Job Title: Chief Information Officer

Position Code: B18E Exempt

Department: Administration

Position Category (330): Management and Support Staff (L30a)

Position Category (Rphca): Administration Staff

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

A. Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) the Chief Information Officer (CIO) will provide technology vision and leadership in the development and implementation of the affiliate-wide information technology (IT) program. The CIO will lead the health care network in planning and implementing enterprise information systems to support both distributed and centralized clinical and business operations and achieve more effective and cost beneficial enterprise-wide IT operations. Additionally, the CIO:

• Provides strategic and tactical planning, development, evaluation, and coordination of the information and technology systems for the health care network.
• Facilitates communication between staff, management, vendors, and other technology resources within the organization.
• Oversees the back office computer operations of the affiliate management information system, including local area networks and wide-area networks.
• Responsible for the management of multiple information and communications systems and projects, including voice, data, imaging, and office automation.
• Designs, implements, and evaluates the systems that support end users in the productive use of computer hardware and software.
• Develops and implements user-training programs.
• Oversees and evaluates system security and back up procedures. Supervises the Network Administrator.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the implementation of new affiliate-wide information systems, as needed.

BUDGET/CONTRACTS

2. Approves, coordinates and controls all projects related to selection, acquisition, development and installation of major information systems for the affiliate. Provides advice on evaluation, selection, implementation and maintenance of information systems, ensuring appropriate investment in strategic and operational systems. Evaluates systems to measure their success.

3. Reviews all hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts, soliciting involvement and participation of other management team members as appropriate.

4. Develops and maintains corporate policies and standards aimed at maximizing effectiveness and minimizing costs related to the acquisition, implementation and operation of IT systems.

5. Develops, when possible, master purchase or lease agreements for hardware, software, maintenance and telecommunication services.

6. Develops and monitors the approved annual operating and capital budgets for information and technology systems.

7. Maintains contact with IT suppliers and maintains knowledge of current technology, equipment, prices and terms of agreements to minimize the investment required to meet established service levels. Evaluates alternatives, performs appropriate cost benefit analysis, and recommends solutions that maximize effectiveness and minimize costs commensurate with acceptable risks.

8. Manages relationships with vendors for sales, service and support of all information systems and technology. Maintains problem logs, documenting system errors or defects. Serves as the primary contact to software, hardware and network-related vendors, consultants, and partners.

PLANNING/POLICY DEVELOPMENT

9. Responsible for the technology vision and planning process that will regularly evaluate existing technology, information systems, and staffing, research new solutions and technologies and recommend changes.

10. Responsible for planning, development, evaluation, coordination and management of the information and technology systems for the affiliate. This includes telephones, data imaging, practice management systems, and office automation.

11. Develops and enforces policy and procedures to ensure the protection of the affiliate’s IT assets and the integrity, security and privacy if information entrusted to or maintained by the affiliate.

12. Oversees the linkage between external technology systems (e.g. government, vendors and other health care organizations) and the affiliate’s IT resources; including systems for electronic data exchange.

13. Recommend changes to software applications based on analysis of their impact to all users requirements.

14. Gather and analyze changing requirements of users and develop effective and feasible ways to satisfy user requirements.

SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION/REPORTING

15. Promotes and oversees relationships between the health care network’s IT resources and external entities (e.g., government, vendors, researchers, and other health care organizations).

16. Ensures that all information systems and networks operate according to internal standards, external accrediting agency standards, regulatory agencies and legal requirements, including HIPAA.

17. Develops and maintains the systems architecture, defining standards and protocols for data exchange, communications, software and interconnection of health care network information systems.

18. Coordinates and manages reporting needs and data analysis for the affiliate. Ensures that the gathering, processing, distribution and use of pertinent information required by management to make decisions occur in a timely, accurate and cost effective manner.

19. Manages the system that provides training and support to end users.

20. Ensures that data systems are capable of provision of all patient data and statistics as required by Federal, state and local agencies. Supports the development of patient reports as requested.

21. Develop and maintain system recovery plan in the event of power failure, damage to system, etc.

22. Facilitate correction of any system failures, contact point for computer problems.

23. Oversee the development, maintenance, and communication of systems documentation, policies, and procedures.

TRAINING

24. Supervises the development and maintenance of user documentation, including complete user manuals, FAQs and help files.

