execution plan analysis, and index strategy
Preferred Experience with AWS cloud services, particularly EC2, ECS, RDS, S3, Lambda, 1 AM, or CloudWatch in a production environment
Preferred Experience with infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD, or cloud deployment tooling such as Terraform, CloudFormation, or GitHub Actions
Preferred experience with networking fundamentals such as DNS, firewall rules, VPCs, security groups, port-level connectivity, SSL/TLS certificate management, and ODBC connectivity
Preferred experience in creating technical documentation, such as data dictionaries, process documentation, and runbooks

Responsibilities

Assist in the administration and maintenance of centralized Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) data, orchestration, version control, and integration systems
Assist in the administration of PDPH data visualization tools
Assist in the creation, maintenance, and monitoring of PDPH data pipelines
Create scripts, queries, stored procedures, data APIs, and web services to integrate disparate data sources, create reports, and ensure data integrity
Evaluate existing workflows, recommend and implement changes as needed
Work with vendors and contractors to ensure PDPH receives appropriately built, maintainable, integration-friendly solutions
Participate in the development and maintenance of departmental and divisional data and governance programs
Provide Database maintenance, optimization, and administration, as needed, to support PDPH initiatives
Work closely with PDPH, Health Information Technology (HIT), and Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) colleagues to choose and create appropriate solutions, using existing City and department resources whenever possible
Maintain awareness of emerging technologies in areas vital to the PDPH including visualization tools, new databases and data formats, integration techniques, and common scripting languages
Proactively identify areas for improvement and make recommendations to the Data Modernization Director on possible technical solutions.
Ensuring data security per the appropriate standard, including HIPAA/HITECH, PA Act 59, industry standards, and the ethical standards of both IT and Public Health professions
Create and maintain documentation on data-related solutions as implemented or used by PDPH
Other duties as required