Health Information Technology (IT) Director

Job Description

Job Description

Please note: NSORNA Nisqually's Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act requires all individuals who have ever been convicted of a sex offense to register with our Public Safety Department. This is true whether or not you have to register with another jurisdiction.

This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

GENERAL SUMMARY
The Health Department Information Technology (IT) Director is responsible for the strategic direction, planning, development, and oversight of Information Technology functions across all Nisqually Health Care Systems. This position manages all aspects of the information technology infrastructure, including cybersecurity, systems administration, networking, telecommunications, desktops and desktop devices, dental operatory computers, pharmacy POS systems and computers, medical computers, and associated scanners and printers throughout the organization.

The Director is also responsible for disaster recovery planning, testing, and recovery efforts related to healthcare systems operations. The Health Department IT Director reports to the Nisqually Tribe's Chief Information Officer (CIO) and works closely with the CIO and Health Department management to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions that support all aspects of the Health Department's operations.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, along with the ability to provide professional and responsive customer service to employees, patients, vendors, and community partners. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and professional appearance and conduct consistent with organizational standards are required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Ensure the integrity and availability of all health care systems across the organization.
• Analyze infrastructure to ensure alignment with organizational goals, objectives and strategic plans.
• Advise Health Care management on all matters related to the use of information technology.
• Maintain and develop appropriate policies and procedures regarding the use of information technology.
• Functions as the Security Officer of the organization and establish security policies for information systems.
• Monitor compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and vulnerabilities, and report violations and provide security awareness to appropriate personnel.
• Plan, implement, and maintain technical services and projects.
• Supervise Health Information Technology staff.
• Identify information technology staff development and training needs and ensure that training is obtained.
• Gather and analyze computer hardware and software system requirements, design solutions, and ensure implementation of the designs as finished applications and systems, including specification, testing, and documentation.
• Ensure the integrity of the internal network and provide information security assurance.
• Communicate information about network and systems changes, issues and problems.
• Maintain records, document work, prepare reports, compose correspondence, and coordinate efforts with vendors, management and staff.
• Assist and coordinate with the Chief Information Officer and, when applicable, Health care management in developing technical services that meet the changing needs and growth of Nisqually Health Care systems and services.
• Ensure that all patient data, records, storage, access, physical and digital and information sharing, both at rest and in motion, complies with HIPAA regulations.
• Ensure vulnerability checks in all aspects (systems, policy, procedure, disaster recovery, etc.) are performed and remediated.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or a related field, OR a combination of comparable experience and/or education.
• Five (5) years of experience as an IT Director or IT Manager.
• Seven (7) years of experience in the Information Technology field.
• Experience with medical informatics in a health care setting.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant Information Technology certifications are preferred.
• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and governance, with the demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate in a culturally respectful and responsive manner.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes, tribal health programs, Tribal Health Organizations, Indian Health Services (IHS), or indigenous-serving organizations.

SUPERVISION
This position supervises staff.

COMPETENCIES
Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge of:

• Current Information Technology trends, technologies, industry standards, and products.
• Local area networks and wide area networks (LAN/WAN) OSI (Open System Interconnect) model maintenance principles and
• Various operating systems for servers, desktops, networking, and various devices.
• Operational characteristics of Information Technology equipment, peripherals, and various platforms.
• IP Telephony (VoIP) phone systems.
• Project planning.
• Databases
• Data storage infrastructures.
• Database management and administration.
• Disaster recovery and business continuity best practices.
• Technology troubleshooting methods and practices.
• Electronic health systems and pharmacy
• Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• HIPAA-mandated laws, policies, operations, and procedures.
  Skill in:
• Problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Negotiating competing interests.

Ability to:

• Troubleshoot, analyze problems, identify solutions, project consequences, and implement recommendations.
• Coordinate maintenance and repair with the Health Care Management team, other Information Technology personnel, and service providers.
• Review applicable procedures and approved manuals of software programs utilized by the Health Department.
• Effectively communicate, assess, and manage software programs for assignment of access/permissions and lockout/revocation of access and permissions.
• Work collaboratively in all Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) forms and agreements between vendors and the Tribe.
• Maintain attention to detail in a work environment with constant interruptions and changing priorities.
• Evaluate technology and determine compatibility with existing systems.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Make decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and established policies.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, employees, and the public.
• Follow through on commitments in a timely manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others to achieve goals.
• Work independently with minimal, and at times no, supervision.
• Teach IT knowledge to immediate staff.
• Teach health care staff regarding their systems, laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods; use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment; and communicate verbally and in writing. The role requires frequent use of a computer and other digital devices, involving repetitive hand and wrist movements. Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional standing, walking, and reaching. Must be able to lift and move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds with assistance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. The Health I.T. Director primarily works in a professional office setting within a healthcare facility. The position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and photocopiers. The role may involve regular interaction with clinical staff in medical, dental, or behavioral health settings. Occasional travel between departments or to off-site training sessions may be required. The work environment may be fast-paced and deadline-driven, particularly during software implementations, updates, or system outages. Noise levels are generally low to moderate.