Health Information Analyst, Public Health Division, City of Toronto

File Reference #: X7CSA11023

This is an exciting time to join the Public Health Division in the City of Toronto, and make your contribution in the following key role.

Major Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit the Health Information Analyst will work closely with the Communicable Disease epidemiology team to support the information management, quality, and analysis needs of the Communicable Disease Control Service.  The HIA will ideally have a mix of work experience with health information data and the application of information systems and their development to using health data.

• Defines data needs and selects methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing health data.
• Orients staff to available databases and the use of health information in programme development and evaluation.
• Analyzes data and transforms it into usable information, including tables, charts, maps and customized reports, using appropriate software tools.
• Responds to enquiries regarding health information. Contacts departments and external agencies to obtain health related data.
• Provides in-service training to departmental staff in health information, demographics and computer applications.
• Designs data collection and survey instruments including coding formats, questionnaire design and data entry and storage.
• Designs and maintains departmental information systems and data bases in consultation with manager and users. Develops procedures for user systems.
• Prepares and disseminates information reports and community health profiles based on analysis of existing or generated data for internal and external users.
• Writes and executes computer programs for analysis of data by using statistical software packages.
• Supports CDSU quality assurance efforts, including developing, executing and following up on reports to identify issues and confirm data validity.
• Provides support during outbreak investigations, including database development, data management, data quality and regular reporting, as needed.
• Coordinates retrieval of health information and organizes, analyzes and interprets data.
• Supports the design and implementation of epidemiological studies and surveys related to planning and evaluation of health programs.
• Provides on-the-job instruction to clerical staff concerning the input, or preparation for input, of data.
• Provides support and consultation to divisional programs and services on uses of health information.
• Represents the division on internal and external committees dealing with data and health status information.
• Administers department information systems as needed.

Key Qualifications

1. University degree in biostatistics or approved equivalent combination of education and related experience.
2. Experience with PCs, LANs, mainframes, including extensive experience using statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, Epi-Info and Access; knowledge of other software packages and programming languages is also desirable.
3. Demonstrated experience in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
4. knowledge of database design and simple programming an asset.
5. Familiarity with the integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) and Cognos ReportNet (CRN) preferred.                    
6. Familiarity with current public health issues, epidemiological concepts, trend analysis and forecasting techniques.
7. Ability to communicate effectively, to prepare written reports, and to display statistical data in understandable formats.
8. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff at all organizational levels.
9. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet changing priorities.
10. Ability to work in a high pressure environment and respond to competing priorities.
11. Ability to work flexible hours (i.e. occasional evenings and weekends) when necessary.

To apply for this position, please send us a resume and cover letter, quoting File #X7CSA11023, using one of the following methods:

Online: Click on the Apply for this position button at the bottom of this posting, or

FaX: 416-397-9818, or

Mail to

Employment Services, Human Resources
City of Toronto
Metro Hall, 55 John Street, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON  M5V 3C6

Please do not send duplicates.  Applications must be received by July 6, 2007.

Job Status: Permanent
Salary: $26.24 - $28.75 per hour

Committed to employment equity, the City of Toronto encourages applications from Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, members of visible minority groups and women.

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under the City's Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
 
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