Information Management Specialist (Research & Stat Officer 4)

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians. Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we’re committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, continuing care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we need leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference. 
 

About Our Opportunity

Achieving our strategic vision to provide more care, faster for Nova Scotians requires focused investment in the most important parts of our health system.  Nova Scotians expect better healthcare. We’re working together to make it happen right now.

Reporting to the Manager, Data Governance, the Information Management Specialist plays a key role as a subject matter expert in the field of data standards and data quality management related to Nova Scotia CIHI data. The IM Specialist will be integral in department or data governance initiatives that support the development and adoption of standards for data collection, processing and interpretation related to regional, provincial and national health information assets in collaboration with stakeholders. The IM Specialist will be responsible for analyzing data from relational databases using SQL (SAS or Microsoft SSMS preferred) for the purposes of identifying and addressing data quality issues as well as extract insights from data to inform decision making. This position will support the implementation of DHW's data governance framework through the development of standards, policies and supporting documentation in addition to ensuring compliance with standards and policies.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Contributes to policy, planning and decision making within the Department of Health and Wellness by providing advice to senior leaders and other department officials on the development, interpretation and appropriate use of key outcome measures based on expert knowledge of data classifications (e.g., ICD-IO-CA, CCI and SNOMED CT) and related administrative datasets (e.g., Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) and the National Ambulatory Reporting System (NACRS)).
• Conducts data analysis on relational databases for the purpose of identifying and addressing data quality issues, and/or supporting data requests coming to the DHW Data Governance team.
• Providing data extracts to internal or external stakeholders upon request.
• Improves the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of health system data assets through the development and implementation of a data quality framework; monitors adherence to standards through annual reports and develops action plans, in collaboration with health system stakeholders, aimed at improving trust in and usability of the data.
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of provincial and national health information by providing consultation and educational support to data stewards in the Department of Health and Wellness, Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre; providing expert advice on the development and maintenance of national and provincial data standards; performing systematic data quality audits of administrative databases; evaluating system-wide data quality issues; and promoting optimal use of data standards across the Nova Scotia health system.
• Contributes to effective planning and management of Nova Scotia's health system by engaging with departmental stakeholders to inform the development of key indicators; to advise on the correct interpretation of data analyses; and to inform the development of standardized reporting for performance measurement and accountability.
• Supports data users in the Department of Health and Wellness, and the data stewards within the Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre, by maintaining current data documentation and advising on classification code selection, interpretation, data quality issues and appropriate use of data elements for specific purposes.
• Supports the Department of Health and Wellness in achieving its health information mandate by leading, supporting or participating in provincial, regional or national forums related to health system information.
   

Qualifications and Experience

You hold a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with 7 years related experience in public engagement, communications, change management, leadership, strategic planning, and project management.  An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. In addition, you:
 

• Apply robust project management principles to lead and oversee staff and community-based engagement projects from inception to completion, including developing project briefs, defining work breakdown structures, and providing comprehensive progress reports.
• Demonstrate proficient knowledge and application of industry-standard public engagement approaches and methodologies, including familiarity with the IAP2 public engagement spectrum.
• Demonstrate outstanding communication skills, adept at fostering engagement with staff, partners, and stakeholders through articulate dialogue, compelling writing, and impactful presentations.
• Excel in collaborating effectively with a wide array of stakeholders across community-based sectors, departments, and institutions to successfully achieve collective goals and objectives.
• Exhibit a robust commitment to creativity, innovation, and strategic foresight in spearheading Public and Employee Engagement strategies.
• Cultivate robust and fruitful relationships with a diverse spectrum of community stakeholders, equity populations, faith-based organizations, newcomers, and other pivotal partners.
• Conduct and facilitate effective data collection, research initiatives, focus groups, committees, and community conversations. Utilize feedback and evidence to inform policies, develop new programs, and explore opportunities related to employee and public engagement.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and proactive engagement, understanding their crucial role in advancing the department’s vision and goals.
• Required competencies for this position include Decisiveness, Strategic Orientation, Developing Others, Team Leadership, Self-Awareness & Personal Impact, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering & Relationship Building, Intercultural & Diversity Proficiency.
   

Equivalency

Include, but not limited to:
 

• Masters Degree plus 5 years experience

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
 

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
 

Working Conditions

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

May be required to work overtime on occasion.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules