Research Specialist V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Specialist reports to the DSHS Central Pharmacy Director and provides advanced research and data analysis work included but not limited to; planning, conducting, and leading research projects centered on pharmacy operations, inventory, and distribution. Manages, develops, and researches the implementation of effective data dissemination methods for ordering and distribution. Plans and monitors research projects and determines appropriate methods and designs to be used for research. Develops and implements new procedures, policies, protocols and processes for data quality assessment of pharmacy medications, vaccines, and related systems. Consults and provides expert technical assistance and guidance to program staff within the DSHS central and regional offices, local health departments, other governmental agencies, community organizations, the general public, providers, and other stakeholders in regard to available pharmacy data. Provides support to programs and entities ordering vaccines. Assists with coordination and analysis of data pipelines and processing activities. Ensures data submitted adheres to the standard import format. Monitors database for data integrity and records quality issues. Develops, implements and monitors data quality assurance and testing activities. Recommends system improvements based on research methods and data analysis. Communicates verbally and in writing with wide range of stakeholders on a regular basis. Provides written and verbal feedback regarding system testing results. Serves as the lead for data analysis at multiple levels, with minimal supervision and with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of medical/epidemiologic research design, methods, principles, and techniques.
• Knowledge of scientific research methods, principles, and philosophy.
• Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis.
• Knowledge of measurement, testing, and evaluation procedures.
• Knowledge of developing statements of work.
• Knowledge of sampling and weighting data.
• Knowledge of computer application (SQL, SAS) to biostatistics, Excel (including VBA), Power Point, and Tableau/PBI.
• Skill in use of statistical measurement techniques.
• Skill in research design and implementation.
• Skill in team leadership.
• Skill in development of procedures to monitor and evaluate progress in achieving project objectives.
• Skill in project management to organize major project activities.
• Skill in oral communication skills to facilitate meeting agendas to achieve planned outcomes.
• Skill in technical writing to clearly and succinctly communicate project / research information for correspondence with state and federal agencies.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to gather information from variety of sources and synthesize information into simpler terms.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research / data methods, procedures or DSHS policies.
• Ability to plan, organize and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects.
• Ability to interpret complex statistical data, charts, and tables.
• Ability to develop and analyze measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity.
• Ability to formulate reasonable hypothesis and structure research designs to account for variables.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work with others as part of a team.
• Four-year degree preferred.
• Experience in medical and epidemiologic research design, methods, principles, and techniques required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in public health services is preferred.
• Experience in budget management for health service delivery programs is preferred.
• Experience with computer applications SQL, SAS, Excel (including VBA), PowerPoint, and Tableau/PBI is preferred.
• Experience with statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements and manages data quality research projects, advanced data reports and deliverables and effective data dissemination methods for ordering and distribution.
• Develops methodology, protocols, internal policies and procedures for data analysis of ordering and distribution.
• Oversee all research and data analysis activities performed by the Analysis and Finance team.
• Manages and monitors the methods and quality of pharmacy data extracts.
• Plans, implements and oversees the development of pharmacy data sets, data analysis methodologies and procedures for generating graphs, charts, and statistics to support program staff and activities.
• Develop operational reports and data summaries.
• Identifies the significance of data trends and gaps and reports findings to stakeholders and program staff and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Manages reporting of grant benchmarking metrics.
• Oversees the extract and compilation of data sets used to calculate metrics.
• Reviews metrics with team members to ensure accuracy and resolve any issues.
• Oversee and monitor operational data and makes improvement recommendations to assist program management.
• Develop and implement operating procedures based on results of data analysis, research and study.
• Plans and manages complex analytical research projects.
• Presents findings orally and in writing.
• Collaborates with others across Public Health in the development and presentation of local, statewide, and national trainings and presentations.
• Develops and prepares operational reports, data summaries, and presentations.
• Recommends interventions to improve data quality.
• Assists in defining, developing, and implementing data standards.
• Develops and implements data collection systems, data analytics, and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Provides consultative and technical assistance to Pharmacy partners and internal Pharmacy program staff regarding data extracts, reports, and data processing for vaccine usage.
• Clarifies technical specifications of data requests with partners.
• Prepares reports and other documentation as requested by program staff and management.
• Plans and develops accurate and detailed requirement/functional specification documents and user interface guides to be implemented in system.
• Prepares preliminary analysis and design plans and user requirements.
• May facilitate and document user design sessions.
• Actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligation for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

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