Quality Improvement Information Specialist (751854)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in health science, child psychology/development, special education, or another related field. Some related experience.
• Experience with protocols for standardized data collection methods.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to use independent judgement while still adhering to project protocol. Work independently and as a team.
• Strong data entry, data cleaning and computer skills to include, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Products.
• Familiarity with record reviews and comprehension.

Role Description:

The new QIIS will function as an Autism Education Data Records Abstractor to perform data abstraction tasks for the Pennsylvania Autism Surveillance Project (PASP), a site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. The goal of the PASP is to track the number and characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities as part of the larger ADDM network to understand the prevalence of ASD in the United States. Data collection for this project entails reviewing confidential records for precise details at various health facilities and schools in Pennsylvania. Many of the records are available remotely, but some would require travel to site for access.

PASP adheres to a surveillance methodology developed by CDC involving screening and abstraction of data from records at multiple sources. There are no client and/or family interactions in this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate epidemiological and surveillance-related work, including experience with the abstraction of medical and educational records.
• Experience with electronic data collection and collecting sensitive data.
• Experience working with autistic children & teens preferred.
• Experience with Behavioral records and or Medical records preferred.
• Experience with web-based computer applications (e.g., REDCap), government record-keeping requirements, and processes.
• Special educational teaching / coordinating background a plus.

The QIIS will work directly with the Pennsylvania PASP Project Coordinator to:

• Perform data abstraction tasks: Access schools, hospitals, and other identified data sources within southeast Pennsylvania and review records to identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities cases for surveillance. Access may be physical or virtual.
• Complete all initial and annual training as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).
• Attend all required training and meetings hosted by the CDC and other entities as needed.
• Implement data collection processes and procedures as outlined in the CDC ADDM data abstraction manual.
• Communicate progress and challenges to PASP leadership and CDC as instructed.
• Access schools, hospitals, and other identified data sources primarily within the PASP surveillance area.
• Review records to identify potential cases for surveillance. Access may be physical or virtual.
• Conduct thorough tracking of assignment status and task completion on designated spreadsheets developed by PASP leadership.
• Attend in-person record reviews at data sources as assigned and scheduled by Project Coordinator.
• Update PASP Principal Investigator and Project Coordinator regularly on status, issues, and other updates.
• Complete all necessary forms and templates required for reporting.
• Verify that all potential cases reside within the specified surveillance area through methods stated in the CDC Data Abstraction Manual.
• Re-abstract key data elements from a 10% sample of records.
• Complete the quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) document after initial training and every three months during data collection.
• Perform data cleaning activities to ensure that data elements are complete and without errors.
• Track any errors or inconsistencies that occur through data collection process and information on how to correct the error.
• Follow CDC and DHS confidentiality and security guidelines.
• Participate in conference calls with the funder and other project sites.
• Support training development, education, and outreach activities, special PASP projects, and other related tasks as assigned in between abstraction periods.
• Other responsibilities as required.

About Us:

TulaRay partners with clients to create staffing solutions that meet unique organizational needs. Our services are designed to reduce administrative burdens, protect your brand, and improve assignment time-to-fill. We believe that mutually successful client relationships are built on lasting quality and exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves on our uncompromising commitment to high-quality emergency management & healthcare personnel, while ensuring that our clients are taken care of with personalized attention. TulaRay manages total compliance and respectfully supports hundreds of professionals and patient-centered programs.

TulaRay is proud to be an affirmative action employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by visiting our website at tularay.com