Economist

Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services • San Francisco, CA

4d

About The Position

This Economist position is with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia. The role analyzes economic, behavioral, social science, budgetary, and program data to identify trends and relationships and assess their potential implications for Health Information Technology (HIT) programs and policies. It assists with developing and applying explanatory, predictive, econometric, and decision-analytic models to evaluate HIT programs, expenditures, adoption, and health care delivery issues. The Economist interprets research findings and technical data and prepares reports, memoranda, briefing materials, and other analytical products for program officials and management. The position also performs assigned portions of economic research studies on HIT adoption, utilization, costs, and impacts on health outcomes and Federal programs. The announcement closes at 11:59 PM on the day 100 applications are received or on the stated closing date, whichever comes first.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• For the basic education qualification, have a bachelor's degree in economics that includes at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus; or have equivalent courses comprising a major in economics plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• At the GS-11 level, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 involving assistance with economic research and analysis related to HIT programs and initiatives; applying basic statistical, quantitative, and economic methods to data under guidance; supporting evaluation studies of Federal HIT investments, health care costs, and program outcomes; and preparing summaries, tables, and preliminary findings. Alternatively, qualify with three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or a combination of qualifying experience and education.
• At the GS-12 level, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 involving economic research and analysis of HIT programs, initiatives, and investments; applying statistical, econometric, and quantitative methods to health care and HIT data; developing analyses and findings for health policy, program planning, and performance evaluation; and evaluating Federal HIT investments, program outcomes, and health care costs.
• At the GS-13 level, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 involving evaluation of economic and program data for trends, relationships, and policy implications; contributing to economic models for assessing HIT programs and expenditures; interpreting research findings and developing analytical materials for management; and supporting studies of HIT adoption, utilization, costs, and health outcome impacts.
• Applicants must clearly document experience, including exact employment dates and hours worked per week for part-time work. Foreign education used to meet qualification requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. accredited education or receive applicable U.S. college credit.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the announcement closing date.
• Appointment is subject to successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Federal salary payments must be made by direct deposit.
• A financial disclosure statement and probationary or trial period may be required.
• Applicants must be registered with Selective Service or exempt if male and born after December 31, 1959.

Responsibilities

• Analyze economic, behavioral, social science, budgetary, and program data to identify trends and relationships and assess potential implications for HIT programs and policies.
• Assist in developing and applying explanatory, predictive, econometric, and decision-analytic models to evaluate HIT programs, expenditures, adoption, and health care delivery issues.
• Interpret research results and technical data and prepare reports, memoranda, briefing materials, and other analytical products for program officials and management.
• Perform assigned portions of economic research studies examining HIT adoption, utilization, costs, and impacts on health outcomes and Federal programs.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on the type of position and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Incentives may be authorized, subject to factors including available funding. Potential incentives include moving expenses, recruitment or relocation incentives, student loan repayment, superior qualifications appointment, or creditable service for annual leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level