25. Communicates IS/IT plans, policies and technology trends throughout the organization, including management groups and professional staff.

26. Develop, implement and maintain comprehensive user training program. Provide directly or arrange new user training and advanced training for existing users.

27. Update documentation and on-line help facilities.

SUPERVISION/STAFF COORDINATION

28. Select, train, supervise, evaluate and dismiss, if necessary, the IS/IT Department, Cast Team, and/or Data Analyst. Assure that the duties and roles assigned to the IS/IT Department, Cast Team, and/or Data Analyst will be performed during vacations, illnesses, and other cases where the IS/IT Department, Cast Team, and/or Data Analyst is not available.

29. Serve as chair of Information Technology Task Force.

30. Serve as a member of the Affiliate Compliance Committee

C. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience with increasing responsibilities for management and support of healthcare information systems and information technology, direct management of a major IT operation is preferred. Significant experience in a health care setting is desirable, specifically in technology and information systems planning to support business goals. Experience should also include exposure to both shared and outsourced solutions, as well as support of in-house information and communication systems in a multi-site client-server environment. Specific experience with practice management, financial management and clinical management information systems is a plus.
• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business Administration or a related field or equivalent experience. A Master’s degree in Health/Hospital Administration, Public Health, or Business Administration, or related field is highly desirable.

D. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Familiarity with desktop, notebook, handheld, and server computer hardware.
• Familiarity with local and wide area network design, implementation, and operation.
• Familiarity with operating systems such as Windows, Unix, and Linux.
• Knowledge of various office productivity software programs such as word processing, databases, spreadsheet programs, and communications software.
• Familiarity with various computer peripherals such as printers, monitors, modems and other equipment.
• General knowledge of business processes and their interrelationship gained through three or more years of related experience.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex issues, both logical and interpersonal.
• Effective verbal and written communications skills and effective presentation skills, all geared toward coordination and education.
• Ability to negotiate and defuse conflict.
• Self-motivator, independent, cooperative, flexible, creative.
• Current driver’s license and access to reliable transportation; ability and willingness to travel when necessary.

Comprehensive knowledge of:

• Business principles and techniques of administration, organization, and management to include an in-depth understanding of the key business issues that exist in the health care industry. These include, but are not limited to, knowledge of strategic and operational planning, health care economics, personnel administration, federal, state and local laws, marketing, financial and cost analysis, trends in the health care industry, and primary health care administrative theory and practice.
• Data processing methods and procedures, and computer software systems
• Business office operations as it pertains to third party billing and reimbursement activities in a managed care environment
• Systems design and development process, including requirements analysis, feasibility studies, software design, programming, pilot testing, installation, evaluation and operational management
• Business process analysis and redesign
• Design, management, and operation of managed IT systems

Proven skills in:

• Negotiating with vendors, contractors, and others
• Budget preparation and monitoring
• Planning and organizing
• Management and leadership
• Communication

Demonstrated ability to:

• Relate to all levels of the user community
• Be a team player that motivates and educates other team members
• Plan, implement and support systems in a complex health care environment
• Set and manage priorities
• Comprehend complex, technical subjects
• Translate technical language to lay audiences
• Link and apply complex technologies to business strategies

E. Age of Patients Served

None

F. COVID-19 VACCINE REQUIRED

COVID-19 Vaccination required as a condition of employment. Individuals with medical issues or religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may request an exemption from the vaccine requirement at the time an offer is delivered.

G. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS/WORKING CONDITIONS

A person in this position has to be able to prioritize and respond to the diverse demands of the position. There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion, change position in work activities, or break from computer application tasks.

• Physical Effort and Dexterity: Good dexterity to operate IT equipment, and personal computer and office equipment. Moderate lifting and carrying related to duties.
• Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Capable of using office machines and personal computers for word processing, data entry and spreadsheet applications.
• Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read a computer monitor and outputs accurately. Candidate must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and adhere to company’s safety policy.
• Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly inside a controlled environment. Normal safety precautions and practices are required. Position requires travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends and evenings may be required to meet deadlines.