Quality Improvement Specialist - 130016

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 6/7/2024. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

The Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS) is a key resource in overseeing patient safety operational activities, projects, and initiatives across the organization. Tasked with developing and refining safety protocols, the QIS enhances patient safety by meticulously analyzing data related to adverse events to spot trends and implement preventive measures. This role involves leading or participating in large-scale or complex projects, with a focus on safeguarding patients from preventable harm. Holding clinical licensure, the QIS provides expert analysis on significant events and is responsible for training healthcare professionals in best practices to maintain and elevate safety standards.

The specialist will proactively identify potential safety risks, investigate incidents, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to promote a safety-first culture. Conducting detailed Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) on significant events to understand underlying issues and drive systemic improvements forms a significant part of the duties. Engaging in the medical peer review process to evaluate clinical care and ensure it meets the highest standards is essential.

The Quality Improvement Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and is key to preventing harm and fostering a culture of safety within the healthcare system. This highly visible position demands effective and professional communication with physician leaders across the organization. The specialist must possess a strong proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, to create impactful presentations and detailed reports for director-level and above leaders. This role requires a unique blend of clinical knowledge, analytical acumen, and exceptional communication skills, including the ability to present data and analyses clearly and persuasively. Tact, diplomacy, and confidence are essential in delivering presentations and interacting with key stakeholders, ensuring that safety protocols and improvements are communicated effectively.

• Bachelor's Degree in nursing (BSN) or other health discipline. Or a combination of comparable clinical education and/or experience.

• Five (5) years of relevant clinical experience or licensed clinician in the State of California (e.g., Nursing, Pharmacy, Respiratory, etc.)

• Experience and proven success in project management, QI standards, clinical chart review and abstraction, and regulatory requirements.

• Proficiency in the use of computer programs including MS office: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

• MSN or Master's Degree in health-related field.

• Seven (7+) or more years of relevant clinical experience.

• Experience with RL Datix

• Data analysis experience.

• Experience with quality improvement methodologies.

• Lean/Six Sigma training and/or experience.

• Experience with Epic.

• Experience managing Medical Staff Committees.

• Experience with medical record review and data abstraction for ACS NSQIP and review of AHRQ Patient Safety Indicators (PSI's).

• Expertise in the development and implementation of complex projects including multi-disciplinary teams to facilitate change throughout the health system.

• Experience with chart review including the creation and presentation of case summaries that identify system issues through to the development and implementation of action plans.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $101,200 - $192,200 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $48.47 - $92.05

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.