Quality Systems Engineer

JOB SUMMARY:

• Works with all levels of leadership and front-line staff to facilitate and support the development and integration of evidence-based best practices at the department/program level
• Plans, coordinates, implements and evaluates key performance improvement efforts in accordance with the organization’s goals and objectives that support the quality and patient safety initiatives of MAHEC
• Works collaboratively with assigned teams to improve quality outcomes, patient safety, and satisfaction, and decrease costs through reduction of unnecessary process variability

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. FACILITATES CLINICAL AND OPERATIONAL PROJECT TEAMS ACROSS MAHEC:

• Facilitates project teams at the department/program level
• Strategically collaborates with program champions in planning, executing, and sustaining activities aligned with achieving the MAHEC goals/priorities

• Applies knowledge on the use of basic Lean Six Sigma quality improvement framework and tools such as project charters, flowcharts, fishbone diagrams, root cause analysis, brainstorming, and control plans and control charts
• Uses basic descriptive and diagnostic analytics to identify areas with the need for greatest improvement
• Develops and maintains detailed project work plans based on analysis of tasks, resource requirements, inter-dependencies and timelines
• Proactively identifies and manages risk and barriers impacting project goals
• Communicates effectively with key stakeholders including project sponsors, business unit owners, clinical and technical personnel
• Ensures analytic tools for measuring and monitoring key performance indicators are developed and effectively applied to drive behavior

B. TRAINS AND DEVELOPS STAFF ON THE PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT

FRAMEWORK, TOOLS FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & VALUE OF QUALITY:

• Ensures mastery of knowledge of assigned topics in basic quality tools
• Develops content focused on meeting defined learning objectives
• Applies adult learning principles by incorporating case studies, interactive exercises, relevant examples, a variety of audio/visual modes, etc. into the course curriculum
• Measures efficacy of each course and adapts accordingly
• Mentors staff in applying framework and tools to their daily work, scope of responsibility, and assigned projects

C. MAINTAINS BEST PRACTICE EDUCATION:

• Keeps current and proficient on the latest technology, methodology and best practices in performance improvement, patient safety, and related areas
• Maintains a basic understanding of healthcare standards and regulatory requirements
• Maintains knowledge of MAHEC policies, procedures and protocols
• Assesses gaps in knowledge and actively seeks plans to address

D. Provides ad hoc consulting support on improvement related requests both within and

external to the department.

This role description is a general description of the essential job functions.  It is not intended to describe all the duties the Quality Improvement Specialist may perform.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Communication Skills

Effectively and respectably communicate with other individuals, whether it be a colleague, patient, or patient’s family member and appropriately enumerate information in a manner easily understood by all parties. We do this to foster a culture of understanding between all parties, especially in complex and difficult situations, to ultimately provide the best care possible to our patients and their families.

• Decision Making

Ability to make the most appropriate decision in a given situation and then taking the next steps to ensure appropriate and timely completion. This requires conflict resolution skills, critical thinking skills, confidence in your ability to make the right decision in most situations. This also includes ability to prioritize your workday appropriately to ensure the most important tasks are completed on time.

• Healthcare Knowledge

Having the drive to keep yourself abreast and up to date on the new breakthroughs in your area of expertise and communicating them to the rest of the team, as appropriate.  This also includes keeping up with your licensure and yearly training requirements within your area expertise along with MAHEC’s organizational training. Finally, the ability to apply the depth of knowledge maintained and gained through this process in real life scenarios as appropriate.

• Interpersonal Skills

Showing the ability to meet difficult situations with grace, professionalism, and understanding. Within your area of expertise, showing respect and showing empathy where appropriate with your colleagues, patients, and their family at all times, even when its most difficult to do so. This is done, in part, by effective listening, being your authentic self, showing responsibility and dependability, and being patient with others.

• Organizational Values

Adherence to MAHEC’s founding principles and incorporating them every day. This includes, among others, having integrity and accountability, reverence for other cultures and equitable practices, ability to manage change, and displaying a clear understanding of organizational dynamics. Doing these things creates a culture where people want to do the best for each other and gives personal ownership towards the goal of helping people in their time of need.

• Problem Solving

Having an analytical mind and ability to work autonomously to solve complex problems that may arise. The wherewithal to think logically through a difficult problem and come to an appropriate resolution for a given issue. This helps to drive continuous improvement by thinking through where we can improve in a novel way. Measures success by understanding where we are currently and where we want to go and then applying those new ideas to affect positive change.

SPECIFIED SKILLS

• COMPUTER
  • Excellent skills in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database applications required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Not Applicable.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, industrial management, business administration, science, or related field
  • Two (2) years of work experience in continuous process improvement using Lean Six Sigma methodologies (i.e. DMAIC, DFSS, Kaizen).
  • Experience to demonstrate the following:
    • Ability to lead and manage project teams.
    • Strong written, verbal, and instructional skills.
    • Proficiency with word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation applications and statistical software programs.
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master’s degree in engineering, industrial management, business administration, science, or related field
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification
  • Current and active Project Management Professional (PMP certification issued by the Project Management Institute preferred.)
  • Experience in change management, systems analysis, consulting, facilitation, data analysis, data visualizations, and/or team building
  • Prior healthcare and/or population health management experience

SCHEDULE:

Regular attendance on-site is an essential function of this position. Typical business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (or flexed to best meet the needs of the clients and/or the Division); 40 hours per workweek; weekend, holiday, or evening coverage is occasionally required. Work hours will need to be flexible in order to respond to special work assignments, or evening activities, as requested by the team leader.

POSITION COMPENSATION:

Full time position with all of our full benefits available

At MAHEC, we strive to equip all team members with Total Rewards (pay + benefits) to honor their service, support their health, manage their financial security, build their career, and thrive.

All MAHEC employees and learners will be required to receive the Flu vaccine or have an approved exemption.

MAHEC Talent Management is located at 121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Equal Opportunity Employer.

MAHEC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Employees who meet federal requirements may be eligible to have remaining student loan balances forgiven after 10 years of qualifying payments while working full-time at MAHEC.

If you are interested in this role, and you have related experience and qualifications, we encourage you to apply or reach out to AskTalent@mahec.net for support in your job search process. You could be the talent we are seeking for this or other opportunities.