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The Researcher's Guide to VA Data

VA Information Resource Center

 

Come Work with VIReC!

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What We Do

At VIReC, we are passionate about creating engaging experiences for United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) data users. We produce resources that help scientists and analysts effectively use VA’s rich data stores to answer research and quality improvement questions. Visit our About Us page for more information on who we are and what we do.

Current Positions

VIReC is currently looking for dedicated and enthusiastic people to join our team in improving Veteran healthcare and well-being through research. We’re recruiting multiple positions as described below. VIReC is based at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in the Chicagoland area and all positions are authorized for remote work (100% telework with <5% travel required for meetings/events). Candidates must be U.S. Citizens. All positions are VA term appointments, renewable based on funding and performance. The targeted General Schedule (GS) pay range is GS-9 through GS-13. Starting pay is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Associate Director for Data Knowledge & Documentation (Social Science Analyst, GS-13)

VIReC is looking for a skilled VA data analyst with management experience to lead and oversee our Data Knowledge and Documentation program in supporting the use of VA electronic health record (EHR) data and other national VA databases. This position requires experience leading and managing teams, familiarity with the use of data in health services research, experience working with large databases, and advanced SQL skills.

As Associate Director, the incumbent will be responsible for:

  • Contributing to the production of data documentation and field education.

  • Developing and managing VIReC’s data knowledge portfolio.

  • Leading and managing data knowledge and documentation specialists throughout all phases of data knowledge production.

  • Serving on national boards as a data expert and advocate.

  • Delivering high-quality presentations and consultations tailored to a range of audiences.

  • Working with VIReC's director and other leadership to establish and advance Center direction and priorities.

Necessary skills and experience:

  • Degree and/or direct experience in health services research, epidemiology, health economics, or related social sciences.

  • Experience managing and directing teams.

  • Experience leading research projects or large database evaluations.

  • 5+ years of experience managing and analyzing VA data sources such as the CDW, Vital Status File, and/or other commonly used VA databases.

  • Demonstrable expertise in data management and/or data analysis using SQL.

  • Experience examining the quality and utility of large databases.


Data Knowledge & Data Documentation Specialists (Social Science Analysts, GS-12 or GS-13)

Data Knowledge and Data Documentation Specialists support the use of VA electronic health record (EHR) data and other national VA databases. This position requires advanced SQL skills, familiarity with the use of data in health services research and experience working with large databases. Incumbents will be responsible for a range of activities related to providing high-quality documentation, education, and consultative resources for VA data users in the following areas:

Data Documentation

  • Documents large VA databases, their contents, and structure.

  • Produces technical reports on topics related to data utilization, reliability, validity, and availability.

  • Collaborates with operations and field research partners to develop data methods resources.

  • Develops ideas for new products and topics for the VIReC portfolio.

Data Investigation and Analysis

  • Uses advanced data management and statistical methods to extract generalized insights for a broad analytical audience.

  • Develops data management and analysis methods to be made available to a wide variety of data users across the VA.

Education, Communication, and Training

  • Serves as an expert on VA data content and methods for data management and use.

  • Shares knowledge and expertise with VA data users who have a diverse range of experience and skills.

  • Develops training materials and national webinars to educate data users about VA data and its effective use.

  • Delivers high-quality presentations and consultations tailored to a range of audiences.

  • Leads junior analysts throughout all phases of data knowledge production.

Necessary skills and experience:

  • Degree and/or direct experience in health services research, epidemiology, health economics, or related social sciences.

  • 5+ years of experience managing and analyzing VA data sources such as the CDW, Vital Status File, and/or other commonly used VA databases.

  • Demonstrable expertise in data management and/or data analysis using SQL.

  • Experience examining the quality and utility of large databases.


Health Information Specialists (Social Science Analyst, GS-12)

Health Information Specialists support and educate VA researchers using administrative, claims, and other data provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Experience with CMS data is required and experience with VA data is preferred.

Responsibilities include:

  • Leading the creation of reports to assist researchers in designing studies on Veteran’s use of healthcare services through CMS.

  • Educating VA’s data user community on the use of CMS data.

  • Advising investigators in research methodology involving CMS data

  • Providing technical support and consultation to projects using VA and CMS data for research projects.

  • Using SAS or SQL to investigate data quality issues in VA and CMS data.

  • Documenting the quality and utility of large databases.

Necessary skills and experience:

  • Degree and/or direct experience in health services research, epidemiology, health economics, or related social sciences.

  • Experience using CMS administrative or claims data.

