PROFESSIONAL POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Senior Computer & Database Specialist
Division:
Muskie School of Public Service
Department: Cutler Institute for Health and Social Policy
Location:
Portland
Schedule:
Part Time - Flexible
Reports to: Director Health Data Resources
STATEMENT OF THE JOB: The grant-funded Senior Computer and Database Specialist (Senior
CDS) is responsible for management of systems and staff related to the MaineCare cooperative
agreement (MPCA) data warehouse. These systems include claims, financial, enrollment and
other administrative databases, Intranet and Internet sites and their integration with
MaineCare data systems. The Senior CDS develops, oversees and manages the use of these data
systems for health services research and analysis in support of the MPCA. These data systems
consist of Medicaid claims files, health encounters, eligibility data, accounting and provider
files. The Senior CDS is responsible for the recruitment, development, and management of a
staff of full time employees supporting the MPCA in Augusta and Portland with software
programming, database design and analysis, implementation, and support.
The Senior CDS works with contracting agencies, project directors and staff to obtain the best
and most efficient use of claims and encounter data in support of specific projects and analytic
request. The Senior CDS is the primary liaison between the Institute and contract agencies for
development of operational and analytic databases related to MaineCare health claims and
encounter data. The Senior CDS oversees the design and development of analytic databases
and systems to meet project requirements. S/He is assures the quality of systems, integrity of
data and accuracy of information produced from these systems. The Senior CDS oversees staff
training and documentation for systems and data sources. The Senior CDS is responsible for
assuring compliance with the Business Associates Agreement (BAA) with the Maine Department
of Health and Human Services with the Muskie School governing the use of protected health
information (PHI).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
 Database Management
1. Oversees the development and maintenance of computer and other systems
(hardware and software) to meet the needs of the MPCA.
2. Oversees the design, and development of large, complex clinical and
administrative healthcare databases.
3. Acts as primary liaison between the Institute and contracting agencies in
assessing data compatibility, integration and procurement.
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4. Oversees and directs the development and maintenance of system
documentation policies and procedures, including those designed to maintain
data confidentiality and security.
5. Oversees file construction activities conducted in support of analytic tasks.
6. Develops standardized programming and data documentation procedures and
oversees training of research programmers and computer and data specialists
regarding these standards.
7. Develops quality assurance protocols.
8. Coordinates staff information sharing to assure fast and efficient data
production.
9. Supervises the day-to-day operations of professional staff utilizing the
information supported by the MPCA.
Technical Data Systems Development:
1. Directs database and software development projects including systems analysis,
design and implementation. Assures systems are compliant with regulatory
requirements and changes.
2. Provides technical expertise to contracting agencies on policy development and
system impact analysis.
3. Interprets federal and state policy translating into system requirements,
specifications and training for effected staff, agencies and systems.
4. Oversees and coordinates with contracting agencies and outside vendors for
implementing, upgrading and maintaining hardware and software to support
these systems.
Analytic/Research Activities
1. Consults with principal investigators and project directors on research design as
related to MPCA data.
2. Identifies, defines and documents information needs and potential sources of
data.
3. Consults with project programmers/research assistants, MaineCare staff and
contractors on file construction.
4. Conducts statistical analysis in support of operations, policy and research.
5. Writes methodological and other components of project proposals related to
proposed data, file construction, and data analysis activities.
6. Participates in preparation of written reports, describing analytic methods and
interpreting study results.
Additional duties as reasonably assigned
SPECIAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES*:
 Control over, access to, or security of restricted levels of information technology
systems that would allow the person to harm the IT systems or the information
contained in them.
 Ability to provide own transportation (fully-insured vehicle), provide proof of a valid
driver’s license, and compliance with Maine law regarding vehicle insurance.
 Work on federally funded projects.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: May oversee temporary employees or students.
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversees and manages a budget of Institute and project-related
funds of approximately $600,000. Assist with the development and oversight of the data
resources budget for the MPCA relating project budgets for hardware and software
acquisitions, staffing, data processing expenses and system maintenance related the MaineCare
data repository.
PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES RELATED TO JOB PERFORMANCE: Keeps abreast of
current software development languages and practices, as well as advances in computing
technology. Attend local, regional, or national conferences, forums and classes on software
development, networking, and other related areas. Initiates and cultivates collaborative
relationships within and outside MSPS, University, state and federal agencies. Provides
technical information assistance to community, state, national and other agencies.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS:
Internal: Coordinates with Project, Center and Institute
External: Establishes and maintains liaisons with funders and contracting agencies.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
 Demonstrated knowledge and experience in working with large health claims and/or
other health databases.
 Proven ability to evaluate, specify, design, implement, document, and maintain complex
micro-based applications using modern RDBMS
 Experience and knowledge in interfacing PC-based RDBMS systems with Oracle and/or
SQLServer or other large RDBMS.
 Demonstrated ability to act as team leader with subject-area experts who are not
grounded in RDBMS to design and implement RDBMS models.
 Flexibility and ability to handle changing priorities.
 Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize tasks and complete them in a timely
manner.
 Ability to travel for occasional meetings with funding agencies and attend conferences.
 Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in crisis situations involving computers and
people.
 Advanced knowledge of several computing platforms and operating systems to facilitate
integration of computing tasks across multiple systems.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
 Master's degree and 5 years of relevant data systems work, programming, and analytic
experience in a research environment, or Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of relevant data
systems work, programming, and analytic experience in a research environment.
License/Certifications:
 Ability to provide own transportation (fully-insured vehicle), provide proof of a valid
driver’s license, and compliance with Maine law regarding vehicle insurance.
Preferred:
 Experience in health care systems development.
 Detailed familiarity with aspects of the health care delivery system relevant to claims
processing such as claim forms, use of diagnostic and procedure codes, and other billing
procedures.
 Experience with HEDIS@ measures derived from claims
 Experience in client tracking based systems.
 Demonstrated in depth knowledge of at least 2 high level computer programming
languages (e.g. Visual Basic, VB.Net), knowledge of and experience with structured and
object oriented programming practices.
 Experience managing software programming project(s) from design to implementation
and documentation phases.
*NOTE: All individuals who are recommended to fill and subsequently offered a position with special essential responsibilities
as checked above, or other licensure or certification, shall have the following additional applicable background screening
completed (in addition to regular and standard background screening) based on the responsibilities of the position: Credit
history screening, and/or Sex offender registry screening, and/or Federal criminal history screening and/or License/certification
verification.
Date Approved:
Date Revised:
Job Family:
Salary Band:
Unit:
CUPA code:
Employee:
Position #:
2/2015
1
105
UMPSA
461130
vacant
00010470