PACS and Imaging Systems Administrator

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Analyzes, designs, tests, debugs, integrates, implements, trains, maintains and supports systems such as Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), as well as other systems used by the imaging departments. Works closely with the business units to gain in-depth understanding of customer's business strategy, processes, services, roadmap and the context in which the business operates. Establishes and maintains a professional relationship with internal and external customers so that information technology needs are appropriately addressed. Works with internal and external customers to analyze system needs, translates identified needs into functional and technical specifications, and develops technology solutions to resolve application process challenges/problems. Supports the coordination and integration of imaging department systems with the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Frequently acts as a mentor, team leader or project manager and oversees the work tasks of others.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Leads day-to-day operations of PACS and other imaging department systems, including image workflow, archiving, auto-routing and other related activities.

3. *Responsible for interfaces with other hospital computer systems to update, verify or merge information; develops, tests, maintains and troubleshoots the department's computer information system modules, tables and databases.

4. *Leads efforts to work with other IT resources to develop monitoring techniques and downtime processes to keep interfaces and systems in sync with other systems within the organization.

5. *Responsible for working with appropriate departments, vendors and staff to ensure proper operation of DICOM image transfer into the PACS system as well as network transmission, validation and exceptions handling.

6. *Acts as a mentor, team member and team leader and assumes project management duties as assigned by Manager. Consistently and correctly applies established project management principles and utilizes existing project management tools and methodologies.

7. *Maintains integrity of the system databases by overseeing and performing daily support activities.

8. *Leads coordination of vendor activities in all phases of system installation, implementation and upgrades as related to PACS and other imaging department systems. Develops implementation timeframes and coordinates all other imaging department systems with vendor and IT support.

9. *Develops processes to monitor system hardware, software and performance characteristics and pro-actively addresses issues including storage space, system performance, archiving, back-up and recovery, involving other IT resources as needed.

10. *Oversees development and execution of routine and specialized administrative reports; utilizes interface capacity to design and generate custom reports; creates graphics and flow charts to communicate report results as appropriate.

11. *Develops and approves training materials and delivers training sessions for departmental staff and physicians on imaging department systems; engages in problem solving and acts as resource for user questions and requests; serves as a subject matter expert for issues and as a conduit for aligning resources and activities related to the imaging department systems.

12. *Consults on departmental policies and procedures related to system processes and usage; reviews policies and procedures for compliance with standards for PACS and other imaging department systems.

13. *Keeps abreast of emerging technologies and their impact on imaging department; leads efforts to work with other IT and imaging department personnel to keep all informed.

14. *Provides direction to imaging department and other departments related to medical imaging initiatives and procedures and assists with existing or new medical imaging endeavors.

15. *Completes integrations, software enhancements, hardware upgrades, testing, and conversions for PACS and other imaging department systems; coordinates with imaging department personnel, other IT resources and vendors as needed. Manages hardware and software installation, training, testing, and systems acceptance.

16. *Oversees review of feedback from system users and compiles and analyzes support data; provides direction on procedural changes and staff education as appropriate.

17. *Investigates, identifies and prepares proposals to solve specific problems related to PACS and other imaging department systems by working closely with other IT resources, imaging department leadership, staff, vendors and affected physicians.

18. *Leads management of vendor and operational customer relationships including scoping of application services and review of deliverables; strategically plans for imaging department needs and develops and maintains roadmaps with vendors and customers. Obtains approval and signoff on scope and deliverables from customer.

19. *Demonstrates fiscal responsibility by anticipating upgrades, maintenance requirements and inventory budget; works with imaging department leadership and IT Manager to coordinate strategic planning related to PACS and other imaging department systems, and to identify potential budgetary impact and costs.

20. *Identifies and communicates barriers to timely completion of projects; makes suggestions for solutions including technology incompatibilities, problematic working relationships, budget constraints and education deficiencies.

21. *Works to design a Quality Assurance (QA) program for PACS equipment and processes, and oversees the implementation of the QA plan.

22. *Trains, leads and provides guidance to other roles in all areas of IT processes, knowledge and skills, including but not limited to, time tracking and change management.

23. *Participates in an On Point rotation with other co-workers as needed to provide consistent and timely support to internal and external customers.

24. *Provides timely updates to stakeholders regarding system enhancement requests and break-fix issues.

25. Reviews purchases and invoices related to PACS and other imaging department systems; communicates discrepancies to IT Manager.

26. Enters restricted access areas, without supervision, to perform assigned work.

27. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

28. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

29. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*").

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of operations, workflow and processes related to application support.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Knowledge of system interface analysis and comprehensive testing processes.

4. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

6. Ability to work independently or as a team member as situations dictate.

7. Ability to effectively interact with clients having a broad range of computer knowledge and ability.

8. Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task and efficiently complete work assignments.

9. Ability to utilize various software programs employing various hardware packages.

10. Ability to adapt to and effectively perform work functions in emergency and high stress situations.Ability to support multiple applications or modules and multiple business groups.

11. Ability to analyze problems, identify needs/priorities/risks, manage change and implement effective work strategies.

12. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

13. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

14. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

15. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associates degree in computer science or related health science degree required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Minimum of eight (8) years' experience supporting PACS or imaging systems required. Application implementation related experience required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) - Characterized as light work requiring exertion up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

This position is responsible for working with all assigned areas; including all entity locations. Regular travel (including overnight) may be required based on the needs of the organization.