HEALTH ECONOMICS SPECIALIST

State of careers Rhode Island • Providence, RI

7d

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To be responsible for developing the health economics components of the Preliminary State Health System Plan and Annual Implementation Plan; for producing advisories on the fiscal implications of applications for certificates of need; for producing advisories on the fiscal implications of applications for Public Health Service Funds; for providing technical assistance to organizations proposing to implement recommendations of the State Health System Plan; for providing staff support to the Statewide Health Coordinating Council; and to do related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the administrative supervision of a superior with considerable latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgement; assignments are made in broad outline and work is reviewed upon completion for results attained and conformance to established policies, objectives, provisions of law, rules and regulations. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Assigns work to and supervises and reviews the work of professional, technical and clerical assistants. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: To be responsible for describing the economic structure, characteristics and trends of the health care system; to analyze the equity, dynamic efficiency, and static efficiency characteristics of health programs in the state; to be responsible for determining the major economic problems confronting the health sector; to be responsible for analyzing and estimating the economic costs and consequences of health status and health service problems; to analyze current and proposed health programs by net present effectiveness analysis; to analyze the current allocation of resources devoted to health care and recommend appropriate changes; to examine the costs of providing health care to Rhode Islanders and recommend ways to increase the cost effectiveness of the services provided; to analyze health insurance coverage and programs in the state. To be responsible for the integration of health economics into all phases of the health system planning process. Specifically, to develop the health economic components of the Preliminary State Health System Plan and the Annual Implementation Plan. These components will describe the economic health sector, establish goals and targets for resolving health economic problems, and develop broad strategies and specific tactics that define the most effective and efficient means of intervening in the major problems. To recommend the manner in which existing funds should be allocated for the various problems and services on a priority basis for community and state needs. To consult with the various division chiefs in the Department of Health to assist them in their evaluations of the equity and efficiency of existing programs, the formulation of plans for developing health programs, and to suggest possible program improvements. To do related work as required.

Requirements

• A thorough knowledge of economics as well as knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of health system planning is required.
• Also, a working knowledge of health research methodology and purposes and the ability to apply such methods and techniques in determining, evaluating and documenting problems of inequity of inefficiency in the allocation of health resources in the state
• a working knowledge of fiscal planning and budgetary controls as they relate to the methods of financing health facilities, services, and programs
• a familiarity with the principles, methods and techniques of health statistics and the ability to apply such knowledge in collecting, compiling, analyzing, evaluating and presenting statistical information on the benefits and costs of new or existing health programs
• the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department officials, professional people, voluntary health and welfare agencies, community representatives, other state and local agencies and the public
• Education: Such as may have been gained through: Possession of a Master’s Degree in Economics with a concentration of coursework in Health Economics or a Master's Degree in Public Health with extensive graduate level coursework in Economics.
• Experience: Such as may have been gained through: employment in a responsible position in a public or private agency involving applications of economics to health system planning; or, employment as a health economist in a research or consultative position in the field of public health.
• Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Preparing advisory reports for Council consideration on CON, CEC, and IL applications
• Preparing minutes of Health Services Council meetings
• Conducting analyses of applications
• Drafting letters regarding the acceptability of applications for processing
• Assist in the review of application submissions for CON, IL, CEC, etc. for completeness and consistent with applicable provisions of the Rhode Island General Laws
• Assist applicants, participate in conference calls with applicants and staff, email correspondence, etc.
• Assist in assessing public need for and affordability of major capital expenditures proposed by licensed health care facilities
• Assist in the review of proposed changes in the ownership and control of licensed health care facilities
• Draft deficiencies identifying areas of incompleteness of the application submission reviews
• Provide staff support to the Health Services Council, which conducts Certificate of Need reviews and certain health facilities’ licensure review to prepare formal recommendations to the Director of Health
• Attend Health Services Council meetings
• Develop meeting minutes and reports
• Assist in the coordination of administrative, regulatory, and policy matters including health facilities licensure, health planning, and data operations
• Participate in the collection of public comments, assist in the review and assessment of the accuracy and validity of data and reports prepared by staff and other organizations, and share with the Health Services Council and related interested parties
• Assist with data collection and analysis for the Statewide Health Inventory Program
• Assist with compiling public documents and information for access to public records requests
• Assist in other duties as may be assigned

Benefits

• For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
• Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees