Research Specialist V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

5d • $5,425 - $8,866 • 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

• Experience in medical and epidemiologic research design, methods, principles, and techniques required.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Four-year degree preferred.
• 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 preferred.
• Experience with statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis 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.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to 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. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• 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: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree