Director of Health Informatics

Job Overview
The Director of Health Informatics leads and oversees the comprehensive management of IT, quality assurance, and data systems within the Little Shell Health Clinic (LSHC). This position will play a key role in maintaining a high standard of operational efficiency, supporting clinical and administrative functions, and ensuring a safe and compliant environment for both staff and patients. The Director will also be responsible for driving innovation, improving processes, and ensuring that infrastructure resources support the clinic’s mission and goals effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems and infrastructure, including servers, networks, and cybersecurity.
• Ensure smooth and secure operation of electronic health records (EHR) systems and other clinic software applications.
• Collaborate with clinical and administrative teams to integrate technology solutions that enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the clinic’s data governance strategy, ensuring accurate, secure, and compliant collection, storage, and reporting of patient and operational data.
• Develop and enforce data privacy and security protocols to protect patient information and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Lead data integration efforts, ensuring that infrastructure supports seamless data flows across systems.
• Manage a cross-functional team of IT, facilities, quality, and data professionals, providing guidance, support, and career development opportunities.
• Lead the clinic’s quality management initiatives, ensuring adherence to healthcare standards, policies, and procedure.
• Provide recommendations for corrective actions to address deficiencies in infrastructure or quality.
• Implement a robust internal auditing process to assess the quality of systems, facilities, and data management. Lead improvement initiatives based on audit results, implementing corrective actions and identifying areas for process optimization.
• Implement and oversee security measures to protect sensitive health information. Ensure compliance with privacy regulations and protect against data breaches through encryption, secure access controls, and other security protocols.
• Promote a data-driven culture within the clinic, encouraging staff to use data for continuous process improvement and better patient outcomes. Facilitate training on how to effectively use data and analytics in daily operations.
• Oversee the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of patient and operational data within the clinic’s systems. Ensure regular data audits and reconciliation processes to maintain high data quality standards.
• Provide exceptional customer service and model the mission of the LSHC when interacting with internal and external stakeholders, promoting a positive image for the health clinic.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and department heads to align infrastructure strategies with organizational goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Training & Skills

Must possess at least five years’ experience in Information Technology, Quality Management, Data and Informatics, or related field. Experience working with American Indian/Alaska Native, minority, or under-resourced communities is desired. Experience working with or for an Indian Health Care Provider would be preferred. Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certifications are preferred.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of IT systems, healthcare technology (EHR, telemedicine platforms, etc.), and data management systems.
• Knowledge of healthcare-specific technology challenges, such as interoperability and security concerns.
• Advanced knowledge of data management practices, including data integrity, privacy, security, and governance. Understanding of the principles and practices of data stewardship, including data lifecycle management, compliance with data protection regulations, and best practices in data quality.
• Familiarity with quality management frameworks and methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, or the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) model. Knowledge of performance improvement processes and quality assurance metrics in healthcare settings.

Skills

• Skill in data analysis, data-driven decision-making, and the use of business intelligence tools to generate meaningful insights.
• Skill to work cross-functionally with other departments, managers, and teams.

Abilities

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standards in handling sensitive patient data.
• Ability to identify and mitigate risks associated with IT systems, facilities, and data management.
• Ability to manage relationships with vendors, service providers, and external contractors for IT services, facility maintenance, or data management solutions.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Data Science, Health Informatics, or related field is required. Master’s in Information Technology, Data Science, Health Informatics, or related field is preferred.

Physical Demands

Essential job duties may require regular lifting, pushing and pulling up to 10-20 pounds, and the ability to sit for long periods. The ability to hear normal conversational discussion and near and far visual clarity is required.

Conditions of Employment

• Candidates must be able to pass a drug test at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license, no alcohol related conviction, and meet the insurability requirements of the Tribe.

Indian Preference

The position is subject to the Little Shell Tribe’s Indian Preference Policy.

About the Little Shell Health Clinic

The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana (Tribe) will assume operations of the Little Shell Health Clinic, located in Great Falls, MT, on Tuesday July 1, 2025. The Tribe is seeking to fill key positions to support operations at the Clinic before, during, and after this transition. We are looking for team members who are skilled, collaborative, and flexible.

The Clinic provides outpatient services to American Indian and Alaska Native citizens including, but not limited to, family medicine, pediatric care, behavioral health, laboratory services, pharmacy, radiology, optometry, and dental care. The Clinic currently operates Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Great Falls, MT 59404 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Great Falls, MT 59404: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $105,000