*Travel within the region, locally, ~ 60%*
The Improvement Consultant ('IC') position reports to the Senior Director of Quality Management Operations. The IC will collaborate with leadership and senior management teams to identify and develop the portfolio of the performance improvement initiatives associated with high priority strategic goals that will be conducted in the organization. The Improvement Consultant position, in coordination with the Performance Improvement Team: develops the business and opportunity case for projects; supports the teaching of basic improvement skills to staff; facilitates performance improvement teams; provides support to the organizational oversight of team activities; and routinely guides reporting of the portfolio of projects insuring alignment with strategic objectives.
Essential Functions:
- Manages a portfolio of performance improvement projects ensuring time lines, milestones, and deadlines are organized, coordinated, and met while allowing the local operational leaders to maintain process ownership.
- Ensures that the business and opportunity case for each project is based on appropriate, clear measures and includes clear goals.
- Facilitates the selection of performance improvement teams and develops cascading team charters with sponsors and co-leads.
- Incorporates appropriate change management strategies and tools into project leadership.
- Facilitates performance improvement team meetings effectively and coaches co-leads and front line teams to improve outcomes.
- Assists teams with analyzing data for decisions and sequencing tests, uses rigorous data collection and interpretation to guide effective team decision making, and uses designated software to analyze and interpret performance.
- Facilitates teams using small tests of change RIM (Rapid Improvement Model), and PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycles to design the best solution to maintain sustainability in operations.
- Ensures reliability of process redesign and develops sustainability plans.
- Prepares and delivers reports and presentations at key intervals throughout the project for project sponsors and leadership,
- Works closely with other support teams (LandOE, Risk Management, Patient Safety, etc.) to monitor progress, share learning, and identify barriers.
- Applies the appropriate performance improvement methodology to address improvement opportunity.
- Collaborates with the APIC for Quality and/or Medical Center Leadership to facilitate the Medical Center Steering/Executive Quality Improvement Committee meetings, based on priorities established by the Medical Center.
- Collaborates with regional and program office partners on various activities.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
- Seven (7) or more years of experience in industry or Healthcare required.
- Three (3) years of direct experience in process improvement, facilitation, change and project management required.
- Training and experience in performance improvement methodologies, change management, demonstrated success in at least one complex PI initiative that includes spread and sustainability.
- BA/BS degree in a health related field required.
- Certification as Green Belt/Black Belt in Lean/Six Sigma and/or completion of the Performance Improvement Advisor training required.
- Excellent written and interpersonal skills required.
- Demonstrated ability to lead professionals and manage others through influence and collaboration.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and interpret quantitative/qualitative information with analytical problem solving and the use of statistical process control charts.
- Must have an ability to collaborate with candor and openness.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
- The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
- The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds.
- The vision requirements include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
- Employee is also required to drive a car to other business sites to complete regular work activities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with process improvement efforts in a healthcare environment preferred.
- MS/MA degree in a health related field preferred.
- Preference for demonstrated subject matter expertise in performance improvement with the ability and desire to integrate PI principles into work processes.
- RN srongly preferred.
External hires must pass a background check/drug screen.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.