Item 2.C-February 1, 2013
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name
OR New/Vacant:
CURRENT POSITION INFORMATION
Pos
Range /
Current Title:
#(s):
Class.:
Department: Information Technology
JCC
College/Division: Provost’s Office
Account #(s): 1201-119-001D; -001G; -2113
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
(X) Line of Progression (show titles below)
Specialist, Medicine Applications
Senior Specialist, Medicine Application
Manager, Application Support Medicine
Pos #:
Range:
2
3
4
JCC:
67346
67347
67348
EEO:
3J
3J
3J
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature
Tom Miller, Asst. Director IT
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean
Bird Vilseck , Director, IT
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Jannet Vreeland
Date
Vice Provost, Secretary of University
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
Effective Date:
2/1/2013
Approved Title: See Above
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description – Specialist, Medicine Applications
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Application Specialist-Medicine series of positions provide primary support to the University of
Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM) statewide clinical operations. The primary application for
support is the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) application used by the clinics. These positions are
responsible for minimizing adverse impact on patient care as a result of application downtime or
inefficiencies in application design. These positions may be based in either Reno or Las Vegas and
report to the Assistant Director of IT- Medicine through a hierarchy of positions as applicable.
Range 2 – Specialist, Medicine Applications:
The Application Specialist is responsible for day-to-day user support for the EMR and other UNSOM
applications as assigned, including training. Support is provided either via physical presence at the
user’s site or via remote access to the user’s desktop. The Application Specialist may also be
required to work the help desk when needed. The Application Specialist receives direction and
mentoring from Senior Application Specialists and the Manager, Application Support.
Range 3 – Senior Specialist, Medicine Applications (in addition to R2 above):
The Senior Application Specialist has autonomy to analyze user needs and make decisions on clinical
workflows within the EMR or other workflow related applications. In addition, the Senior Application
Specialist assists with report development/deployment and HL7 type interfaces. The Senior
Application Specialist mentors Application Specialists as needed.
Range 4 – Manager, Medicine Applications Support (in addition to R3 above):
The Manager, Applications Support has autonomy to make decisions on clinical workflows within the
EMR or other workflow related applications, such as imaging or other specialty related applications.
The Manager is responsible for the design, implementation and management of HL7 type interfaces.
The Manager communicates with third party partners on connectivity for interface message
transmission. Interface work includes ensuring that all data partners and automated processes are in
compliance with UNR IT data privacy requirements. The position is responsible for developing and
monitoring the use of “best practice” policies and procedures. The Manager supervises other
application specialists and ensures that work complies with University of Nevada, Reno IT policies
and procedures. The Manager communicates with other Managers within the main campus IT
department at UNR, including sharing current and future projects.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
Range 2 – Application Specialist-Medicine:
80% - Administration and Support of EMR and Related Applications
 Install, configure, support and maintain EMR and related applications and their associated
devices such as handhelds or imaging modalities
 Work with clinics and vendors to troubleshoot technical problems or bugs with EMR and
related applications and related devices
 Identify need for design/build application changes/modifications based on user needs including
custom user forms and workflow engineering
 Work with the vendor to resolve issues and design/build application changes/modifications
 Perform application installations, upgrades and resolution of issues with end-users and with
other Information Technology personnel
Position Description – Specialist, Medicine Applications


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Train end users and coworkers on EMR and related application functionality, including
development of training materials
Adhere to and encourage others to follow University of Nevada, Reno Information Technology
department policies and procedures, including security and information protection
10% - Collaboration and Back-up Services
 Collaborate with co-workers to provide additional coverage in the areas of application support
 Prepare and maintain a variety of documents for technical and non-technical audiences; i.e.,
application logs with bugs and issues and their solutions, restoration procedures as part of
disaster recovery plans, technical procedures, technical architecture and data interfaces
 Perform data analysis and develop automated procedures to exchange data between
applications
 Work help desk
10% - Departmental Planning and Project Development
 Participate in project planning, development and implementation
 Communicate with co-workers and supervisors on project status and issues
Range 3 – Senior Application Specialist-Medicine (in addition to R2 above):
50% - Administration and Support of EMR and Related Applications
 Coordinate application installations, upgrades and resolution of issues with end-users and with
other Information Technology personnel such as database, system and security administrators
 Maintain quality design and build within the EMR application
20% - Development and Support of Reports for EMR and Related Applications
 Work with end users and department leaders to develop reports as needed
 Develop methodologies for delivery of reports to end users, automating this as much as
possible
 Maintain a complete inventory of reports, including source system, delivery method, frequency,
etc.
