Autism Education Data Records Abstractor (Research Associate I)

Job Summary

The Policy and Analytics Center (PAC) at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is seeking an Autism Education Data Records Abstractor (Research Associate I) to perform data abstraction tasks for the Pennsylvania Autism Surveillance Project (PASP), a site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. The goal of the PASP is to track the number and characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities as part of the larger ADDM network to understand the prevalence of ASD in the United States. Data collection for this project entails reviewing confidential records for precise details at various health facilities and schools in Pennsylvania. Many of the records are available remotely, but some would require travel to site for access.

PASP adheres to a surveillance methodology developed by CDC involving screening and abstraction of data from records at multiple sources. There are no client and/or family interactions in this position.

The Autism Education Data Records Abstractor (Research Associate I) will report directly to the Director of Policy Impact, PAC.

This position is contingent on grant funding and the duration of funding.

Essential Functions

The Autism Education Data Records Abstractor (Research Associate I) will:

• Perform data abstraction tasks: Access schools, hospitals, and other identified data sources within the southeastern region of Pennsylvania and review records to identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities cases for surveillance. Access may be physical or virtual.
• Attend all required training hosted by the CDC and other entities as needed.
• Implement data collection processes and procedures as outlined in the CDC ADDM data abstraction manual.
• Communicate progress and challenges to PASP leadership and CDC as instructed.
• Access schools, hospitals, and other identified data sources primarily within the PASP surveillance area.
• Review records to identify potential cases for surveillance. Access may be physical or virtual.
• Prepare record request lists for data sources per CDC criteria.
• Schedule all in-person access to data sources.
• Update Clinical Coordinator and PASP Project Coordinator regularly on status, issues, and other updates.
• Complete all necessary forms and templates required for reporting.
• Verify that all potential cases reside within the specified surveillance area through methods stated in the CDC Data Abstraction Manual.
• Re-abstract key data elements from a 10% sample of records.
• Complete the quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) document after initial training and every three months during data collection.
• Perform data cleaning activities to ensure that data elements are complete and without errors.
• Provide a line list of tracking IDs where errors or inconsistencies occur in the database and information on how to correct the error.
• Follow strict confidentiality and security guidelines.
• Participate in conference calls with the funder and other project sites.
• Other responsibilities as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent in health science, child psychology/development, special education, or another related field
• 0-2 years of relevant experience
• Experience with protocols for standardized data collection methods.
• High level of attention to detail is required.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to use independent judgement while still adhering to project protocol.
• Able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Experience with data entry and data cleaning.
• Must have car for required travel throughout the surveillance area in Pennsylvania.
• Strong command and comfort with Microsoft suite of programs including Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate epidemiological and surveillance-related work, including experience with the abstraction of medical and educational records.
• Experience with electronic data collection and collecting sensitive data.
• Experience working with autistic children & teens preferred.
• Experience with Behavioral records and or Medical records preferred.
• Experience with web-based computer applications (e.g., REDCap), government record-keeping requirements, and processes.
• Special educational teaching / coordinating background a plus.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a table/desk
• Typically standing, walking

Location

Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement, Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt with a salary grade of I. For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure, https://drexel.edu/hr/career/ducomp/salstructure/

Please review the Benefits Brochure for some information on our benefits offerings.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

Advertised:May 31 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Aug 15 2023 Eastern Daylight Time