"Senior Quality Specialist (4974)"

This position will facilitate change through quality improvement activities that support the SIU mission using the elements of population science, population health, data driven informed decision making, and Lean Six Sigma. This position assists departments in organizing improvement teams and developing quality a quality improvement plan based on available data, national benchmarks, and industry best practice. This position will assist departments with the application process of recognition & certification programs through interpretation of the elements, primarily the Patient Centered Medical Home and Patient Centered Specialty Practice Models.

Administration 85%

1. Works with the Director of Quality & Performance Improvement in implementing performance improvement activities within clinical departments and clinical support units to promote efficient, effective, and equitable patient care
2. Coordinating and assisting departments/divisions in the application process for recognition and certification programs (e.g. PCMH/PCSP) though interpretation and application of program elements.
3. Works with the Director of Quality& Performance improvement and Director of Risk & Safety in supporting effective department Patient Safety Evaluation System (PSES) meetings to assure confidentiality and security of information.
4. Works with the managed care plans to identify care gaps and works with the clinical areas to ensure compliance with managed care goals and incentives.
5. Assists with the Merritt-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting through data collection of required documentation
6. Works with the QI team on data collection, aggregation and analysis and develops action plans specific to governmental reporting program priorities.
7. Assists the clinical departments in governmental reporting program readiness through improvement efforts related to dashboard metrics
8. Works with the Director of Quality and Performance Improvement and the Clinical Informatics team in developing the electronic Medical Record and related information technology in a manner which enhances the collection of clinical and operational data
9. Gathers and coordinates clinical and business expertise from clinic management and physician advisors/users, andworks with clinical and operational managers to develop and implement new workflows supported by the EHR
10. Seeks and recommends automated solutions to make SIU physician practices more efficient and effective in assuring appropriate care is delivered.
11. Facilitates broader, more complex quality improvement initiatives requiring advanced project management and change management skills
12. Works directly with clinical and operational leaders and staff to help define and achieve performance improvements
13. Develops and assists with training that results from identified learning needs based on QI outcomes
14. Assist in developing improvement plans to address patient safety issues identified through the incident reporting system.
15. Assist with other duties as assigned

Education 10%

1. Provides specific, targeted education to clinicians and operations staff on performance improvement tools and techniques
2. Develop, implement, and be accountable for the education to faculty and staff regarding measures specific to reporting and certification programs
3. Develop, implement, and be accountable for the education to faculty and staff regarding reporting and other certification program improvement processes, strategies, and skills.

Service 5%

1. Participates in assigned Quality, Performance, Compliance, Information Technology, Risk & Safety committees and initiatives of SIU and affiliated hospitals and provider organizations
2. Demonstrates, by actions, commitment to the mission and the behavioral standards of SIU School of Medicine. Provides excellent service to both internal and external customers through collaboration and partnership; compassion and respect; integrity and accountability; diversity and inclusion; as well as continuous learning and improvement

Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer

1. Bachelor's degree as required by the position to be filled in the area of specialization inherent in the position may be required.
2. Three (3) years (36 months) of Quality Improvement (QI) work experience in a clinical or healthcare related field/setting performing duties comparable to the Quality Specialist level of this series.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's)

1. Knowledge of "systems thinking" and ability to lead and train multidisciplinary teams
2. Knowledge of computer skills including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
3. Knowledge of process improvement methodology and tools
4. Knowledge of data collection methodology
5. Knowledge of basic statistical process control components
6. Knowledge of benchmarking tools and best practices
7. Project management and change management skills
8. Problem-solving and team facilitation skills
9. Skill using CQI tools and techniques
10. Strong analytical skills
11. Ability to train, present to small and large groups
12. Ability to act as a consultant to clinicians and non-clinicians
13. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
14. Ability to identify and analyze group dynamics and to recommend interventions in collaboration with peers

Condition of Employment

Out of State Applicants that apply to Springfield vacancies in classifications in the occupational area of Professional, Semi-Professional, or Managerial will be subject to the following Condition of Employment: Pursuant to the State University Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.