 Support changes to reports or corrections to data sources for reports
10% - Development and Support of Data Interfaces (HL7, X12 or other)
 Develop HL7, X12 or other message-type interfaces for sharing of data using the UNSOM
Interface Engine application
 Maintain proper documentation of all interfaces, including IP addresses and ports used,
protocols used, etc.
 Ensure that all data partners and automated processes are in compliance with UNR IT data
privacy requirements
 Monitor error queues and corrected issues and resubmit messages as needed
10% - Collaboration and Back-up Services
 Same as above
10% - Departmental Planning and Project Development
 Oversee workflow and assignments for others on the team and ensure that work complies with
University of Nevada, Reno IT policies and procedures
 Assist in the development of “best practices” policies and procedures
 Assist in the evaluation and purchase of new software applications
 Work with leadership and coworkers on development of project plans as needed
Position Description – Specialist, Medicine Applications
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Range 4 – Manager, Medicine Applications Support (in addition to R3 above):
50% - Administration and Support of EMR and Related Applications
 Manage workload of Application Specialists and Senior Application Specialists to minimize
impact on patient care and to minimize risk of financial loss due to application issues
20% - Development and Support of Data Interfaces (HL7, X12 or other)
 Same as R3
10% - Development and Support of Reports for EMR and Related Applications
 Same as R3
10% - Collaboration and Back-up Services
 Same as R3
10% - Departmental Planning and Project Development
 Supervise Application Specialists and/or Senior Application Specialists
 Assign tasks to Application Specialist and/or Senior Application Specialist
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
Range 2
The Application Specialist uses decision making to diagnose and resolve issues related to UNSOM
applications using basic troubleshooting skills. Recommendations are made to users and supervisor
on any equipment or costs associated with problem resolution. The position consults with supervisor
and/or Senior Application Specialist or Lead Application Specialist on more complex issue resolution.
Decisions on workflow design within the EMR application are made in consultation with the end user
champion as well as with higher level staff. The incumbent consults with the supervisor on
unresolved issues.
Range 3
The Senior Application Specialist makes and reports decisions to leadership.. Workflow design
within the EMR application can be made with end user consultation and status reporting to the
Manager. Highly complex issues or situations that involve multiple stakeholders are discussed with
the incumbent’s supervisor. The position monitors quality control of projects and ongoing
maintenance of clinical applications and reports unresolved issues to the supervisor.
Range 4
The Manager, Application Support has autonomy to resolve application issues, although any
resolutions with a financial impact must be discussed with the Assistant Director. The Manager is
responsible for working with the Application Specialist and Senior Application Specialist on unresolved
issues. Decisions regarding workflow design within the EMR can be made autonomously, but the end
user community must be notified of potential changes and their impact before they are implemented.
The Manager is responsible for ensuring the Application Specialist and Senior Application Specialist
follow established change control protocols as well as all IT and UNSOM policies and procedures
related to application support.
Impact:
Decisions affect the stability, performance, and integrity of clinical applications, which in turn affect
faculty and staff productivity and, more importantly, patient care and finances. Proper workflow
designs, training, report design and interface builds are critical to the safety of patients and the
Position Description – Specialist, Medicine Applications
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protection of patient PHI. Extended unplanned downtimes or inefficient workflow designs can
negatively affect patient care as well as clinical personnel efficiency. HIPAA and other regulations as
well as IT and UNSOM policies and procedures must be adhered to at all times. Failure to comply
with these can result in fines or other penalties.
Range 2
Inadequate performance may result in poor patient care, inefficiencies in the clinics or delays to
patient access to care as well as financial loss due to improper coding, fines, penalties, etc.
Range 3 (Same as Range 2, and)
Additionally, issues with report design can lead to incorrect assumptions as to clinical outcomes,
quality of care at clinics and financial performance of the medical school. These can lead to
inaccurate budgets or improper patient care.
Range 4 (Same as Range 3, and)
Inadequate performance at this level can also result in poor patient care, inefficiencies in the clinics or
delays to patient access to care as well as financial loss due to improper coding, fines, penalties, etc.
