HIT Director

Job Description

HIT Director

ABOUT US:

 The Community Health Center Association of Connecticut (“CHCACT”) is a membership association comprised of community health centers, all of whom provide comprehensive health care to the people of Connecticut and beyond. The Association, with headquarters in Cheshire, Connecticut is a recognized national leader in the provision of technical assistance and training in practice transformation and quality improvement. Our team of professionals is dedicated to strengthening and supporting the clinical and operational performance of community health centers. Our mission is to advance and align the work of health centers, with stakeholders, to improve the health and wellness of all.

The individuals comprising our Association are the source of our creativity, reputation, and vitality. Every position here at CHCACT is critical to our ability to achieve our shared objectives. Each time we hire a new staff member, we are given the chance to enhance the community and to demonstrate CHCACT’s values of accountability, diversity, respect, and responsibility. We do this by using fair, legal, inclusive, and effective hiring practices that support and comply with CHCACT’s policy and the applicable State and Federal laws in a way that is mindful of climate, culture, and diversity, and by affirming the unique qualities of each individual throughout the hiring process.

 

POSITION SUMMARY & FUNCTIONS:

The HIT Director provides vision and leadership for the development, implementation, and ongoing operation of CHCACT’s Health Center Controlled Network (HCCN), including management of programmatic Health Information Technology (HIT) and programmatic operations, and CHCACT’s IT operations. This individual is also responsible for developing strategic initiatives and managing other projects as assigned. This position reports directly to the Chief Quality Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the HCCN Program initiatives in implementing health information systems to support both individual and aggregate health center data collection.
• Manage all activities of the HCCN federal grant program, including application preparation, workplan, budget and reporting.
• Promote the use of HIT in support of quality improvement related to patient care, finances, and operations at FQHCs.
• Facilitate communication between and among HIT staff at the health centers and other stakeholders, including CHNCT.
• Facilitate interoperability of HIT capabilities between member health centers and external stakeholders.
• Identify and implement options for enhancing, expanding, and sustaining the services of the HCCN Program.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of system architecture, databases, reporting tools, analysis tools, and related activities.
• Strategically plan, develop, evaluate, and coordinate CHCACT’s IT systems agency-wide in support of business operations.
• Responsible for the management of multiple information and communication systems and projects including, but not limited to the IT network, phone system, and all equipment.
• Design, implement, and evaluate the systems that support staff’s use of computer hardware, software programs, and associated training programs.
• Oversee system security and back up procedures. Perform required testing of those systems as needed.
• Facilitate communication between staff, vendors, and IT resources. Coordinate work activities performed by IT resources as needed.
• Complete assigned projects for grants and programs efficiently and accurately with various requirements and deadlines.
• Develop or contribute to grant applications and program reports.
• Communicate effectively with grant funding agencies, community partners, FQHC staff, and coworkers clearly and positively via phone, virtual meetings, email, and in-person.
• Exercise prudent judgment and confidentiality regarding association, member, and client information.
• Recruit, supervise, provide feedback, coach and evaluate direct report staff.
• Travel to in-state member sites as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position oversees the ongoing operation of CHCACT’s Health Center Controlled Network (HCCN), including management of programmatic Health Information Technology (HIT) and programmatic operations, and the Association’s IT operations and has direct supervisory responsibilities of the Data Analyst position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES: 

• Able to read, comprehend, write, and speak English fluently.
• Must have a professional demeanor and the ability to lead groups and present materials effectively.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. Able to communicate complex information clearly and succinctly, both in writing and orally.
• Model of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Must be able to build strong relationships and work collaboratively with all levels of individuals across the organization and within various agencies, FQHC leaders, advocates, community partners and other stakeholders
• Above average computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, Outlook), Zoom and Internet. Experience with SharePoint database is desirable.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to proactively recommend effective solutions.
• Must be highly detail-oriented and have excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to multi-task, manage and prioritize various and differing projects, as well as work effectively toward numerous deadlines.
• Experience managing grant performance and budgets.
• Considerable experience in a healthcare setting is desirable, specifically in technology and information systems planning to support financial, operational, and clinical quality goals. Experience working in a FQHC or other ambulatory care setting preferred.
• Knowledge of data systems, architecture, requirements, and underlying technology (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server or Access) preferred.
• Knowledge of hosted web servers, web-based user interface requirements, and secure messaging preferred.
• Experience with clinical, financial, and operations management information systems is a plus.
• High degree of independence, flexibility, initiative, and commitment is required.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate. Excellent management and supervisory skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment to contribute to the achievement of program objectives.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, Management Information Systems, Data Science, Computer Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred. Experience in lieu of a degree considered.  Minimum of 5 years of experience with increasing responsibilities for management and support of health information systems and information technology.  Federally Qualified Health Center experience preferred.

PHYSICAL AND VISUAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to use computers and office equipment, manipulate documents and move about the office.  The employee may experience prolonged periods of sitting. The employee may occasionally move materials up to 25 pounds and must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facility.  This position requires driving a personal vehicle on behalf of CHCACT.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

The position requires above average interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.   Must have the ability to effectively speak before groups and present training to all types of audiences.

MENTAL DEMANDS AND REASONING ABILITIES:

Job requires the ability to focus, attention to detail at times and thoroughness in completing work goals. The ability to analyze information, formulate diverse solutions and make decisions using logic to address work-related issues is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/TRAVEL:

This position is required to work from the office location (Cheshire, CT). Individual must have the ability to work from their home when needed. The incumbent will regularly perform work in an office environment as well as at FQHC sites.  Travel (up to 20%) may be required to travel to visit member FQHC’s or attend meetings throughout the state of CT. Will be required to utilize their personal vehicle when traveling within the State of CT.

Note:

This position description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. The Association reserves the right to modify, change or add to the position’s job duties and responsibilities as business needs may require.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

 

CHCACT is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.  CHCACT considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does CHCACT discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.