Quality Improvement Specialist

Under the supervision of the Director of Quality Improvement, the Quality Improvement Specialist will directly assist with the implementation of the DC Colorectal Cancer Control Program (DC3C) grant. The QI Specialist will support preparation and dissemination of regular program updates, writing and preparing proposals and reports, contract management, and data monitoring. The incumbent will interact both with internal team members and external partners and stakeholders, including patients, consultants, community-based partners, government representatives, and the general community with a focus on Quality Improvement at Unity. This position will be an integrated member of Unity’s Quality Improvement team.

MAJOR DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Applies a Community-Oriented Primary Care approach to lead a team of community-based centers and patients to implement evidenced-based strategies to increase cancer screening among underserved populations living in Washington, DC
• Oversees and manages aspects of the DC3C grant, specifically the patient navigation across Unity health centers; Participates in DC3C training for patient navigator(s) on role of patient navigator, cancer screening guidelines, tracking, and reporting
• Serves as a Quality Improvement (QI) coach, makes visits to clinics to engage in performance improvement projects, provide technical support, collaborate to meet training and educational need of the clinic; the QI Specialist will serve as a knowledge expert (practitioner) in the model for improvement
• Works closely with the Director of Quality Improvement to address population health management goals, identify focused areas for improvement and implement strategies necessary to increase compliance of identified measures

• Works with team(s) in goals setting that align with Unity’s organizational goals and national recommendations
• Works with team(s) in determining effective strategies to achieve quarterly goals
• Collaborates with DC Health partners (including DCPCA and Health Efficient) to provide technical assistance to Care Coordinators in capturing navigation data from the clinic’s electronic health record (EHR) for reporting purposes
• Assists the Director of Quality Improvement with the preparation of four (4) quarterly progress reports using DC Health’s Progress Report Template, submitted through Electronic Grants Management System (EGMS)
• Coordinates and manages annual comprehensive program reviews for Unity health centers including developing, implementing and monitoring improvement plans, as needed
• Represents the Quality Improvement department across Unity Health Care
• Plans, coordinates, facilitates, and evaluates learning sessions/trainings for health center staff in collaboration with project partners including curriculum design, agenda setting, and trainer identification
• Serves as a resource for members on key content areas – connecting health center staff with the tools and resources they need to reach their care goals
• Provides technical assistance to Unity health centers around identified needs
• Works intensively with health center teams participating in assigned projects to refine delivery system and implement best practice concepts
• Designs, develops, and implements member assessments around clinical performance and TA needs to identify opportunities for improvements and possible solutions
• Leads in the coordination of health center learning collaboratives, including planning meeting logistics, communicating with members, preparing content for meetings, and directing follow-up coordination

• Participates in strategic and operational planning by recommending programmatic and service priorities and opportunities
• Shadows clinical care delivery team to implement evidence-based efforts and collect data needed for reporting purposes
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) or more years of professional program management experience in a community-based health program required, experience with grant writing and program evaluation a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree (Public Health or Health Care Administration, preferred) from an accredited college or university in a related field of study required, experience with applying Community-Oriented Primary Care framework a plus. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Previous experience in or with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proven experience with project management, in particular demonstration of ability to organize various activities and goals, management multiple projects simultaneously, plan strategically and see project to completion
• Strong relationship-building skills, with proven ability to develop effective relationships and work collaboratively with physicians and diverse stakeholders (government, community, and business environments)
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare reports and correspondence; comprehend and make inferences from written material; interpret federal, state, and local government laws and regulations
• Maintains a high level of ethical conduct regarding confidentiality, relationships, and professional stature
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly gather information (quantitative and qualitative), identify trends and propose solutions
• Demonstrated ability to show a high degree of initiative and proactive planning and learning
• Demonstrated ability to work with a multi-cultural and multidisciplinary team
• Strong ability to effectively use technology and computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent meeting-facilitation skills
  • Proven ability to teach others and conduct training for adult audiences
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Team-player, ability to coordinate work collaboratively and resolve conflicts