DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is a highly technical position that will play a critical role in public health data modernization efforts at the Putnam County Department of Health. incumbent will evaluate departmental data collection, management, and analysis needs, and then implement optimal tech solutions. The incumbent will also work closely with the epidemiologist, obtaining and analyzing health data to monitor trends in the community, support epidemiologic investigation, and evaluate public health programs and interventions. Work requires advance knowledge of informatics, applied epidemiology and biostatistics for public health practice. The Public Health Data and Informatics Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Epidemiologist and may exercise supervision over subordinate staff or interns.  

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:    (Illustrative Only)

• Evaluates departmental data system needs and advises on technological solutions;
• Assists the Epidemiologist in the collection, analysis, interpretation, visualization, and reporting of health data to determine and evaluate community health needs;
• Designs, manages, and utilizes databases for analysis of health issues and program evaluation;
• Analyzes and interprets data from secondary sources using appropriate statistical methods;  
• Supports primary data collection activities such as surveys and focus groups including instrument development, sampling strategy, statistical analysis, and writing of reports detailing findings ;
• Provides oversight, supervision, and research analytics in relation to the Community Health Assessment (CHA);
• Responds to internal and external requests for health statistics;  
• Works to integrate performance improvement programs and initiatives to continuously enhance practices, standards of care, services, and programs through tracking indicators, analyzing trends, quality assurance, and improvement activities;
• Assists department in the use of relevant methods for planning and program evaluation;  
• Support disease surveillance and epidemiologic investigations, including outbreak investigations;
• Collaborates with Putnam County IT Department;
• Works to ensure that the public has access to accurate and timely data as necessary;
• Performs related work as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  Good knowledge of database management and design principles; good knowledge of the principles, theories, and techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics;  good knowledge of current developments in the field of statistics or biostatistics;  good knowledge of a variety of statistical software tools for data collection and analysis;  working knowledge of public health and/or behavioral health practice and related sources of population data;  working knowledge of the regulations and objectives of health department programs;  ability to manipulate data into different standard formats; ability to comprehend and maintain complex records and data files; ability to design and manage a database to meet public health needs as they emerge; ability to prepare written reports and summaries including charts and graphs; ability to use established mathematical and biostatistical methods; ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships;  ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;  initiative; resourcefulness; sound professional judgment; tact and courtesy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:      Either

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Quantitative Methods, Data Analytics, Data Science, or Informatics and one (1) year of experience in technical or quantitative research, informatics, or biostatistical analysis; or
2. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master’s degree in Public Health, Math, or Computer Science and two (2) years of experience in technical or quantitative research, informatics, or biostatistical analysis; or
3. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biostatistics, data analytics, or a closely related field, and four (4) years of experience in technical or quantitative research, informatics, or biostatistical analysis; or
4. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree and six (6) years of experience in technical or quantitative research work, health informatics, or biostatistical analysis

NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

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Competitive Class