Health Information Systems Specialist

The Role

Develops, implements, researches, and coordinates work plans and business process improvements to support the implementation and maintenance of health information systems for the Department, including an electronic health record. Facilitates multi-disciplinary project teams to support system implementation and maintenance. Identifies opportunities and makes recommendations to support department-wide system interoperability, privacy, and security. 
 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Creates project plans to support the planning and implementation of new/modified provincial, divisional, and departmental health information systems, including an electronic health record. Collates research, evidence, best practice, and client/steering committee input; and presents work plans, documentation/resources, reports, and recommendations to steering committee. 
• Coordinates the development, configurability, and interoperability of health information systems, including maintenance and upgrades, in collaboration with corporate ITS. Analyzes systems to ensure data integrity, security, interoperability, and privacy requirements are met. Optimizes systems as per licensing agreements. Conducts system audits. 
• Acts as a system administrator for specific program and departmental systems (e.g., provides user support, training, and access; liaises with corporate ITS and vendor; troubleshoots issues). 
• Evaluates provincial and local health information systems to determine feasibility for use across Divisions. Identifies opportunities for integrated planning and leveraging technology. Makes recommendations for new/modified systems, including equipment to support same.  
• Conducts reviews of current business practices, including documenting existing processes and work flows, analysing factors, and providing recommendations to management and clients. 
• Leads and participates in working groups to map and document business process and design or revise processes and procedures to support new/modified systems. Implements new practices and procedures, approved by management.
• Creates and implements work plans to address outcomes of privacy impact and threat risk assessments relating to health information systems. 
• Assists management to evaluate departmental operations relating to information technologies, information management and service level determination, and customer service to achieve performance and quality control objectives.  
• Consults with Information & Planning Managers in the Department regarding system needs; and collaborates with working groups and committees to develop work plans. Has regular contact with departmental staff to provide system support/guidance. Liaises with ITS for project planning, implementation, and system/technology issues.  
• Consults with other health units, community partners, and Ministry officials on issues related to system implementation and use.  Contacts suppliers for product information.
• Participates in emergency response activities per prescribed role in the Department’s Emergency Response Plan. 
• Backs up Records Coordinator (PHE), as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of health informatics, health information management, and project management acquired through a 4-year degree in health information science/information technology plus 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent education/experience (post-graduate degree plus 2 years of related experience, or, a 3 year degree plus 4 years of experience).
• Knowledge of technical, integration, interoperability, and clinical business requirements of delivering health information solutions, applications, and software.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and vendor/system agreements. 
• Project management, research, analytical, and problem solving skills to collect, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, prepare, and report on assigned projects; create work plans and timelines; meet project deadlines/goals; adapt to changing demands; troubleshoot system issues; develop recommendations to address gaps, improve business processes, and reduce organizational risk; and work independently. 
• Communication, facilitation, and leadership skills to coordinate, collaborate with, and lead multi-disciplinary steering and implementation committees; provide training and system support to departmental staff; clarify project information/needs with clients; conduct and facilitate meetings, workshops, and presentations; respond to inquiries and present information/recommendations using technical language to varied audiences; and participate as an effective team member.   
• Computer skills using software such as Microsoft Office, health information/clinical systems, and project management software. Knowledge of information technology environments, network infrastructure, and equipment/devices (e.g., tablets, servers, storage). 
• Ability to read technical manuals, updates, bulletins, system implementation and testing plans, Ministry best practices/reports, and system specifications. Ability to write reports, work plans, project materials, user guides/manuals, presentations, summaries, and recommendations. 
• Ability to travel within and outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.