Serves as the chief information technologist for the health system, overseeing the IT resources that provide the infrastructure and backbone of IT applications and services to Benefis Health System, affiliates, and customers. Works with the CIO, CMIO, and technical advisors to establish technical strategy and annual objectives and plans. Ensures maintenance and functioning of the hardware and software of the health system IT infrastructure. The Technical Manager is responsible for all aspects of staff management for the technical groups, and for creating a professional practice environment that focuses on high reliability and availability for the customer. The Manager leads the adoption of new technology, and coordiates and collaborates with vendors who provide equipment and technical services. Administrative responsibilities include: annual work plan development, budget preparation, performance reviews, quality improvement programs, professional developmental programs for staff, and preparation and maintenance of regulatory requirements, such as CMS, etc. The Technical Manager keeps current with principles and practices, technology, regulations and standards that apply to healthcare information technology. Represents other IT managers, or the CIO when they are not available to perform his/her functions.

FLSA:

EXEMPT

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directs the functions of the Information Technology Services technical groups.

Develops annual technology plan in support of IT strategy and business objectives, providing recommendations for advancing new technology, ensuring capacity, connectivity, access, and high performance, highly reliable and secure infrastructure.

Assists in creating an annual ITS budget, budget forecast, and workplan with goals and strategies.

Confers with department managers to determine information technology needs.

Aligns information technology with the business needs of the facility.

Maintains awareness of technical risks and opportunities. Seeks out and recommends technical improvements which enhance capability, performance, and minimize costs

Keeps current with principles and practices, technology, regulations and standards that apply to healthcare information technology.

Primary responsibility for establishing redundant, reliable technical infrastructure based on defined application criticality. Works with CIO and others to prepares disaster recovery capabilities, and leads in testing those capabilities.

Oversees computer center operation functions and maintains operating procedures and processes.

Works to ensure identified technical and security risks are mitigated.

Promotes good staffing practices by maximizing the utilization of human resources; forecasts and anticipates the personnel needs of the technical groups with regard to fluctuations in the projected workload; holds staffing at a functional minimum.

Supports technology components of regional service offerings.

Consistently demonstrates the ability to establish appropriate department priorities.

Directs and evaluates the performance of the IS technical staff.

Retains competent staff through interviewing, hiring and training. Ensures depth of technical support is sufficient to maintain performance and respond effectively to technology issues. Ensures cross training, transition plans for technical resources, and vendor on-call is established for priority areas.

Promotes team work and collaboration among staff members. Works closely with project managers and other ITS teams to provide appropriate technical support.

Maintains a good working relationship within the department and with other departments in the facility.

Maintains a good working relationship with outside consultants and vendors.

Maintains metrics of operational performance and evaluates trends. Prepares and executes plans to improve operational support for customers, addressing concerns and needs with high availality and high performance solutions.

Ensures effective performance of technology infrastructure.

Asseses vendor proposals for appropriateness and compliance with Benefis and industry standards.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with pressure to meet deadlines, to be accurate, and to handle constantly changing situations.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with a variety of people, deal with stressful situations, and handle conflict.

Orients, trains, schedules, organizes workload, makes work assignments, monitors performance, performs personnel evaluations, serves as the timekeeper, manages productivity, and makes recommendations for personnel actions for IS technical staff members.

Represents Information Systems Manager in his/her absence.

Is a self-starter; meets responsibilities without prompting.

Performs all additional tasks as assigned by the System Chief Information Officer.

Professional Requirements:

Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.

Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Coordinates efforts in meeting regulatory compliance, federal, state and local regulations and standards

Communicates and complies with the Benefis Health System Mission, Vision and Values as well as the focus statement of the department.

Complies with Benefis Health System Organization Policies and Procedures.

Complies with Health and Safety Standards and Guidelines.

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science / Information Technology or equivalent work experience required.

Evidence of strong written and verbal communications skills is required.

Demonstrated experience in good customer relations and customer service required.

Five years experience in a lead or senior technical position required.

Three years of experience in a health care environment preferred.

Three years of experience as a lead or supervisor required.