Clinical Integration Lead

Implementation Lead Clinical Integration Focus Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (Strong intent for Full-Time Conversion)
Industry: Healthcare Insurance/ Clinical Data
Location: Newark, NJ
Local candidates are expected to be onsite two days per week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
Non-local candidates must travel onsite one full week per month (typically the second week). Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Domain: Healthcare Data & Clinical Systems Integration

Overview
We're seeking a hands-on Implementation Lead with deep experience in clinical data integration and healthcare interoperability. This individual will drive the delivery of integration initiatives across clinical systems connecting EMRs, payer systems, and data platforms (Epic, Athena, HL7/FHIR, CCD/ADT).
This is not a management-only role it's for someone who can lead from the front, get into the data, and work collaboratively across business and technical teams. The right person thrives in fast-moving, "all-hands-on-deck environments where initiative and accountability matter.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end implementation of clinical integration and data exchange projects.
• Define, scope, and manage integration deliverables across multiple workstreams.
• Collaborate with Data Architects and BSAs to design and execute system integrations.
• Develop and document use cases, data mappings, and workflow processes.
• Ensure adherence to data standards and interoperability protocols (HL7, FHIR, CCD, ADT).
• Drive Epic and Athena integration activities, working closely with interface and data teams.
• Translate business needs into actionable technical requirements and test cases.
• Support SDLC execution, sprint planning, and weekly progress tracking.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, development teams, and external partners.
• Identify risks, propose mitigation strategies, and ensure timely delivery of integration milestones.

Required Experience

• 7+ years in healthcare IT or clinical data integration roles.
• Proven experience with Epic and Athena integration projects.
• Hands-on knowledge of HL7, CCD, FHIR, ADT, and other healthcare data exchange formats.
• Strong understanding of clinical data workflows and patient data exchange between systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent implementations.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills comfortable leading discussions across technical and business stakeholders.
• Deep familiarity with SDLC, project scoping, and technical specification development.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Background working with payer or PBM systems.
• Exposure to data governance, data modeling, or data platform architecture.
• Experience in a consulting environment or with large-scale healthcare integrations.
• Strong SQL and data analysis capabilities.

Ideal Candidate Profile
You're the type who doesn't wait for direction you take ownership. You can translate between business needs and data logic without getting lost in either. You know how to manage moving parts, troubleshoot with engineers, and speak fluent "integration.
In short, you're a technical leader with a get-it-done mindset no babysitting needed.