Alaska Children’s Services

Job Description and Performance Appraisal

Data Analyst

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES*

The primary responsibility of the Data Analyst is to maintain the agency’s outcomes and risk management programs, using discretion and independent judgment to develop processes, forms, queries, and reports that facilitate and/or streamline data collection and entry, data analysis and reporting, database management, and staff training.

Data Collection and Entry:  Maintains primary responsibility for all aspects of data collection and data entry.  Develops and refines forms and processes used in the collection and entry of data.  Insures the timely reporting and/or collection of data.  Identifies and addresses data collection and entry issues.  Collects data through face-to face interviews, mail outs, and structured telephonic interviews.  Conducts focus groups when indicated.  Codes and/or transfers data using computer databases, spreadsheets, and/or word processing programs.    Designs and uses queries and reports.

Data Analysis and Reporting:  Consults with Department staff on the design and utilization of statistical data.  Aggregates data, chooses statistical tests and procedures, and conducts statistical analyses of data.  Prepares reports that include appropriate graphs, charts, and statistical tables. 

Database Management:  Develops and maintains procedural guidelines and manuals for data management.  Protects data and data reports for confidentiality and against unauthorized release of data or data reports (as required by the Healthcare Information Privacy and Accountability Act HIPAA). Recognizes and responds to critical data issues identified during the processes of coding, entering, aggregating, analyzing, and reporting data,

Staff Training:  Provides initial and ongoing training and support for agency staff in (a) the identification and reporting of risk events and (b) the assessment of client functioning.

The Data Analyst is expected to complete responsibilities independently, to seek supervisory consultation as needed, and to abide by all safety rules and regulations of the facility.  The responsibilities of the Data Analyst are carried out according to ACS policies and the mission of ACS and its philosophy of care.

*All positions at Alaska Children’s Services may have responsibilities altered during the course of employment due to agency imperatives.

SUPERVISION AND COORDINATION OF SERVICES

The Data Analyst reports directly to the Performance Improvement Coordinator and is a member of the Standards Department.  The Data Analyst collaborates with a variety of data collectors in the agency, as well as with the Information Systems Department, in order to insure the efficient processing of data within the agency.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  The Data Analyst must have the ability to acquire and use knowledge about the data requirements of the agency in order to participate in structuring output requirements and formats.  The Data Analyst should be familiar with how the different services and functions within mental health services interact.  Knowledge of statistical theory and technique is required.  Familiarity with relational databases and the ability to decipher and associate records across multiple tables or diverse data sources is preferred.  The Data Analyst should be familiar with compiling complex data sets from multiple data sources using queries, filtering, and data scrubbing methodologies.  The Data Analyst should also have the ability to gather, compile, and analyze research and program evaluation data and present reports and summaries in written, tabular, and graphic form.  The Data Analyst must have the ability to work independently.  Strong skills in the following areas are required:  Written and verbal communication; Relationship building; Problem solving; Presentation.  Knowledge of current HIPAA requirements is preferred.  The Data Analyst must have the demonstrated ability to (1) initiate solutions to identified issues independently, (2) manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently, and (2) meet agreed upon deadlines. 

Education and Experience: The Data Analyst must have either a bachelor’s degree that includes coursework in statistics, research, data management, and/or behavioral health or the equivalent in related training and experience.  One-year experience in data management, analysis, and reporting is required.  Experience in using a statistical analysis package is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Data Specialist must have the ability to work for extended periods of time at a computer terminal, to lift books and reports weighing up to 15 pounds, to work at machines and tables 44” high, to work in file cabinets 55” high, and to operate a vehicle in the state of Alaska.