Senior Programmer/Support Analyst (Clinical)

Job ID 2426596_pl355 Date posted 11/27/2024 Job Summary:

Within the context of the Information Management/Information Systems (IMIS) shared services initiative between Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Providence Health Care (PHC), the Senior Programmer/Support Analyst provides Oracle and Cache programming and support services in a complex operating environment, which supports a variety of hospital and health authority-wide clinical applications. The Senior Programmer/Support Analyst is responsible for using advanced Oracle programming skills in the ongoing maintenance of systems and related projects including system maintenance, enhancements, evaluation, and design in order to meet client business needs while identifying and planning for the impact(s) of change on client departments. Works with other analysts, users and consultants to define program requirements, develop program code (using HTML, DHTML and JavaScript), and assist in testing. Using standard personal productivity tools such as word processor, spreadsheet, and flowcharting software, prepares detailed technical specifications, including flowcharts showing program logic, data definitions and other system meta-data, operational and system performance impacts, from which complete programs will be written. Uses SQL, Access and Crystal Reports as well as advanced server and interface knowledge in the development and support of database systems. Undertakes tasks and/or leadership on a variety of project work as assigned.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Liaises with co-workers and users in a team setting to develop and maintain system functionality by reviewing and finalizing logic specifications, coding, testing, evaluating and documenting programs in accordance with established standards.
2. Develops system design specifications of approved projects or enhancements by identifying information components involved, detailing data flow, determining the nature of changes required to interface with existing systems, developing and writing comprehensive system and operating documentation and preparing system design documents for user sign-off.
3. Prepares and maintains detailed technical specifications and operational documents in support of the Oracle databases developed by organization using standard personal productivity tools such as word processor, spreadsheet and flowcharting software.
4. Using appropriate Oracle and Cache database tools along with a knowledge of SQL, Access and Crystal Reports, corrects as required, errors or deficiencies by responding to the user complaint or Help Desk report, analyzing/troubleshooting the problem, taking corrective action and testing to ensure the system meets optimum efficiency, while managing client expectations and providing the required documentation.
5. Determines or participates in the determination of clinical business needs and technology requirements by methods such as interviewing department management and staff, participating in planning committees, assessing information and defining/documenting user requirements, conducting feasibility/advisability studies on proposed plans, and leading the data and process modelling activities.
6. Develops project plan and implementation schedules by developing system proposals and compiling project work plans, monitoring and controlling project plans and initiating action where required.
7. Provides information technology direction to project team members by participating in planning committees as required, including having input to Requests for Proposals (RFP) documentation to be sent to vendors, cost/benefit and feasibility/advisability analysis of various technological and software packages, and keeping informed of new developments in the industry.
8. Performs hardware and software infrastructure upgrades within a diverse database environment by methods such as maintaining up-to-date knowledge of hardware and system software enhancements, installing software and configuring related hardware, and documenting related standards and procedures.
9. Maintains and builds upon working knowledge of tools and techniques used in the Oracle technical environment and in database design by methods such as: researching on the Web; through trade journals to keep current with developing applications; meeting with vendors to assess and compare future software releases with a focus to meet the clients' clinical business needs; identifying and planning for the impact(s) of changes on the client departments.
10. Provides user and Help Desk training as required by methods such as providing written instructions and conducting hands-on training on site or in a classroom setting.
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
• Graduation from a recognized degree or diploma program in Computer Science plus four years' recent, related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
• Ability to effectively develop programs in an Oracle and a mumps Cache environment.
• Ability to develop SQL and ACCESS databases and use Crystal Reports.
• Ability to plan, organize, problem solve and prioritize work.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to effectively utilize related hardware and software.