Job Title: Health Information Specialist Department: Administration and Operations Supervisor: Deputy Director FLSA: Exempt Compensation: $56,000-60,000/year + Benefits Telework: Some Telework Available Date Revised: October 11, 2022
MISSION

The Mission of Native American LifeLines is to promote health and social resiliency within Urban American Indian communities. Native American LifeLines applies principles of trauma informed care to provide culturally centered behavioral health, dental, outreach and referral services.

AGENCY OVERVIEW

Native American Lifelines Inc. (NAL) is a small nonprofit community-based agency in Baltimore, MD, with an additional service location in Boston, MA. NAL serves American Indians/Alaskan Natives, primarily providing health education, health promotion, case management, substance abuse counseling, dental services, transportation, and support groups.

NAL has an annual operating budget of approximately $2.4million, a staff of 10-15 full time employees, various contractors and 3-5 behavioral health intern/externs. Our program is part of a network of 42 Urban Indian Health Organizations nationally and a member of the National Council of Urban Indian Health. NAL’s substance use & mental health outpatient treatment program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
POSITION SUMMARY

Native American LifeLines (NAL) is Title V Urban Indian Health Program that operates offices in Baltimore, MD, as well as, Boston, MA. As a crucial part of our work at NAL we need to engage in various data reporting on the services our agency provides to our funders. This includes data collection on services provided, collection of health information of clients served, client feedback regarding services, community feedback regarding current needs and feedback from staff on the ongoing work provided. The Health Information Specialist assists with this data collection, organization, analysis and reporting.

NAL has several funders with our primary funder being Indian Health Services. As an Indian Health Service contractor, Native American LifeLines is required to collect and report data specific to the Government Performance & Results Act of 1993 and subsequent Government Performance & Results Modernization Act of 2010. The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) requires Federal agencies to demonstrate that they are using their funds effectively toward meeting their missions. Every year, the Indian Health Service reports results for these GPRA performance measures.

GPRA measures for the IHS include clinical care performance measures, such as care for clients with diabetes, cancer screening, immunization, behavioral health screening, and other prevention measures. The agency also reports many non-clinical measures, including rates of hospital accreditation, injury prevention, and infrastructure improvements.

The Health Information Specialist shall be responsible for monitoring GPRA measures via NAL’s electronic health record systems. This work focuses on ensuring correct entry of clients into NAL’s database, identifying clients for whom services are due related to the most current GPRA measures, working closely with case managers, clinicians, and transportation coordinator to ensure referrals for services are made, that care is received, and that the appropriate medical records are received. This role requires use of the Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Uniform Data System (UDS) reports as required by the Indian Health Service (IHS).

In addition to GPRA reporting, the Health Information Specialist will use data collected on services provided to generate monthly reports regarding services provided to the community. These reports will be based off data collected via our electronic health record systems and be used for ongoing reporting of deliverables to various funders.

Finally, the Health Information Specialist will assist in the generation of quarterly reporting to primary funders. These reports draw upon the same data utilized in ongoing GPRA reporting, as well as monthly reporting. The data is simply digested and formatted in the preferred template of the funder requesting the report.

The Health Information Specialist will work with NAL Leadership on these duties and will be directly under the Clinical Director for supervision. The position requires collaboration with our agency partners and ongoing communication with the Officer/GPRA Coordinator at the Nashville Area Office (IHS/NAO).

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in Health Information Management, Statistics, or similar field required, Masters Degree in Health Administration, Epidemiology, or similar field preferred; experience commensurate with educational requirements can be considered. Experience in health and human services or related fields preferred. Experience with electronic health records is strongly preferred. Knowledge of or sensitivity to Native cultures and traditions is highly desired. A criminal background check and drug screen are required. Per USC 48 CFR 1452.226-70, this is an Indian Hiring Preference position, however all interested applicants should apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND COMPETANCIES

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee ongoing data collection regarding services that NAL provides to the community
• Review services provided via NAL’s electronic health records
• Entry of client information into electronic health records
• Oversee GPRA reporting and data collection
• Performs audit of clients relative to GPRA measures and services due
• Works with clinical team members to refer clients for service and transportation
• Obtains proper releases of information and secures GPRA-related medical records
• Maintains records of facilitated services and referrals through completion
• Creates monthly reports on services provided to the community
• Data analysis from community, client and staff surveys
• Routine communication Statistical Officer/GPRA Coordinator at IHS/NAO
• Supports leadership in annual GPRA and UDS Reporting
• Ongoing use and training in RPMS, EHR, and other related practices
• Other duties as assigned

Competencies:

• Strong data collection and analytical skills
• Ability to plan for and meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation (RPMS, EHR)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to work independently and without on-site supervision
• Strong ethics
• Task and detail oriented

TELEWORK/REMOTE WORK

This position is eligible for limited telework after 90 days, or situationally as determined by leadership. Some travel between NAL service locations in Baltimore and Boston is required. All work-related travel will be paid for by NAL.
HOURS

Business hours are Monday - Friday 9am – 5pm. Leadership and salaried professionals should expect to work between 40-45 hours weekly. Some evenings and weekends are required.
BENEFITS

In addition to salary, you receive the following benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program), STD/LTD, AD&D, Life coverage
• 3% match SIMPLE IRA (after 1 year)
• Assistance with applicable licensure fees as the budget allows
• Assistance with continuing education credits as the budget allows

PTO/HOLIDAYS

Staff health and wellbeing is central to our ability to aid the community in achieving their own wellness goals. In addition to regular staff care activities, NAL offers a generous combination of sick and personal hours, accrued vacation, and an average of 15 paid holidays annually.
INDIAN HIRING PREFERENCE (USC 48 CFR 1452.226-70)

This position is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services' Indian Health Service division and as such is an Indian Hiring Preference position per US Code 48 CFR 1452.226-70. All Native and non-Native applicants are encouraged to apply.

Flexible work from home options available.