Epidemiologist/Operations Research Analyst (15020)

To be considered for any DPHHS Agency position, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials. Successful applicant(s) are required to successfully pass all DPHHS specific background check(s) relevant to each position.

Materials required

Materials Required of Applicants:

(To be considered in this pool, please submit the following)

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  Supplemental question:
  As an analyst for DPHHS, you will be required to complete independent analysis and research to support program decisions and to present management with information on current and future implications to our budget. Please describe your experience in defining, manipulating, and analyzing information to make and defend assumptions and conclusions. Provide a specific example to show experience in defining issues and presenting practical options and conclusions. Please provide details about which software programs you used in this process, and your level of proficiency with these programs.
  
  
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  Cover letter
  
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  Resume
  
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  Professional References:
  
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    Please provide 3 professional references, work relation, and contact number
    

(Please type responses in a Word document and attach to application. HELPFUL HINT: When attaching a document you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application. Please do not attach more than requested. If you have more than 25 attachments in the system you will need to email these to: hhshumanresources@mt.gov . Failure to attach the required material will conclude in an incomplete application. You must also keep those relevant boxes checked once you submit your application; if you uncheck the box with an active application it will delete the attachment.)

First review of applications will occur on June 27, 2018.


Job Overview: This position conducts data research and analysis for the Health Resources Division to support management decisions in establishing rules, policies, and program practices, and for making projections of program benefit levels for Medicaid programs. This position responds to a variety of requests for data analysis from the Administrator, Bureau Chief(s), program staff, and the legislature and associated sources. The position also identifies ongoing needs for data research and analysis from division and program activity and initiates studies and evaluations to support operations. Position identifies potential problem areas, proposes solutions and, when necessary, determines the need for further data analysis. The position develops the methodology for collecting, extracting, and processing data and information, and conducts research and analysis to facilitate solutions to business problems. Analysis performed by this position determines the projected level of program benefit expenditures. Performs epidemiologic analysis to determine appropriate health care interventions and evaluations.

Major Duties or Responsibilities:

Program, Statistical, Financial and Epidemiologic Analysis

• Conducts advanced research, analysis, and interpretation of Medicaid population demographics. Includes provider and member outcomes, pay for performance reimbursement, and nation wide healthcare policy trends.

• Applies advanced mathematical computations and statistical modeling applications such as linear trend analysis, logistic regression analysis, and inferential statistics.

• Models reimbursement methodologies, including but not limited to Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS), All Patient Refined – Diagnostic Related Groups (APR-DRG), and Outpatient Prospective Payment Systems / Ambulatory Payment Classifications (OPPS/APC). Assists the contractor with the implementation of reimbursement methodologies.

• Identifies and completes complex epidemiologic analysis for the Medicaid program by analyzing member health data.

• Defines project data requirements relating to gathering and validating information, determining the appropriate mathematical model, and conducting statistical tests. Tests and certifies the accuracy of the models, determines need for improvement, translates technical information into an easily understood format for a variety of audiences, and explains the findings.

• Reviews expenditures and performs variance analysis on a continuous basis for identification of concerns and potential budgetary and rate problems. Designs and conducts research projects to explore identified problem areas. Evaluates and interprets results of analyses.

• Manages, manipulates, and analyzes large amounts of data efficiently using software packages for advanced mathematical computations and statistical modeling applications such as linear trend analysis and regression analysis to provide summary information and other analysis.

• Maintains knowledge and stays abreast of developments in the field of public health and human services budget, funding, statistical analysis methodologies and the economic influences that affect these programs.

• Monitors essential economic, federal and state developments through the analysis of information obtained from various sources such as federal, state or other private/public sources and publications. Determines the need for and prepares plans of action as developments occur.

• Functions as the subject matter expert on the Medicaid Population Health tool and population health data analytics.

• Conducts policy and program research, evaluates alternatives and options, rendering an objective analysis while taking into account the impact on Medicaid, other state agencies, other payers, federal government, stake holders, providers and members.

Information and Systems Database Management

• Develops and reports monthly program expenditures and trends that corresponds to the monthly expenditure reports generated by the Fiscal Agent.

• Extracts information for ad-hoc Medicaid eligibility and expenditure reporting and statutorily mandated reports to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), state legislature, and other customers (internal and external).

• Ensures Medicaid expenditure and eligibility reporting needs are met on a timely basis and are accurate.

• Coordinates with systems development personnel to ensure necessary changes are identified, developed, and implemented.

• Ensures integrity and proper system function of Medicaid data system. Documents problems or enhancement needs; identify interface, reporting, and data transfer issues through programming code analysis, query reporting, and results testing.

• Represents the Division to ensure system coordination, system maintenance/enhancement system design and procurement are done in conjunction with program needs and requirements.

• Performs project oversight during system and contract reporting changes by coordinating efforts between the division and outside consultant, providing technical and departmental / institutional expertise, and testing results.

• Creates visual aids such as frequency distributions, time series charts, histograms, pie charts, etc. for inclusion in reports and presentations.

• Performs standardized merging on multiple relational databases to allow data from separate sources to be combined and modeled together.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Typical office environment with extensive computer work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Required for the first day of work:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and theories of applied mathematics and economics, including calculus, statistics, and econometrics.

• Knowledge of budgeting, financial, and fiscal processes and procedures.

• Knowledge of computer data management and data network systems.

• Knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures for estimation of costs associated with a project.

• Knowledge of Geographical Informational Systems (GIS).

• Ability to apply mathematic modeling and predictive analysis to resolve problems in policy development and to analyze how policy decisions affect services.

• Ability to coordinate and facilitate internal and external work groups.

• Ability to keep current professionally and actively seek out learning opportunities in the profession.

• Ability to translate data, data tables, and statistical information, orally and in written materials.

• Ability to consult and provide assistance to others.

• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to a problem.

• Ability to analyze a project’s needs and requirements, develop a work plan, and complete the project.

• Skill in appraising, examining, or scrutinizing processes, ideas, projects, or procedures.



Qualifications:


Required Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, or related field. Prefer Master’s Degree in Epidemiology.

• Four years of job related work experience such as mathematical modeling and predictive analysis in an insurance, hospital/healthcare, consulting, governmental or similar business setting.

• Knowledge of Geographical Informational Systems (GIS) is required.

• Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Preference given to individuals with advanced experience with Statistical Analysis System (SAS).



Eligible Training Assignment:

54,579.20