Health Analyst

at  Public Health Ontario

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS-

• Familiarity with public health information systems such as the Integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) and ability to work with large data sets and utilize a range of information systems.
• Skilled in the use of data sets, spreadsheets, databases, statistical packages and BI tools such as SAS, R, Python, and Cognos.
• Knowledge of population health indicators, epidemiological concepts, public health research, statistical analysis, health analytic methods, and techniques to analyze data, (including trend analysis using any statistical software). Ability to use this information and work with content experts to define their data needs would be an asset.
• Familiarity with local public health unit disease of public health significance data and reporting practices would be an asset.
• Knowledge of stakeholder groups, building public health, research, academic, institutional, and professional networks, and working at local, provincial/territorial, and/or federal levels would be an asset.
• Knowledge of, and skills in effective time management methods and techniques to plan, develop data set creation and analysis plans for projects.
• Knowledge of current public health issues related to communicable diseases and emergency preparedness.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE-

• Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, biostatistics or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the collection, collation, analysis and interpretation of health data.
• Experience with database design, health analytics, and public health methods and data analysis techniques.

THE ROLE:

To provide a range of data collection, collation and analyses to support the data needs of clients within the Digital and Data Portfolio, PHO and external stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES-

• Analyzes, interprets and reports health data using appropriate methods in response to inquiries from Digital and Data Portfolio colleagues and PHO staff.
• Conducts the routine analysis of large data sets for the interpretation and production of basic population health assessment and surveillance reports.
• Prepares and disseminates health status and surveillance information in various formats including reports, charts, graphs, maps and community health profiles.
• Writes and executes computer programs for data extraction, data set creation and analysis using spreadsheets and statistical software packages (e.g., Excel, SAS, R, Python).
• Maintains electronic access to data holdings, information systems and appropriate interfaces to ensure an organized and clean file structure of the PHO’s large data sets.
• Supports the portfolio’s data quality assurance efforts through the application of proven analytical approaches to identify errors or limitations in the data and to improve data validity.
• Maintains contact with database and analysis experts within the broader public health system to keep up to date in the area of data quality, data management and analysis, and related technologies.
• Works with staff across PHO to assist in developing data set creation and analysis plans which require access to different public health data holdings.
• Completes program and project documentation according to applicable standards and guidelines.
• Contributes to the ongoing development of standard operation procedures for data set creation, analysis and reporting.
• Contributes to the identification of optimum methods for analysis and assists in the interpretation of data.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.