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University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

75% Quality Improvement Engineer

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, United States, 52245


Description

The Quality Improvement Program at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center has an opening for a

75%

Quality Improvement Engineer

(working 30 hours per week).The Quality Improvement Engineer partners with key stakeholders in the organization to analyze current processes and make changes where improvements will optimize organizational performance, ultimately improving the quality and safety of care provided to the patients we serve. They are competent process managers and use a variety of skills to ensure performance and process development. They are responsible for using performance improvement principles to drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence, including IHI Model for Improvement methodology, creating a culture where management and employees are invested in outcomes and empowered to implement change. The focus is on improving the overall care and experience that patients receive. They are responsible for leading/working with teams, gathering data on care procedures and systems, analyzing it to discern opportunities for improvement, and making recommendations for improvement based on the results.

The successful engineer must have:

Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.Be self-directed and have excellent time management and organizational skills.Ability to make quality, independent decisions.Strong attention to detail.Analytical and strong problem-solving skills.Ability to work effectively and efficiently under tight deadlines, high volumes and multiple interruptions.Ability to maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality.Ability to listen to others.High-grade diplomatic skills to effectively negotiate for harmony.Flexible and adaptable to change.Competency in the use of a variety of computer hardware and software systems.Commitment to creating and contributing to a positive team cultureWorks collaboratively with the CQO and Director in the Quality Improvement Program to operationalize the vision and the work of the program for the hospital.Respect for the administrative hierarchyCharacteristic Knowledge/Skills, Duties and Responsibilities:

Develops an understanding and proficiency in the use of process improvement methodologies, including Lean and Six Sigma to eliminate waste and variability throughout the organization, as well as the IHI Model for Improvement to accelerate improvement through tests of change on a small scale using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.Applies contemporary project management knowledge and skills to effectively lead, organize, plan, and foster collaborations for change initiatives.Understand business strategy and business planning principles and apply with minimal guidance in project work.Knowledge of external data sources used to identify institutional opportunities for improvement, i.e., Vizient | Adult Inpatient Q&A, Pediatric Q&A, Ambulatory Q&A, CMS Stars Rating, Hospital Value Based Purchasing (HVBP), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).Lead teams assigned to defined FY Quality and Safety goals designed to improve the quality and safety of care provided to the patients we serve. Lead operational improvement teams, utilizing performance improvement methodologies such as IHI Model for Improvement, Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA), Six Sigma, Lean, 5S, and Value Stream Mapping.Accountable to ensure projects are managed through entire life cycle within approved scope, schedule and budget.Perform data analysis to understand current process opportunities.Prepare and present educational programs on process improvement, coaching, mentoring, teaching and developing staff members in the use and application of quality improvement tools.Develop methods for data collection; collect and retrieve data; design and access databases for decision making.Conduct basic and advanced analyses to improve processes, performance and outcomes.Conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEAs), risk assessments, and prioritization matrices as appropriate.Act as liaison with planning and design staff on operations and physical space design to ensure efficient processes for the introduction of a new services or space.Develops effective and supportive relationships with all members of the QuIP team and multidisciplinary teams in the hospital.Demonstrates behaviors that promotes a positive team culture influencing our ability to impact quality and safety throughout the organization.Acts as a champion of Just Culture.Participates in the hiring of professional and support staff as appropriate.Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to University of Iowa Health Care.Knowledge of change theories.Demonstrates critical thinking skills.Proficiency in Epic.Strong organizational skills.Skilled at process mapping and conducting observations.Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility.Ability to weigh and manage priorities.Skilled at multi-tasking.Detail oriented.Skilled at synthesis and analysis of complex information.Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.Customer service oriented.Assumes special assignments as delegated by the Chief Quality Officer and the Director of the Quality Improvement Program.Percent of time

: 75% (30 hours per week)

Work schedule

: Some flexibility between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

Location

: This position is located at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA. This position is eligible to participate in partial remote work after the initial training and onboarding has been completed. Remote work must be performed at a location within the state of Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and the employee travel policy when working at a remote location

Pay level: 5A

. Starting salary will be based on applicant qualifications and relevant experience. To view the full salary range for 5A: Professional and Scientific Pay Structures | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu)

Benefits Highlights

: Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits

About UI Health Care

: The University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center-recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives. ®

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Education Requirement:

A master's degree in business, engineering or applicable field with 1-2 years' experience utilizing process improvement principles and tools, or a bachelor's degree in business, engineering or applicable field with 2 or more years' experience utilizing process improvement principles and tools, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.Experience Requirement:

Relevant experience (1-3 years) in healthcare, or in a health industry or business administration related job.Outstanding communication skills at the verbal, written and presentation levels.Proficiency in computer software applications.Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.Possess ability to analyze complex data and report metrics.Professional experience working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint and VisioDesirable Qualifications:

Lean/Six Sigma CertificationExperience working in a healthcare environment.Experience supporting a Lean cultural transformation.Advanced analytical skills necessary for the evaluation of complex data sets.Ability to develop/teach concepts/tools of process improvement.RN licensure with 3 years' clinical experience.Application Process:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents with their application:

A current resume/CVA cover letter that clearly addresses how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on November 21, or on date of closing.Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check.Professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.This position is not eligible for University of Iowa sponsorship for employment authorization.For questions, contact Heidi Bodensteiner at heidi-bodensteiner@uiowa.edu