LABORATORY INFORMATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIST

Recruitment #2209-1948-001

Introduction

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

 

 The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

 

Purpose

Under the direction of the Public Health Laboratories Director, the Laboratory Information Systems Specialist provides administrative oversite of the Milwaukee Health Department’s (MHD) Laboratory Information System (LIS) and information technology functions, including security, data integrity, disaster recovery, troubleshooting, and the recommendation and coordination of hardware and software upgrade purchases and installations.

Essential Functions

Laboratory Information Systems Oversight

  • Assure the performance of all software, operating system, database back-ups, system shutdowns, startups and reboots.
  • Analyze, troubleshoot and solve all system-related problems.
  • Assure maintenance of the Laboratory Information System (LIS) through the vendor Task Monitoring System (TMS) of communication and documentation and serve as the principle contact with the vendor.
  • Monitor and maintain all peripheral equipment and maintain the inventory database.
  • Manage, maintain and perform quality control and quality assurance functions.
  • Assure and manage timely and accurate LIS billing files.
  • Produce scheduled workload reports and ad hoc reports to meet laboratory and departmental needs.

Laboratory Informatics Development

  • Represent the laboratory in departmental committee work related to information technology.
  • Establish, plan and hold Laboratory Information System/Information Technology (LIS/IT) committee meetings on a regular basis to address the needs and concerns of the laboratory and staff.
  • Represent the laboratory as the main contact for LIS development and continuous improvement.
  • Plan, recommend, initiate and direct all system upgrades and enhancements.
  • Compile, evaluate and implement LIS modification requests.
  • Train employees in the use of the LIS and write, update and distribute training instructions.

Project Management, Data Access and Compliance

  • Develop and maintain policies and procedures. addressing all aspects of LIS functionality, including routine, emergency and disaster recovery.
  • Optimize use of off-site reporting via electronic messaging (e.g. auto-printing, auto-faxing, portal).
  • Develop and implement reporting mechanisms, using Structured Query Language (SQL), Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) and LIS-Epidemiology functionality. 
  • Maintain the functionality of the National Food Safety System's Interagency Electronic Exchange Network (eLEXNET) and assist in the development, enhancement, and maintenance of all functions related to the MHDL.
  • Assure electronic interoperability of internal and external laboratory systems and surveillance programs.
  • With assistance from MHD Network Administrator, develop GIS lab surveillance capabilities accessible to public health and private laboratories and clinicians.
  • Assure the development and implementation of secure electronic interfaces to provide data to health agencies such as the National Laboratory Response Network (NLRN) and Wisconsin Laboratory Response Network (WLRN), the Wisconsin Division of Public Health and others.
  • Assure laboratory has optimized use of Public Health LIS.
  • Participate in the review and the development of data standards and vocabularies as related to laboratory test results and the identification of microorganisms (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC), Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED), International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.
  • Assure LIS compliance in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), National and Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS & WEDSS), Wisconsin Health Alert Network (HAN), and the State of Wisconsin Dairy and Water Laboratory Standards, FDA form 2400, section 2.f: Requirements for Computer/Electronic Records.
  • Assess connectivity capabilities of the hardware, software, and high-speed internet and ensure security and protection of data, information, and systems, with adequate backup, organizational, and surge capacity.
  • Work with departmental, local and state IT staff to setup and maintain interfaces.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date.  You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here. 

  • Must be willing to work beyond standard business hours to accomplish work and to meet departmental needs.
  • Travel outside the City of Milwaukee, including overnight, may be required.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, microbiology, environmental microbiology, medical technology or closely related field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Three years of progressively responsible experience in information technology, including one year performing advanced functions related to scientific or laboratory information systems.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Ability to acquire and maintain basic UNIX troubleshooting skills.
  • Knowledge of networking technology including servers, switches, routers and related equipment.
  • Ability to learn laboratory fundamentals and to develop a working knowledge of microbiological and chemistry procedures and methods to inform IT functions.
  • Knowledge of Windows and UNIX (AIX) operating systems.
  • Working knowledge of non-Windows operating systems and how to integrate them into a Windows environment.
  • Knowledge of hardware construction, configuration and troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge of multiple programming languages, database systems and SQL programming.
  • Expert level knowledge in the setup and day-to-day support and development of a Windows-based computers environment.
  • Familiarity with Internet tools, including Telnet and File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
  • Knowledge of relational databases in conjunction with Open Database Connectivity (ODBC).
  • Ability to develop and apply an understanding of the routine operations of a public health laboratory.
  • Ability to grasp new software programs quickly.
  • Ability to ensure that job-related issues are identified, documented and tracked throughout the problem resolution process.
  • Ability to develop and carry out complex project plans, including the ability to deploy new technology for data analysis and transmission.

Communication

  • Written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear correspondence and reports.
  • Verbal communication, presentation, and training skills in order to effectively share information with technical and non-technical audiences.

Interpersonal and Customer Service

  • Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary staff, other agencies, and the public.
  • Ability to understand customer needs and recommend suitable technology to meet those needs.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.
  • Ability to consult effectively with and train IT staff and customers.

Organizational, Planning, and Time Management Skills

  • Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple and changing priorities.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to organize projects and people through effective use of quality tools to meet project deadlines.
  • Ability to perform duties skillfully and accurately with a minimum of supervision.
  • Commitment to carrying out the department’s goals and objectives.
  • Commitment to professional development and staying informed of software application trends.
  • Honesty, integrity, and the ability to safeguard City resources.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 2HN) is $62,583-$78,342 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $64,461-$80,692 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFTS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:  

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE: The examination will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

  • Applications can be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.  
  • Applications should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO 203


The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.