The Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) is in the Department of Neuroscience at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. Research at the Center is on the developmental neurobiology of autism, including molecular, cellular, anatomical neural functional and eye tracking abnormalities associated with autism. Research also focuses on early identification, clinical characterization and discovering prevalence rates using epidemiology. Work from the ACE is nationally and internationally recognized. With over 20 members, the Center has 8 Ph.D. faculty and post docs, and staff and numerous outstanding collaborators locally, nationally and internationally. In the past 20 years, the Center has been awarded more than $40,000,000 in grants from the National Institute of Health, the Simons Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control.

Under close supervision, the incumbent will participate in a large-scale project supported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) designed to determine the prevalence estimates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in San Diego County. Prevalence estimates will be based on health record surveillance through school districts and health centers and will be a part of the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. Using software provided by the CDC, the incumbent will be trained to abstract high-volumes of health and education records of children with ASD and other disorders. Other responsibilities include manuscript preparation, some data analysis, participating in outreach events, meeting with, and forming relationships with relevant parties including early intervention providers, school districts, health systems, and state agencies that provide treatment and services. The named abstractor will also ensure that patient confidentiality is protected at all times. The abstractor will work with the Project Manager to provide information about the project's progress to be presented to the Principal Investigator (PI) at weekly team meetings. They will also interact with other assistants working on the project, and may interface with leadership at the CDC to ensure that all expectations and milestones for the project are met. They will assist the Project Manager in developing manuscripts and disseminating ADDM Network findings through social media and other outlets. The incumbent will also provide information to the Project Manager relevant for creating progress reports to be submitted to the funding agency.

• Graduation from high school with a demonstrated aptitude for or knowledge of the applicable medical terminology and one year of applicable hospital clerical experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Demonstrated attention to detail and an interest in data accuracy.

• Experience interacting in a professional manner with co-workers and members of the community.

• Solid computer skills using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email systems, and a variety of web-based programs. Ability to adapt to both PC and Macintosh platforms. Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, enter accurate data and to perform standard computer tasks, learn new programs/applications with minimal direction. Experience with health or education database systems such as EPIC or REDCAP.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong, demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing. Possess skills of tact, poise, diplomacy, confidentiality and flexibility. Ability and willingness to work independently and/or in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community and with a diverse population of staff, faculty, industry and others. Ability to effectively contribute to discussions regarding procedures and goals of unit.

• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population. Demonstrated ability to effectively compose, edit and proofread written materials using clear and concise expression, proper grammar, style, and punctuation.

• Excellent time management and strong demonstrated organizational and multi-tasking skills. Ability to establish priorities, meet multiple and frequently changing deadlines with flexibility, process a high volume of work while under pressure, and maintain a high level of accuracy.

• A Bachelor's or Associates degree is preferred, but not required if considerable record abstraction, data analysis, and health record experience has already been achieved.

• Knowledge of the social issues related to autism in order to tactfully deal with topics related to autism research and current events, as well as to assist in the guidance/training of assistants and students.

• Experience in graphic design and able to create figures for use in scientific publication/presentations, and to update on Autism Center web site. Experience working with web pages including making corrections and modifications. Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, MS PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, and Graphic Converter.

• Working knowledge of study procedures, such as patient record abstraction, in order to explain these procedures to the public.

• Demonstrated experience with medical record review and data abstraction.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must have access to reliable transportation and be willing to travel to relevant locations throughout the greater San Diego region.

• Must enjoy talking with people and interacting with leadership within various agencies such as school districts. Some data entry expertise, such as managing data in Excel or REDCap, is required.