POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for leading the strategic planning, implementation, and management of all information technology systems within Laguna Healthcare Corporation. This role ensures that technology supports high quality patient care, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and data security while enabling innovation in clinical and administrative processes and supporting LHC’s mission to provide access to quality, culturally respectful healthcare for the Pueblo of Laguna community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
IT Strategy and Healthcare Alignment
1.Develop and execute an IT strategy aligned with the clinic’s mission to deliver high-quality patient care.
2.Partner with clinical and administrative leadership to identify technology solutions that improve patient outcomes and workflows.
3.Lead digital health initiatives, including telehealth and patient engagement platforms.
Clinical Systems Oversight
4.Oversee the Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS), Electronic Health Record (EHR), Dentrix, ScriptPro and other applicable systems.
5.Ensure seamless integration between clinical, revenue cycle/billing, purchased referred care and administrative systems.
6.Optimize system usability for all providers and staff.
Regulatory Compliance and Data Security
7.Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA and other applicable standards.
8.Implement and maintain robust cybersecurity and data protection programs.
9.Oversee risk management, audits, and incident response planning.
Data Management and Analytics
10.Establish data governance practices to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and security of patient data.
11.Support clinical decision-making through reporting and analytics.
12.Leverage data to improve patient outcomes and operational performance.
IT Operations and Infrastructure
13.Manage IT infrastructure, networks and cloud-based systems.
14.Ensure high system availability, reliability and performance.
15.Oversee IT support services for clinical and administrative staff.
Vendor and Budget Management
16.Manage IT budget, cost controls and capital planning.
17.Evaluate, select, and manage vendors for healthcare technology solutions.
18.Negotiate contracts and service-level agreements.
Leadership and Staff Development
19.Lead and mentor IT staff, fostering a service-oriented culture to include performance evaluation, corrective action and training and development.
20.Provide training and support to the clinic staff on systems and security best practices.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
In performance of their respective tasks and duties, an employee of Laguna Healthcare Corporation is expected to conform to the following:
1.Fully uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care.
2.Adhere to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare industry.
3.Maintain all licensures and certifications required of position including an insurable driver’s license.
4.Interact in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner with patients, employees, visitors and vendors.
5.Participate in meetings, accreditation/quality management activities and training programs as required.
6.Comply with Laguna Healthcare Corporation policies and procedures.
7.Uphold all principles of LHC Values: Compassionate, Honesty, Accountability, Respect and Trust.
MINIMUM MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Ten (10) years of IT experience with leadership roles in healthcare settings preferred.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in information technology, health informatics, computer science, or related field (Masters preferred).
Certification: Must possess or obtain certification in any of the following areas or equivalent: ITIL 4, CISSP, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. these requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required for this position.
1.Experience managing RPMS and EHR systems and healthcare IT environments.
2.Strong knowledge of healthcare regulations, privacy laws, and compliance requirements.
3.Proven ability to collaborate with clinical leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
4.Knowledge of healthcare IT systems including RPMS, EHR, telehealth, and billing systems.
5.Understanding of clinical workflows and patient care processes.
6.Cybersecurity and risk management in healthcare environments.
7.Strategic planning and digital transformation.
8.Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
9.Change management and process improvement.
10.Cultural competency and respect for Tribal sovereignty and traditions.
11.Clean driving record and ability to be insured to drive a Clinic vehicle.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normal office conditions exist, and the noise level in the work environment can vary from low to moderate. This position may be exposed to certain health risks that are inherent when working within a health center facility, such as potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, sharps and infectious body fluids. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical demands: The physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, talk, hear and perform repetitive motions. There may be prolonged periods of standing, sitting, keyboarding, reading, as well as driving or riding in transport vehicles. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include reading, distance, computer, and color vision. Talking and hearing are essential to communicate with patients, vendors and staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Operation of a motor vehicle required to travel between LHC facilities and perform other assigned off-site tasks.
Mental demands: There are many deadlines associated with this position. The employee must be able to handle frequent interruptions and must also multi-task and interact with a wide variety of people on various and, at times, complicated issues.
TRIBAL PREFERENCE
LHC will apply “Indian Preference” as an employment criterion and not a “racial classification.” The Laguna Healthcare Corporation has implemented a Tribal Preference in Employment Policy. Pursuant to this Policy, applicants who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by this position, and who are enrolled members of the Pueblo of Laguna will be given primary preference in hiring and employment for this position. Members of other Federally recognized Indian Tribes will be given secondary preference for hiring and employment after providing proof of Tribal membership.
OTHER
Confidentiality: All employees must fully uphold all principles of confidentiality. This position will have access to sensitive information and a breach of these principles will be grounds for immediate termination.
Background Investigation: This position may be subject to a criminal history background check, a suitability background check and/or a credit report check. In addition, some positions are subject to a more extensive background check to ensure compliance with Public Law 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act. Candidates must be able to successfully pass all required background checks to qualify for this position.
Drug Screening: All applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening prior to beginning employment and will be subject to random drug testing.
Disclaimer: The information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Employees will be asked to perform other duties as needed.