SAS/Python Developer

Position Summary:

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch (BDESB), is seeking a temporary Developer/Programmer Analyst III to provide a needs assessment, programming automation, and system integration for electronic case reporting (eCR), data interoperability, and modernization activities for the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBIRDS). This position will conduct a needs assessment to evaluate and identify business requirements for eICR ingestion into the TBIRDS and the auto-population of select fields to expedite record abstraction. This position will lead projects to automate and expedite branch processes such as clinical review of cases in TBIRDS and build dashboards related to eCR implementation and data modernization efforts. The position will primarily support the development of automated processes between systems for extracting, validating, and using data from electronic initial case reports (eICRs). The contractor will work with BDESB program, epidemiology, and technical staff for system development to evaluate, identify, and document programming solutions. Developed solutions will reduce manual data review, improve the usability of eCR data, and support the interoperability and automation of electronic health data into existing surveillance and workflows.

Job Duties:

• Interoperability Needs Assessment: Conduct a needs assessment to evaluate and identify necessary steps for the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBIRDS) to ingest eICRs and auto-populate select data fields. Maintain clear documentation of programming scripts, workflows, validation procedures, developed solutions, and other integration specific information to support sustainability and future maintenance. Develop a report/system requirements document describing functions and workflows needed for TBIRDS interoperability. 
• Dashboards and System Integration: Develop, test, document, and maintain SAS, Python, R (or other statistical software) programs for multiple branch processes, including building dashboards. Programs will automate and integrate relevant data from eICRs into TBIRDS to expedite branch processes such as but not limited to: triaging cases for clinical review and/or automating data ingestion in TBIRDS.
• Testing and Validation: Test and validate automated workflow processes, standardization, linkage, and processing methods to assess accuracy, completeness, and reliability of SAS, R, and Python (or other statistical software) programs. Troubleshoot identified issues and refine programming solutions accordingly.
• Data Interoperability Automation and Registry Modernization: Support efforts to incorporate electronic health data into existing TBDR workflows and assist with needs assessment and planning related to eICR integration and other interoperability initiatives.
• Technical Requirements and Recommendations: Collaborate with BDESB staff and technical partners to identify data and system requirements, document technical processes, identify potential limitations, and develop recommendations for future interoperability projects.