Public Health Informatics Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s interconnected world, the role of Public Health Informatics Specialist has become increasingly critical.

As healthcare systems progressively rely on technology, the need for skilled individuals who can design, implement, and optimize these complex digital systems is more pressing than ever.

But what does it really take to become a Public Health Informatics Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
• A recruitment officer crafting the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the nuts and bolts of public health informatics,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Public Health Informatics Specialist job description template, created to facilitate effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Public Health Informatics Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Public Health Informatics Specialists are involved in the design and implementation of information technology solutions for public health departments.

Their focus is to ensure that the right information is accessible to the right people at the right time.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing health information systems to collect, store, and analyze public health data
• Working closely with health care professionals to understand their data needs and developing solutions to meet those needs
• Ensuring that health information systems comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to patient privacy and data security
• Providing training and support to staff members on how to use health information systems effectively
• Collaborating with stakeholders to identify opportunities for system improvements and enhancements
• Developing and managing data standards to ensure data integrity and compatibility across different systems
• Creating and maintaining documentation for health information systems, including user manuals and system specifications
• Analyzing public health data to identify trends and patterns that can inform policy and program decisions
• Staying updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field of health informatics

 

Public Health Informatics Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Public Health Informatics Specialist to improve public health outcomes through effective use of data and technology.

Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing public health data, assisting in the development of health informatics strategies, and implementing new systems to improve public health services.

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in public health and a keen understanding of health informatics.

The role of the Public Health Informatics Specialist is to effectively harness the power of technology and data to improve public health services and outcomes.

 

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze public health data.
• Assist in the development of health informatics strategies.
• Implement new systems to improve public health services.
• Work with public health professionals to understand their data and technology needs.
• Collaborate with IT professionals to develop and maintain health informatics systems.
• Train public health staff on how to use new systems and technologies.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in health informatics.
• Ensure compliance with health information privacy regulations.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Public Health Informatics Specialist or similar role.
• Strong understanding of health informatics and data analysis.
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices.
• Familiarity with health information privacy regulations.
• Excellent communication and training skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Master’s degree in public health, health informatics, or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Health Informatics Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional field visits. Some travel may be required for meetings or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Public Health or Health Informatics Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $105,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Public Health Informatics Specialist Do?

Public Health Informatics Specialists are typically employed by government agencies, healthcare organizations, or non-profit organizations.

They might also work as consultants or in academia.

These professionals play a key role in managing public health information systems.

They work closely with public health practitioners, policymakers, and IT professionals to design, implement, and maintain databases and information systems that are used to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to public health.

Their responsibilities include ensuring data quality and integrity, developing data management protocols, and creating data visualization tools to help others understand the information.

They also play an important role in the interpretation of data and the translation of data into actionable public health strategies.

Additionally, Public Health Informatics Specialists may be involved in the development of new technologies and methodologies to improve the collection, analysis, and use of public health data.

They may also provide training to other public health professionals on how to use these systems and interpret the data they produce.

Their work is vital in helping to identify patterns and trends in public health, which can be used to inform public health policy and interventions.

 

Public Health Informatics Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A competent Public Health Informatics Specialist should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of public health, healthcare delivery systems and health informatics, for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
• Technical skills, such as database management, programming, and data analysis software, to effectively process and analyze health data.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities to interpret complex health data and derive actionable insights.
• Project management skills to oversee health informatics projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are executed effectively and within the specified timeline.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with healthcare providers, IT personnel, and other stakeholders, and to translate complex data into understandable information.
• Research skills to stay updated with the latest developments in the field of health informatics and apply them in practice.
• Proficiency in health information laws, regulations, and standards, to ensure all data handling practices are compliant.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, promoting a cooperative work environment.

 

Public Health Informatics Specialist Experience Requirements

Public Health Informatics Specialists generally need a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as health informatics, public health, computer science, or data science.

This is where they gather a significant amount of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

For an entry-level role, employers often require 1-2 years of experience, which candidates might have gained through internships, part-time roles, or research projects in public health, health informatics, data analysis, or similar fields.

Candidates with 3-5 years of experience typically have worked in full-time roles such as Health Informatics Analyst, Data Analyst, Public Health Analyst, or similar positions.

In these roles, they would have developed their technical skills and in-depth understanding of public health data and systems.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be expected to have some leadership or project management experience.

At this level, they may have worked in senior roles such as Lead Health Informatics Analyst or Public Health Informatics Project Manager, and could be ready for more strategic or managerial roles.

Moreover, some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in public health informatics or a related field, especially for more advanced positions.

In all cases, ongoing professional development is important as public health informatics is a rapidly evolving field.

 

Public Health Informatics Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Public Health Informatics Specialists typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in health informatics, health information management, or a related field such as public health or health sciences.

The coursework in these degrees includes studying health data management, information systems, epidemiology, and public health policy.

A strong understanding of healthcare operations, clinical care, and disease processes is also important.

Many roles in this field require a master’s degree in public health informatics, health informatics, health information management, or a closely related field.

These advanced programs provide more specialized training in areas such as data analysis and management, health information systems, and healthcare decision support systems.

Depending on the role and the organization, additional qualifications may include certifications such as Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS), or Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA).

Public Health Informatics Specialists should also be familiar with healthcare laws and regulations, healthcare coding systems, and medical terminologies.

Experience in public health administration, healthcare management, data analysis, or a related area can also be beneficial.

As with many IT-related careers, ongoing learning and staying updated with technological advancements in the field is critical.

 

Public Health Informatics Specialist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Public Health Informatics Specialist is $75,000 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, education, and the location of employment.

 

Public Health Informatics Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Public Health Informatics Specialist need?

A Public Health Informatics Specialist needs to be skilled in handling and analyzing large data sets, using software and systems related to health informatics, and understanding public health concepts.

Strong communication skills are also important for collaborating with other professionals and explaining complex data in an understandable way.

Additionally, problem-solving and critical thinking skills are crucial for creating solutions to public health issues using informatics.

 

Do Public Health Informatics Specialists need a degree?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as public health, health informatics, or data science is typically required.

However, many positions prefer candidates with a master’s degree in public health, health informatics, or a related field.

Further, experience with data analysis, healthcare systems, and software related to health informatics can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Public Health Informatics Specialist resume?

A Public Health Informatics Specialist’s resume should highlight their education in a related field and their experience with health informatics systems and data analysis.

It’s important to look for a strong understanding of public health issues and the ability to use data to address these issues.

Additionally, familiarity with software and tools used in health informatics, as well as any certifications related to the field, can be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Public Health Informatics Specialist?

A good Public Health Informatics Specialist is analytical, able to interpret complex data and use it to make informed decisions.

They are detail-oriented, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their work.

They also have strong communication skills, allowing them to work effectively with a diverse range of professionals and explain complex data in an accessible way.

A passion for public health and a desire to use data to improve health outcomes is also a key quality.

 

Is it difficult to hire Public Health Informatics Specialists?

Finding qualified Public Health Informatics Specialists can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a combination of skills in public health, data analysis, and health informatics systems.

Therefore, it’s important to have a thorough recruitment process to identify candidates with the right mix of education, skills, and experience.

Offering competitive salaries, ongoing training opportunities, and a meaningful work environment can also help attract top candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

We’ve just shed light on the dynamic role of a Public Health Informatics Specialist.

But guess what?

It’s not just about data analysis.

It’s about shaping the future of public health, one data point at a time.

With our Public Health Informatics Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every data point contributes to a larger narrative in public health.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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