Data Linking Specialist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Brief Job Description:

Performs advanced public health and research work involving data matching and data linking procedures. The Data Linkage Specialist conducts complex deterministic and probabilistic data linking for specialized research and public health projects as directed, particularly those focused on characterizing maternal and infant deaths to identify prevention opportunities. Work involves the development, implementation and monitoring of ad-hoc and repeating (monthly, quarterly, yearly) data linking requests, including reviewing and processing of Institutional Review Board or contractually-approved requests. Work involves conducting quality assurance testing and developing advanced statistical and programmatic methods to automate processes using SAS, Match*Pro, SPSS, Python, R Statistical Program or other software. Requires ability to document methods and procedures, and to prepare datasets, data dictionaries, and reports. This position requires extensive and expert communications with outside agencies, internal stakeholders and business leaders. Interaction with internal stakeholders includes many sections of DSHS, especially those in the DSHS Division for Community Health Improvement. Work may involve guidance and training of other staff. Training and skills in the use of advanced statistical software and/or query languages such as SAS, SPSS, Stata, Match*Pro, R, Python, MATLAB, SQL or others is required. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1. Performs advanced research and public health work related to contractually required data needs, Institutional Review Board research data requests, and DSHS programs' data needs. This work addresses requests for linked data from outside agencies and internal stakeholders. Coordinates, plans, develops, and monitors research- and public health-related data linking projects, including ad-hoc and repeating requests. Determines the scope and methodologies to link data. Identifies best algorithms for data linking, and conducts data linkages using advanced programming and analytics methodology to meet research and public health data needs. (45%)

EJF 2. Participates in research and public health projects and on evaluation activities. Participation involves developing quality assurance procedures and conducting quality assurance reviews on data related to the research and public health projects, especially as those activities involve data linkage. Assists in formulating objectives for the center and program, especially objectives associated with linking data to characterize maternal and infant deaths and as identified through interactions with outside agencies, internal stakeholders and business. Develops data linking activities to meet the center and program’s needs. (20%)

EJF 3. Develops and implements advanced statistical analysis and data management methods for large data sets, using appropriate software and programming techniques. Analysis and data management methods are focused on conducting data linkages to meet the center and program’s needs, and may involve use of statistical software and process automation. (20%)

EJF 4. Develops policies and procedures used to capture all data linking activities conducted, including assessing impact of statutes and rules related to the data linking and data release. These activities also involve preparing associated datasets, data dictionaries, and reports. (10%)

EJF 5. Performs other duties as assigned, including guidance and training of other staff as part of coordination of data linkage projects. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of statistical applications relevant to vital statistics and public health data.

Knowledge of available computer software packages applicable tobiostatistics and matching.

Knowledge of database management principles and technology.

Knowledge of data matching algorithms and methodology.

Knowledge of epidemiologic principles and statistical analyses.

Knowledge of programming logic and scripting.

Skill and training in the use of advanced statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, or Stata.

Skill in planning projects, communicating with stakeholders and delivering results.

Skill in the use of personal computers and local area networks.

Skill in effective report writing.

Skill in effective verbal and written communications.

Skill in graphical presentation of data including charts, tables, and maps.

Skill in research publication.

Ability to manage a variety of administrative and statistical analyses.

Ability to coordinate many competing data reporting schedules.

Ability to reason analytically.

Ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule assignments.

Ability to conduct training and educational seminars as needed.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative.

Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the public.

Ability to effectively present research methods and results.

Ability to communicate effectively and work within a team setting.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in use of databases and large datasets. Experience with SAS, Link-Plus, SPSS, Python, R Statistical Program, or other statistical software. Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in relevant areas such as epidemiology, public health biometry, project management, computer science, statistical analysis, research methodology, or demography. Ability to communicate effectively as demonstrated on the application and experience working within a team setting.

Additional Information:

To be considered for an interview, applicants must demonstrate a clear match to all initial criteria in the EMPLOYMENT HISTORY and SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE SECTIONS of the application. Resumes will not be considered. All applicants chosen to participate in the virtual “face-to-face” interview process will be required to complete a skills test exercise to demonstrate proficiencies and perspectives associated with this role at the time of the interview. All applicants participating in the virtual “face-to-face” interview process must also have access to a computer, the Internet, and Microsoft Word. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified of final selection. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form