Senior IT Consultant

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Release Management IT Project Manager to assume a pivotal role in overseeing our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. This individual will take ownership of managing the EMR's release cycles, upgrades, and downtimes while ensuring seamless coordination of testing efforts and business continuity activities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in EMR systems, demonstrating expertise in release management, downtime minimization strategies, and robust business continuity measures. Join our team and lead the charge in maintaining a stable and efficient EMR system that supports our commitment to delivering quality patient care.

Responsibilities:

• General Project Management:
  • Initiate, plan, execute, monitor & control, and close all project initiatives as assigned according to PMI standards and published Deaconess PMO guidelines.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with project stakeholders, including clients, partners, and vendors.

  • Communicate project status (budget, timeline, issues, etc.) in compliance with established PMO guidelines.

  • Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

  • Use problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and resolve project issues.

  • Develop and implement change management strategies that address the cultural and operational shifts associated with EMR system upgrades.
• EMR Release Management:
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to define release strategies, ensuring minimal disruption to clinical workflows.

  • Develop and maintain release calendars, coordinating with various teams to plan and execute release activities.

  • Assess the impact of proposed changes and upgrades on existing EMR workflows, providing recommendations to mitigate risks.

  • Implement version control and change management processes to track modifications and ensure system stability.
• Testing Coordination:
  • Create comprehensive test plans, including scenario-based testing, regression testing, and performance testing, to validate system functionality prior to major updates or upgrades.

  • Coordinate testing efforts across the IT and clinical informatics departments, ensuring proper documentation of test results and issue resolution.
• Business Continuity Assurance:
  • Oversee the implementation and maintenance of business continuity plans for the EMR system.

  • Conduct periodic drills and simulations to test the effectiveness of business continuity measures and identify areas for improvement.

  • Collaborate with disaster recovery teams to ensure swift and effective recovery in case of system failures or emergencies.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Establish IT playbooks and protocols for executing scheduled maintenance downtimes.

  • Maintain a repository of detailed documentation related to release management, including change logs, planned maintenance procedures, and testing outcomes.

  • Generate regular reports summarizing release activities, downtime incidents, and system performance metrics for review by stakeholders.

  • Provide insights and recommendations based on data analysis to enhance future release cycles and system performance.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clinicians, IT personnel, and vendor representatives, to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.

  • Conduct meetings and status updates to keep stakeholders informed about upcoming releases, downtimes, and system changes.

  • Serve as a point of contact for escalations and resolution of issues related to EMR release activities.

  • Work closely with clinical teams to communicate regarding downtime expectations.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Monitor industry trends and advancements in EMR technology to propose innovative solutions for enhancing the EMR system's efficiency and reliability.

  • Lead initiatives to streamline release processes, automate repetitive tasks, and implement industry best practices.

  • Conduct post-implementation reviews and gather feedback to drive continuous improvements in the release management lifecycle.

Minimum Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Science (CS), Healthcare Informatics, Health Information Management, or an equivalent field.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive information systems project management experience, specifically within the hospital/healthcare sector.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to effectively troubleshoot complex issues and make data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling effective interaction with diverse stakeholders, including clinicians, IT personnel, and vendor representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to present information clearly and concisely in both one-on-one and group settings, responding adeptly to questions from managers, customers, and other employees of the organization.
• Flexibility to work either on-site or remotely, with occasional travel requirements (less than 20%) for major project milestones and go-lives.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience and familiarity working with Epic or other EMR systems.
• Demonstrated track record of successful EMR release implementation and management.
• Previous experience leading or contributing to initiatives aimed at streamlining release processes, automating repetitive tasks, and implementing industry best practices is highly desirable.

Why Choose Deaconess?

Deaconess Health System is the largest employer in the tri-state region and is widely recognized for its commitment to excellence. Named the #2 Hospital in Indiana by US News & World Report for the past five years, Deaconess was named to the Forbes list of America's Best Employers in 2022. As our organization continues to grow and expand, we welcome skilled, dedicated, and compassionate individuals to join us in delivering The Deaconess Difference: putting people at the center of everything we do, making a positive difference in the lives of our patients, families, employees, and community.

Location: Deaconess Health System - System Office · Informatics and Technology
Schedule: Full Time - 80, Day