AddressThis position supports CMS regulatory requirements for the Quality Strategy related to Care Improvement Programs and Quality Improvement Projects.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under limited supervision from the Director, Senior Manager or other more senior Business Transformation staff, the Senior Management Engineer is responsible for the facilitation of multiple Continuous Improvement (CI) efforts and applies a variety of improvement methodologies (including lean, six sigma, theory of constraints, TQM, human factors design) and group management techniques to support individuals and teams through process improvement initiatives. This position is accountable for the programs and clinical interventions that constitute the Quality Management (QM) Program. Implements strategic plans, policies and procedures with departments to ensure quality management programs for all product lines are consistent with overall goals.
Project work may include technical analyses or may require facilitation of a large multi-disciplinary group of administrators and/or medical personnel. Works collaboratively with leadership to increase efficiencies, decrease costs, reduce variability, reduce errors/defects, and involve all appropriate personnel. Prepares reports and recommendations for management and coordinates implementation whenever possible. This individual provides needed continuous improvement training and education and works closely with other CI personnel to meet education needs at all levels throughout the institution. May supervise tasks of Student Analysts or Contractors. Communicates regularly with Management on specific projects. Flexibility, innovation, and creativity are necessary characteristics of the successful candidate. Individual is expected to continuously learn and apply new continuous improvement methodologies, and to spread successful innovation through the institution.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements for quality reporting and corporate quality initiatives. Coordinates the quality management data/reports, in compliance with State, Federal, and NCQA requirements, and with respect to PIPs/QIPs, annual program evaluation components, HEDIS and non-HEDIS quality measure outcomes.
- Works with the Quality Manager and internal departments to prepare for accreditation/re-accreditation, compliance audits and other regulatory activities; assure readiness for related surveys and onsite visits. Leads the development, implementation, and submission of Chronic Care Improvement Program (CCIP) and Quality Improvement Program (QIP) for all applicable product lines. Works in conjunction with Quality Director and/or Manager to monitor and conduct annual evaluation of these programs.
- Participates in the review of clinical guidelines, standards of care, policies and procedures, processes and/or workflows related to the delivery of quality care. Serves as a member of the Clinical Quality Management Committee.
- Leads improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma and other problem solving methods such as reengineering, value stream mapping and other tools to identify opportunities for improvement. Leads projects of increasing complexity (including complex systems, political, change and organizational issues); Is able to work independently on business unit initiatives.
- Growing knowledge of ways to collect, organize, and generate analysis on more complex problems and processes for use of statistical techniques for generating, organizing and processing data through the use of MIDAS, Excel, Access, and other database software programs. Is able to explain and teach others the interpretation of these analyses.
- Researches best practices for improvement and appropriately incorporates identified best practices into process design.
- May provide support to healthcare benchmarking systems including data collection, data submission, data interpretation and opportunity analysis, coaching to leadership and operational management on improvement opportunities and approaches.
- For assigned projects, develops a project scope document and project plan including the gathering of information, estimates of resources required, estimated timeline for completion, background, project objectives, description of proposed approach, deliverables, and a client communication plan.
- Identifies core processes for end-to-end focus and applies the use of the HAP CPMO/CI Processes, incorporating the use of CI tools (Lean, six sigma, TOC, etc.) when appropriate.
- Leads and facilitates assigned initiatives, in a consulting capacity, in support of organizational improvement [within a function] that will drive or have direct impact on process improvements, reducing waste, and enhancing patient and/or customer satisfaction.
- Assesses organizational performance (e.g., a function, a department, a key process, etc.) in relation to established goals and standards; recommend new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual progress toward goals and standards.
- Provides advice and consultation on “what to measure” for performance metrics. Develops process performance metrics. Documents current processes and new processes, including extended and related processes (more complex); facilitates design of new processes incorporating process improvement fundamentals (removing waste, hand-offs).
- Develop improvement action plans, quantify the business benefits, and provide leadership and mentoring to ensure implementation.
- Provides expertise using basic change management tools and methods to ensure successful and sustainable implementation of improvements.
- Conducts written and oral project updates for Senior Management and other leaders.
- Develops content and assists in the delivery of HAP CPMO/CI training programs including providing Senior Leadership, Directors and Managers with ongoing education and training.
- Guides junior staff (interns, students, contractors) in performing operations analysis and decision support activities.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s Degree required. A degree in industrial or related engineering, nursing, business administration (w/ quality/operations improvement emphasis), healthcare administration (w/ quality/operations improvement emphasis), organizational development, human factors or similar field is preferred.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in organizational performance improvement. Ability to manage, simultaneous assignments with potentially conflicting priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to identify when input from Director or other senior staff members is necessary.
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management and staff across the System.
- Strong base of analytical/technical, facilitative, and process improvement knowledge.
- Oral and written communication skills, including the ability to teach technical/analytical concepts to non-Management Services managers and staff.
- Knowledge of effective data gathering techniques.
- Sound decision-making skills.
- Proven project management skills.
- Strong diplomacy and collaboration skills.
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES:
- Certification in some or all of the following: Lean, Six Sigma, and Supply Chain Management or equivalent industry training and experience preferred.
- Certification as a Malcolm Baldrige examiner a plus.
