METHODS AND PROCEDURES CAREER ASSOCIATE II

Agency Marketing Statement

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $2 billion in state and federal funds, 7 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as a Methods and Procedures Career Associate II. Under direct supervision of the Perinatal Health Data Manager, Division of Health Data and Policy, oversees and performs day-to-day operations of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) using methods and procedures set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the Division of Health Data and Policy. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detailed and possess the ability to be able to communicate effectively verbally, electronically and in writing with both internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will also need to exercise initiative and resourcefulness in the development and completion of work projects and in appraising and evaluating problems of an operational and procedural natures.

Job Responsibilities

• Under direct supervision, oversees and performs day-to-day operations of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) using methods and procedures set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . While maintaining security and confidentiality, oversees and conducts scheduled data collection activities consistent with methods and procedures established by the CDC. Serves as a lead telephone interviewer and respondent refusal conversion specialist. Interviews PRAMS survey candidates, including some evening and weekend interviewing. Trains staff on interviewing the PRAMS Integrated Data Collecton System (PIDS), human subjects requirements and data management activities. Provides constructive feedback to assure optimal performance and apprises the Perinatal Health Data Manager of training needs. Monitors monthly survey and annual response rates and endeavors to increase them to meet or exceed established CDC response thresholds. Opens and closes batches on a timely basis to ensure a smooth steady and timely work flow.

• Performs data management functions and oversees quality control of PRAMS data.  Edits and corrects data files. Maintains required documentation in all phases of the operation. Performs validation and verification of survey data. Generates monthly batch reports for submission to CDC. Performs database back-up procedures. Maintains security and confidentiality of PRAMS data. Coordinates periodic installation of software updates when required by CDC, submits support tickets to report database issues. Assists PRAMS Data Manager to enter data from completed questionnaires into the database. Perform Internet and database searches to locate missing PRAMS participants' addresses/phone numbers. Prepares mailing packages for PRAMS candidates to ensure a smooth, steady and timely work flow. Track disposition of monthly samples throughout the data collection period.

Job Responsibilities (continued)

• Supports the Perinatal Health Data Manager in development of survey questionnaires, protocol development, and work flow coordination. Support the Perinatal Health Data Manager by implementing new and revised Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved documents needed for day-to- day operations.  Develops professional competence and skills with CDC software, protocol, and Illinois adaptations of PRAMS methods and procedures.
• Maintains adequate inventory and supplies for data collections operations. Monitors preparation of survey and other mailing materials. Assures respondent rewards are tracked, reported and sent in a timely manner. Participates in staff meetings, CDC teleconferences and site visits, and other PRAMS community events.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires an associate of art's degree or the completion of two years college and two years of experience in the methods and procedures study field or other related experience in a public administration field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Elementary knowledge of pertinent Perinatal state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• One year experience maintaining contacts and working relationships with the public.
• One year experience appraising and evaluating problems of an operational and procedural nature
• Two years experience using Microsoft Office products.
• One year experience working with pregnant persons or persons who have recently given birth.
• One year experience collecting data.
• One year experience providing training.
• One year experience developing survey questionnaires.