Healthcare Data Scientist

Job responsibilities

Key Dimensions:

Using computer programming languages, you will assist the Principal Information Analyst and key stakeholders in all manners of deep-dive investigations, data analytics and modelling, providing evidence for strategic and operational decisions.

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Use data science methodologies and techniques effectively to model and analyse a range of healthcare information
2. Carry out complex analysis of complex patient flows using a variety of analytical methods and tools and be able to convey complex situations and analysis to a wide ranging audience
3. Create new predictive systems to improve forecasting and demand planning
4. Provide in depth analysis of performance issues, highlighting any variation and providing insight.
5. Assist in the development of data visualisation techniques to present analytical results
6. Use simulation modelling techniques for operational research work, using open source tools such as R Studio or Python
7. Create short term demand models for non-elective care
8. Create longer term forecasting models on performance against key NHS constitutional standards, e.g. RTT
9. Ensure new models are regularly tested and validated to maintain accuracy
10. Ensure regular routine models are automated
11. To clearly document the business rules for each project
12. Implement coding standards to ensure consistency across all projects and team members
13. Provide support to the Information Business Partners, Information Provision team and wider organisation in the interpretation and analysis of statistical results
14. Train staff in the use of operational research techniques
15. Work on longer term projects as well as provide an adhoc service for the organisation for modelling queries
16. Work to the standards of the existing Operational Research team, and contribute towards its continued improvement
17. Build on existing relationships with neighbouring NHS organisations for shared learning on modelling techniques
18. Support the Integrated Care Partnership with their modelling requirements
19. Assist work with Primary Care Networks to aid place based population health management
20. Continued professional development with health science networks and data science teams in Exeter University to ensure ongoing learning and research regarding best practice
21. Be reactive to the changing needs of the organisation and re-prioritise workload accordingly
22. Ensure that Personal Confidential Data and sensitive information is kept confidential at all times within the team and promote this requirement to the wider audience.

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Key Working relationships

• Principal Information Analyst
• Information Business Partners
• Information Provision Team
• Information Provision Team Leader
• Director of Performance & Delivery
• Head of Data, Analytics & Automation
• Head of Performance
• Other Senior Members of Department
• All in Performance Information
• Costing Team
• Care Group & Service Line Managers and the support teams
• Business Advisors

Key Communication channels

• Telephone
• Email
• Presenting data appropriately and in corporate style
• Written reports
• Flow diagrams

OTHER

Special Features

This role has a frequent requirement for intense concentration whilst developing models/programs & analysing complex data.

The job is specialised in terms of the technical capabilities of the post holder and the ability to develop skills and experience in the following would be considered core requisites to undertake the role:

Programming Languages & Systems

R, Python, SQL, Geographical Modelling Tools, AI/Machine Learning, PowerBI, QlikView, SSIS, SSRS

Databases

SQL Server (Multiple Versions), MySQL

All Job Holders are required to

1. Work to the Trust values - Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve.
2. Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc.
3. Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.
4. Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training.
5. Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.
6. Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust.
7. Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post.
8. Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk.
9. Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.
10. Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.
11. Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services.
12. Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.
13. Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations.

All Managers are responsible for

1. Assessing risks and implementing the necessary actions to minimise these risks within their sphere of responsibility. They must also enable staff to attend the relevant statutory and essential training.
2. Managing attendance in accordance with the Trusts Attendance Management Policy.

All Heads of Departments are responsible for

1. Ensuring all necessary risk assessments are carried out within their division, Service Line or department in liaison with relevant sources of specialist support and expertise within the Trust. They must also ensure that the risk management process is completed appropriately.

Note

This job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job description is to be read in conjunction with all current Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust policies, procedures & guidelines.

Budget Holder Responsibilities

The Trust has a devolved management structure, guided by Responsibility Accounting principles, whereby financial duties are delegated from the Accountable Officer (the Chief Executive) to Executive and Clinical Directors, then to Service Line Managers/Heads of Department and then to nominated Budget Holders. Each Budget Holders areas of responsibility are defined by the cost centres assigned to them.

Service Line Managers are required to take responsibility for the budget setting process and confirm the details of the Delegated Budget Holders who are responsible for setting budgets for each cost centre. Budget Holders will be the primary point of contact for exchange of information on the budgets to be set, be involved in setting their budgets, taking into account any financial restraints or targets, and sign off their budgets as a correct record of the budget discussions. A list of all Budget Holders will be maintained by the Finance Department.

Budget Holders key responsibilities in relation to budgets are to:

1. Confirm formal agreement of their final budget in the Budget Holder Monthly Checklist;
2. Deliver the required level of services within the budget; and
3. Take action where required and work with their Service Line Manager to ensure the above, agreeing budget changes as appropriate.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Aware of multiple modelling techniques including discrete event simulation, machine learning, forecasting and multivariate statistics
• Proven knowledge of Python/R Studio coding
• Demonstrable experience of thorough data analysis
• Advanced user of the MS Office Suite
• Project Management experience including requirements life-cycle

Desirable

• Proven knowledge of multiple modelling techniques including discrete event simulation, machine learning, forecasting and multivariate statistics
• Demonstrable experience of data mining and modelling
• The ability to analyse complex patient flows through hospital services
• Understanding of clinical terminology
• SQL and related technologies
• Proven knowledge of NHS information datasets, data manual and IT / reporting systems

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in data science, operational research, data analytics or similar discipline, or equivalent demonstrable experience
• Comprehensive IT training/education

Desirable

• Proven Evidence of postgraduate study in numerate/ informatics subject

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including presenting complex information to large groups of staff
• Excellent numerical and statistical skills
• Able to adapt to new software and programming languages
• Influencing others effectively
• Ability to explain analytical/complex concepts to lay persons
• Ability to prioritise workloads
• Teaching and mentoring skills
• Analytical mind
• Advanced and accurate key board skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to concentrate despite frequent interruptions
• Time management skills
• Ability to review and improve team processes and procedures

Disposition/Attitude/Motivation

Essential

• Team player
• Ability to work under own initiative in order to deliver agreed objectives with minimal managerial supervision and lead on specialist projects when given outline brief
• Ability to create networks effectively and develop a range of contacts that will support in the delivery of own key objectives
• Ability to cope with tight deadlines, constantly changing priorities and pressure
• Handle sensitive information (performance / political / patient level) with appropriate discretion
• Dedicated
• Frequent requirement for high levels of concentration to be sustained for long periods with the ability to deal with frequent interruptions from customers
• Ability to cope with long periods of VDU usage.
• Ability to motivate others
• Positive attitude in all circumstances

Other Factors

Essential

• Ability to travel between different sites
• Willing to work in more than one location

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).