  • Proficiency in clearly communicating (both written and oral) complex or technical information.

  • Demonstrable expertise in data management and/or data analysis using SAS or SQL.


Project Coordinator for Customer Service & VA REDCap Support (Research Health Scientist, GS-9)

Research Health Scientist Project Coordinator will coordinate and support a range of activities to streamline and improve customer service initiatives. The Project Coordinator plays a critical role in the organization providing frontline service to those who seek our products and services.

Responsibilities include:

  • Acknowledging, triaging, and answering HelpDesk questions regarding the VA data environment.

  • Managing and monitoring online community forums to assist with community engagement, understanding customer needs, and informing product development.

  • Coordinating customer service feedback efforts such as assisting with needs assessments and surveys.

  • Updating and maintaining the VIReC Customer Service Access Database by entering HelpDesk requests and other related information as appropriate.

  • Provides ad hoc, routine reports and other metrics from the Customer Service Access Database.

  • Creating tools for improving workflows to streamline customer service activities using SharePoint, MS Office 365, and other platforms as needed.

  • Researches and identifies resources related to customer needs and effectively communicates that knowledge to the end user.

  • Identifying themes in customer needs and working with project teams to translate those needs into FAQs, web content, and other communications.

  • Conducts consultations with researchers and other data users on various aspects of VA data sources.

  • Works with Customer Service Lead, Manager and/or System Design Specialist to support future developments of customer service systems and workflows.

  • Provides specialized guidance and contribute ideas regarding the coordination of VIReC Customer Service activities.

  • Leverage skills and experience to other projects requiring customer service support (e.g. VIReC VA REDCap Support Team, Listserv/Forums, etc).

  • Attending regular meetings with customer service team.

Necessary skills and experience:

  • Degree and/or direct experience in health services research, epidemiology, health economics, or related social sciences.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Products, including Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, Teams, etc.

  • Working knowledge of applications for data collection and entry.

  • Experience with VA REDCap preferred.

  • Excellent customer service abilities, including exceptional oral and written communication skills.

  • Record of success creating positive experiences for customers, problem solving, active listening.

  • Must possess data management skills as evidenced by accurate data entry and timely report processing.


Project Coordinator for Research Administration & Operations (Research Health Scientist, GS-9)

Research Health Scientist Project Coordinator will coordinate and support a range of activities to streamline and improve VIReC administrative operations.

Responsibilities include:

  • Managing timekeeping and daily out of office reporting for staff in multiple time zones with varying work schedules.

  • Managing employee travel, including preparing travel documentation, assisting with travel approvals, and troubleshooting issues.

  • Assisting with purchase orders, including researching vendors and preparing orders for approval.

  • Scheduling appointments and arranging virtual and in-person meetings.

  • Coordinating conference registration process, including preparing documents and related purchases.

  • Coordinating exhibit booth activities, such as creating exhibit booth schedules, tracking shipments, and working with staff to ensure dissemination materials are updated and printed

  • Creating tools for improving workflows to streamline administrative operations activities using SharePoint, MS Office 365, and other platforms as needed.

  • Coordinating and promoting professional development activities for staff, including researching professional development opportunities and recruiting workshop facilitators, guest speakers, or staff to present on topics of interest.

  • Facilitating professional development workshops on topics such as email and time management, burn-out, remote work, and diversity.

  • Coordinating, organizing, and tracking work within projects, including managing tasks and progress.

  • Assist with routing of documentation for signatures.

  • Provides administrative support for VIReC’s in-person Executive Stakeholder Forum and other subcommittees as required.

  • Tracking progress and providing regular status reports to appropriate teams, stakeholders, and leadership as needed.

  • Manages and prepares correspondence, working with VIReC’s Administrative Officer and Center Director.

  • Responsible for submitting and tracking work orders for the building/research space.

  • Attending regular meetings with administrative operations team.

Necessary skills and experience:

  • Degree and/or direct experience in research, epidemiology, healthcare, or related social sciences.

  • Proficiency in clearly communicating (both written and oral) complex or technical information.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Products, including Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, Teams, etc.

  • Must possess data management skills as evidenced by accurate data entry and timely report processing.

  • Experience with VA Concur Travel system, VA timekeeping, VA purchasing, and/or meeting and event planning highly preferred.



Interested in Joining the VIReC Team?

E-mail Melissa Joyce, VIReC's Administrative Officer, at Melissa.Joyce@va.gov. Be sure to indicate which position you are interested in applying to and include your resume and a cover letter summarizing your work experience.