IT Security Specialist

NC DHHS - Privacy and Security Office (PSO) requiring services of an Electronic Health Record System IT Security lead to assist DSOHF.

• The EHR Security Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the security of the organization's Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• This role involves managing access controls, conducting security audits, developing security policies, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA and HITECH.
• The EHR Security Coordinator will work closely with IT, clinical, and compliance teams to secure patient data and protect the integrity of the EHR system.

Key Responsibilities:

Security Management & Compliance:

• Ensure the EHR system is secure and compliant with federal, state, and organizational security policies, including HIPAA, HITECH, and other applicable regulations.
• Monitor and enforce the appropriate use of EHR access controls, ensuring that users have the correct level of access based on their roles.
• Conduct regular security audits of the EHR system, identifying and mitigating risks or vulnerabilities.
• Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and guidelines specific to the EHR environment.
• Coordinate with the stakeholders to implement and maintain security tools, such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption mechanisms, as applicable to the EHR system.

Access Controls & User Management:

• Oversee user provisioning and de-provisioning, ensuring appropriate access to the system for all employees and contractors.
• Manage and audit role-based access controls (RBAC) for the system, ensuring that users have the correct level of access for their duties.
• Ensure that system logs and user access records are maintained for auditing purposes, and work with internal audit teams to ensure compliance.

Incident Response & Risk Management:

• Respond to and investigate security incidents related to the EHR system, ensuring timely resolution and proper reporting to relevant stakeholders.
• Perform risk assessments on new modules or integrations within the EHR, identifying potential security vulnerabilities and developing mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with clinical, IT, and legal teams on breach notification processes in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Collaboration & Coordination:

• Collaborate with the EHR implementation and optimization teams to ensure that security measures are integrated into the deployment of new features, updates, and third-party applications.
• Work closely with other members of the IT security team to ensure alignment between EHR security and overall organizational cybersecurity strategies.
• Participate in governance and compliance meetings, offering insights and reports on EHR security.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay informed about emerging security threats, technologies, and best practices related to EHR systems.
• Recommend improvements and optimizations to the EHR security environment based on industry trends and emerging threats.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for formal education.
• Security Certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, HCISPP) are highly desirable.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in IT security, preferably within the healthcare industry.
• Prior experience with EHR systems is preferred.
• Experience with HIPAA compliance, healthcare IT security audits, and risk management.
• Knowledge of role-based access control (RBAC), identity management, and data encryption as it relates to healthcare information systems.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of EHR systems.
• Proficient in healthcare regulations and standards, including HIPAA, HITECH, and meaningful use.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills, capable of working across departments and with clinical teams.
• Ability to manage security incidents and respond to them efficiently.
• Familiarity with healthcare IT infrastructure, including networking, firewalls, and database security.

Working Conditions:

• May require occasional travel to different healthcare facilities within the organization.
• On-call availability for security incidents.