Director of Medical Informatics

Serves as a leader of the implementation and ongoing support of multi-service clinical software applications used for WIHCC’s electronic health record across three divisions of the health system. Supports the daily interface between clinicians/medical staff and the electronic health record. Upholds the principles of WIHCC’s Vision, Mission, and Value Statements. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information at all times.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
• Serves as the coordinator for deploying new portions of the electronic health record in specified clinical locations, consulting with organization leadership, IT staff, and clinical departments in customizing software and altering workflow processes in the daily operation of the electronic health record. 
• Works with outside entities and other informatics coordinators with the responsibility of a broad range of activities surrounding the ongoing provision of a comprehensive, standardized integrated health care information system.

• Oversees the implementation and support of multi-service software packages that automate the capture of clinical encounter information and its subsequent retrieval. 
• Manages the customization of the site parameters and addresses integration issues with other software packages.
• Supervises contractors and direct staff within the informatics department.
• Leads research and integration of new technologies into clinical workflow including, but not limited to; patient check-in automation; appointment reminder systems; appointment management systems; electronic prescribing of controlled substances; electronic prescribing to outside pharmacies; patient clinic workflow systems; and Health Information Exchange management.  
• Assists in the procurement and implementation of new software products obtained by the facility that cover these functions.
• Assists with budget planning for software and licenses
• Analyzes and evaluates processes related to information flow and presents outcomes to facility leadership.
• Serves on multiple teams and/or committees, wherever and whenever management determines the skills and talents of the incumbent would be best utilized.
• Acquires a comprehensive knowledge of the software used at WIHCC to determine what procedural issues versus system/application deficiencies may exist.
• Assists staff in the efficient use of the current software and provides guidance on implementation of new software and systems that relate to patient care.
• Provides ongoing training to clinical staff on current software applications and new features, and conducts training for new users. 
• Emphasizes timeliness, accuracy, security and the importance of these functions on every other clinical application. 
• Promotes an awareness of the importance of data validity and data security. 
• Promotes improvements in the revenue cycle as it pertains to electronic systems.
• Coordinates efforts to correct deficiencies and errors that occur in the electronic record.
• Coordinates with IT staff and other informatics staff to implement integrated packages, resolve conflicts, provide secondary support on related software modules, and ensure smooth operations in areas where package scope overlaps or is integrated with other services’ functions. 
• Works with programmers in local testing of software, identifying software problems and requesting enhancements. 
• Logs all problems, referring those requiring a higher level of technical support to the appropriate person or team.
• Establishes effective interpersonal relationships with all levels of personnel. 
• Promotes an atmosphere that encourages enthusiasm and user participation in clinical computing. 
• Creates a positive environment for reporting application and/or system deficiencies and suggestions for system improvements and enhanced functionality. 
• Leads preparation for inpatient and outpatient EHR operations at the Dilkon Medical Center.
• Maintain familiarity and experience with national accreditation standards, quality assurance, and CMS standards regarding medical record documentation, coding, and billing. 

• Maintains dependability and accountability in attendance and job performance.
• Upholds all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent.
• Adheres to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare industry.
• Interacts in an honest, trustworthy and dependable manner with patients, employees and vendors.
• Upholds all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent.
• Adheres to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare industry.
• Adheres to WIHCCs Personnel Policies and Procedures, departmental policies, rules, and regulations.
• Interacts in an honest, trustworthy and dependable manner with patients, employees, visitors, and vendors.
• Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Maintains compliance with all Human Resources requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Informatics or a related health Master’s level degree or at least 5 years of experience in clinical informatics (with at least 1 year being in the past 5 years). Minimum four years of experience in direct patient care as a licensed clinician (medical, pharmacy, dental, optometry, physical therapy, or nursing), preferably in Indian Health Service or 638 Tribal organization. Experience in clinical informatics support in the healthcare industry. At least one year of management or supervisory experience required. Must maintain a valid, unrestricted, and insurable driver’s license. Must successfully pass a background investigation and maintain suitable requirements for a Child Care position. This position is considered as a Child Care position, which requires a satisfactory background check investigation and is subject to the requirements of the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, as amended (henceforth referred as the ICPFVP Act).

Knowledge, Skills, Ability

• Knowledge and understanding of the Healthcare software, EHR system, and applications.
• Knowledge of implementing and managing clinical decision support systems.
• Knowledge understanding, mapping, and recommending new processes.
• Knowledge of IT software, databases, and applications.
• Extensive knowledge of a broad range of patient care activities, working knowledge of the hospital environment and how the different services and functions interact.
• Knowledge of strong work ethics in the workplace.
• Knowledge of basic application of confidentiality.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills, e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to work as a team member and develop productive and cooperative working relationships with health care providers within the facility as well as healthcare providers in hospitals and other outside organizations. Ability to provide training to end users.
• Ability to operate and communicate effectively while under pressure is essential.
• Ability to serve as a liaison between groups within an organization, as an effective member of organizational teams and in coordinating software implementation projects
• Ability to lead and guide the work of others.
• Ability to create new users, print queues, and directories.
• Ability to create user accounts.
• Ability to be dependable in attendance and job performance.
• Ability to accept and learn from feedback.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to provide exemplary customer service at all times.
• Ability to interact positively with others and possess great interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and perform well under pressure.
• Ability to have self-confidence.
• Ability to be a great team player.
• Ability to accept and learn from supervisor/peer critique.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the organization.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee frequently is required to taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Work Environment:

Work is performed both in an office and outdoor setting with exposure to natural weather conditions and various dusts and mists, and in an office setting with a moderate noise level.  Work environment may involve exposure to physical risks, such as blood-borne pathogens and operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals.  Evening and/or weekend work may be required.  Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required. 

As required by P.L. 93-638, absolute preference will be given to qualified Navajo applicants.  If there is no qualified Navajo applicant, preference will be given to qualified American Indian applicants.