The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking to hire a temporary contractor to provide support to the Office of Statistics and Evaluation (OSE) to support statewide implementation of cross-cutting approaches to promote health and prevent injuries and associated risk factors. This position will primarily support the Bureau of Community Health and Prevention's (BCHAP) Injury Surveillance Program (ISP) efforts to collect data on injuries and deaths related to homicides, suicides, and/or unintentional drug overdoses. This will include collecting data from documents such as death certificates, medical examiner reports, and police reports; performing data quality control; and meeting reporting requirements for federally funded cooperative agreements. This position will involve the use of confidential data, and signing a confidentiality agreement will be required. This is a hybrid position with some work required at one of the DPH office locations regularly. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): Collect, review, abstract, and code information from medical examiner reports, death certificates, police reports, and supplemental data sources on unintentional drug overdose-related deaths. Act as project liaison with external and internal data providers, users, and stakeholders. Assist in the creation and formatting of data dissemination products. Conduct data quality control activities. Maintain a database to track the progress of data abstraction. Provide research and administrative support to the program supervisor and epidemiologists. Attend training on the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) and State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) data coding systems. Participate in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) communications related to data coding. Work closely with other abstractors in the Injury Surveillance Program (ISP). Attend staff and other injury-related meetings, as required. Perform related duties essential to injury/overdose surveillance, BCHAP priorities, and DPH priorities, as assigned. Qualifications: Ability to follow written and oral instructions, and to communicate effectively in oral expression. Means to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others and establish a rapport with others and to deal tactfully with others. Ability to adjust to varying and changing situations to meet emergency or changing program requirements. Applicants with an understanding of equity and its impact on access to resources and health are strongly preferred. Knowledge and understanding of qualitative data collection and analysis. Experience working with medical records. Exceptional communication skills. Experienced working in groups and collaborating with others. Ability to independently coordinate projects and activities. Willingness to learn new technical skills (e.g., GIS mapping software, propensity scoring). Proven oral and written communication skills required. Period of Service:01/01/2026 through 06/30/2026 Salary/Fee Hourly Rate: $30-$40 Additional Information: Benefits are unavailable with the exception of sick leave accruals. Merit and C.O.L.A. increases may be included. Contracts are renewable, subject to the Department approval, performance, and allocation of funds. All employees will be paid on a biweekly basis and must have direct deposit. About the Department of Public Health: The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities. DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems. More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health Pre-Hire Process: A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori Education, licensure and certificationswill be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4. Minimum Entrance Requirements: None. Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Science Organization: Department of Public Health Title: Data Abstractor - Contractor Location: Massachusetts-Boston-250 Washington Street Requisition ID: 250008A4
