Improvement Specialist

**Job Description**:
This position is responsible for developing, implementing, leading and monitoring organizational projects and improvement initiatives utilizing project management and quality improvement skills and knowledge. This role contributes to excellence in the delivery of patient services and the systems that support efficient and effective service delivery.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Utilizing lean six sigma and continuous quality improvement methods, lead the ongoing systematic review of business processes to maximize outcomes and efficiencies including:

- Assuming roles of project lead, co-lead, or business process lead depending on project requirements or initiative
- Engaging and collaborating with HCCSS leaders and staff, service providers and other health system partners, to identify and prioritize areas for improvement
- Documenting existing business processes and workflows.
- Supporting the identification and development of project and organizational metrics.
- Leading the tracking, analysis and design/re-design of business processes.
- Developing required job aids, SOPP’s (Standard Operating Procedures), and other resources related to new or updated processes or practices.
- Developing and/or supporting the development and delivery of education materials to impacted internal and/or external stakeholders.
- Working with staff, service providers and other health system partners, to develop a process for the identification and prioritization of business processes to be designed/re-designed.
- Planning for and supporting the implementation and evaluation of new and re-designed processes.
- Collaborating with relevant staff groups/committees (e.g., Applications and Standards Committee (ASC), Patient Safety Committee, Provincial working groups, etc.), to develop communication tools including policies and procedures, forms, flowcharts, technical materials, correspondence, reports, presentations etc.
- Supporting HCCSS staff learning needs through facilitation or coaching when required.
- Assisting with the development and implementation of a comprehensive organizational quality framework, including participating on relevant committees.
- Championing a quality and process improvement methodology across the organization and support the development, implementation and evaluation of quality methods and tools.
- Identifying and advising on opportunities to improve the quality of services provided by the HCCSS.
- Building organizational capacity for quality improvement by providing leadership in educating staff on principles, tools and methods related to quality improvement.
- Supporting organizational functioning and operations through design, development and management of technology based tools
- Providing organizational leadership and support during business interruption events specific to business process and recovery
- Other duties as required.

Risk Management
- Reports risks with causes, impacts or mitigations beyond scope of responsibility to management.
- Follows safe practices related to the security and privacy of information.

**Patient Safety**:

- Supports patient safety culture by ensuring work completed recognizes the safety of the patient(s).

Health & Safety
- Must adhere to the duties of workers, as stipulated in Section 28 of the _Occupational Health and Safety Act._
- Must adhere to all NSM HCCSS administrative and applicable occupational health and safety policies, procedures and protocol.

**POSITION REQUIREMENTS**:
**Education**:

- University degree in healthcare, business administration or related discipline.
- Training and/or certification in continuous quality improvement (CQI) methods such as Lean Six Sigma; IHI or other recognized quality improvement methodologies
- Ongoing education in project management, risk management or quality improvement is an asset.

**Experience / Knowledge**:

- Health care experience and/or knowledge of the home and community care sector are assets.
- Relevant experience leading and/or managing mid to large-scale organizational projects.
- Proficient in the use of Word, PowerPoint, Statistical Software and above average proficiency in Excel

**Competencies**:

- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Proficient use of process improvement tools and methods.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Effective communication with internal and external stakeholders which includes respecting and valuing others, active listening and facilitating healthy relationships.
- Strong customer focus.
- Effective change agent with strong facilitation, negotiation and project management skills.
- Able to work well both independently and in teams.
- Able to multi-task and prioritize in a complex, changing environment.
- Proficiency in French is an asset.

**Other Requirements**:

- Ability to travel within the region when required
- Valid driver’s license, insurance and access to a motor vehicle are required.