In addition to impacts listed under Ranges 2 and 3, issues with interfaces for the EMR can lead to
inaccurate patient data or, worse yet, patient data being associated with the wrong patient. This can
have extreme effects on clinical outcomes and overall patient safety.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
Range 2
 Clinical operations/workflows
 Microsoft PC and server products
 Use of software as part of clinical workflows
 Patient safety and privacy standards – HIPAA, etc
 EMR software, preferably in an ambulatory setting
Range 3 (in addition to Range 2 above)
 SQL Server
 T-SQL coding
 Report design process
 Client-server architecture
 Using Citrix as an end-user
 HL7, X12 or other interface message formats
 Familiarity with transfer protocols (FTP, HTTPS, ports, etc) for interface messaging
Range 4 (in addition to Range 2 and 3 above)
 HL7 and/or other interface messaging between similar and disparate systems
 Laboratory, radiology and other result type data
 Working on IT driven projects in healthcare
 Data transfer protocols and technical specifications, such as IP addresses, ports, etc.
Skills:
Range 2
 Effective written and verbal communication
 Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including but not
limited to Microsoft Office Suite (WordPerfect, Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and email)
 Analytical, decision making and problem solving skills
Position Description – Specialist, Medicine Applications
Page 6
Range 3 (in addition to Range 2 above)
 Complex troubleshooting and resolution techniques
 SQL Query writing
 Stored procedure design
 Job scheduling in SQL Server as needed for report data needs
 Rudimentary interface build knowledge is a plus
Range 4 (in addition to Range 2 and 3 above)
 Project leadership
 Outside the box thinking to analyze and resolve complex issues
 Strong written and verbal communication skills of technical topics to non-technical persons
 Interface design using an interface engine
 Supervision
Ability to:
Range 2
 Train/present to a small to mid-size group
 Install and configure vendor applications
 Document changes, build, design and other work
 Follow timelines, meet deadlines as expected
 Work independently to resolve issues
 Communicate with coworkers to resolve issues when unable to do so independently
 Respond quickly to issues to minimize impact on end users and patients
Range 3 (in addition to Range 2 above)
 Ensure timelines are met
 Work independently and make decisions on workflow and report design
 Support coworkers in a team environment to minimize impact of issues on end users and
patient care
 Support coworkers in a team environment to minimize risk of financial loss
 Ensure solutions are cost-effective and efficient
 Manage, prioritize, and complete multiple projects/tasks in an efficient and timely manner
 Keep leadership apprised of issues and overall project status
Range 4 (in addition to Range 2 and 3 above)
 Lead and motivate others
 Work effectively with people with varying levels of technical backgrounds
 Act as an authority on EMR related topics
 Work with vendors to plan, evaluate, and facilitate installation of new products and
technologies
 Respect user privacy, information security, and protection of evidence
 Manage installation of enterprise level application upgrades and patches
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
Range 2:
Clinical Staff
Colleagues in IT
Reason for Contact
To determine application needs and specifications; provide user
training and support; troubleshoot problems
To troubleshoot problems; determine back-up needs; discuss and
resolve open issues; communicate status of tasks and issues
Position Description – Specialist, Medicine Applications
Range 3 (plus R2 above):
Clinical Staff
To coordinate installations and upgrades
Colleagues in IT
To assign tasks as needed
Range 4 (plus R2 and 3 above):
Medical School Leadership
IT Leadership
External
Ranges 2 and 3:
Vendors
Range 4 (plus R2 and 3 above):
Vendors and contractors
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To communicate project status, specifically pertaining to
timelines; come to consensus on work flow design and build
plans; assess costs and resource requirements
To plan, solve, coordinate projects and issues; develop policies
and procedures; share information; assess costs and resource
requirements
Reason for Contact
To determine applications specifications for purchasing;
communicate about new software releases; keep abreast of
industry changes; troubleshoot application errors; consult about
installation and configurations of software
To determine pricing and other resources needed; to work with IT
leadership to direct work of any contract labor
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Range 2:
Bachelor’s Degree and two years, or a Master’s Degree and one year, of experience
supporting applications with end users
Range 3:
Bachelor’s Degree and three years, or a Master’s Degree and two years, of
experience in application support with at least one year in a clinical settting using a
Practice Management System,EMR or healthcare-related IT
Range 4:
Bachelor’s Degree and four years, or a Master’s Degree and three years, of
experience in information technology with two years of experience in a clinical settting
using a Practice Management System or EMR to include report design and/or building
HL7 or similar interfaces
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None