The Quality Improvement Program at UI Health Care 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.  General supervision is received from the Director and the Chief Quality Officer in the Quality Improvement Program, as well as the Lead Quality Improvement Engineer.

The successful candidate 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 culture.
• Works collaboratively with the Chief Quality Officer and the Director of the Quality Improvement Program to operationalize the vision and the work of the program for the hospital.
• Respect for the administrative hierarchy.

Characteristic 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.
• Apply broad knowledge, best practices, and contemporary project management tools to produce desired improvement results.
• 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 Lean and 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 Quality Improvement Program 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.
• Champion of Just Culture.
• Participates in the hiring of professional and support staff.
• Assumes special assignments as delegated by the Chief Quality Officer and the Director of the Quality Improvement Program
• 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.

Percent of time: 75% (30 hours per week)

Work schedule: Flexible 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: P&S Pay Structures (Future) | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa.

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.