DIRECTOR OF RISK MANAGEMENT - CCH

Cook County•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Director of Risk Management – CCH is responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, directing and coordinating all aspects of the Cook County Health (CCH) Risk Management program for all affiliates and departments, including John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Provident Hospital of Cook County, Ambulatory and Community Health Network clinics, Cermak Health Services and the Cook County Department of Public Health. The Director of Risk Management – CCH routinely presents to and directly advises the CCHHS Board of Directors and CCH Leadership in matters of pending or imminent litigation, including making recommendations to settle or proceed to trial.

Requirements

Masters degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Five (5) years of experience in Healthcare Administration, Quality Outcomes, Risk Management or Medical Litigation
Two (2) years of healthcare-related experience in Risk Management
Experience and understanding of healthcare regulations and compliance standards
Knowledge and experience with risk and/or claims management applicable to health care
Knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Thorough knowledge of legal, regulatory, ethical, managerial, organizational requirements, principles and standards of care for hospitals and healthcare systems
Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree
Master’s degree or higher in a healthcare, nursing, business, or law related field from an accredited college or university
Experience and knowledge with electronic event reporting systems and/or electronic medical record systems
Medical risk management experience in an urban medical facility including investigating claims, lawsuits and responding to litigation discovery
Experience as a health care provider
Familiar with medical terminology, processes, and procedures
Affiliation with American Society for Health Care Risk Managers (ASHRM) and/or local chapter
Certified professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)
Certified Healthcare Risk Manager (CHRM), Associate in Risk Management (ARM) or Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
Exposure to risk and/or claims management in a public health facility

Responsibilities

Develops and implements a comprehensive risk management program including clinical risk identification and claims management.
Conducts risk evaluation and coordination of corrective action implementation related to identified risk issues.
Ensures compliance with relevant standards and statutes, with objective to control/minimize loss and protect the assets of CCH while maintaining quality care.
Oversees, monitors, manages, and analyzes reported occurrence data collected through the electronic incident reporting system and investigation process.
Submits events to excess carriers that could reasonably lead to litigation.
Appears before the Quality and Patient Safety Committee of CCHHS Board of Directors, Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney and the Litigation Subcommittee of the Finance Committee of the Cook County Board of Commissioners in managing the liability claims brought against CCH.
Reviews and analyzes the statistical data of losses and analyzing patterns, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
Develops loss reduction measures and designs plans to resolve patient complaints and minimize the effects of adverse patient outcomes before they develop into professional liability claims.
Coordinates with the Quality and Patient Safety Committee of CCHHS’ Board of Directors and CCH Departments of Quality Assurance Compliance and Safety in developing and implementing policies, practices and changes to comply with all relevant regulations and in providing recommendations to enhance the quality outcome functions and prevent liability.
Providing expertise to CCH physicians and staff regarding all risk management issues and issues including conducting educational seminars and educational handouts.
Conducts annual, multi-disciplinary reviews and appraisal of the risk management program.
Conducts risk management education.
Develops, manages and maintains the CCH bordereau of claims.
Implements the electronic event reporting system and trains CCH staff on its use.
Works with outside counsel to manage all litigation.
Interfaces with County Risk Management in relation to professional liability insurance purchasing and coverage decisions.
Responds to claim history and insurance verification requests from health care providers.
Responds to subpoenas, discovery requests, service of summons issues and other litigation issues.
Serves as the risk management expert responding to urgent patient care matters and other risk management needs providing on cal support as assigned by the General Counsel and/or Chief Legal Officer.
Serves as 24/7 first call for Nursing Management, Administrator on Call, and Security for immediate patient care issues and dangerous/significant patient care issues or situations.
Coordinates responses to patient grievances, provides advice and counsels employees on ways to manage patient grievances prior to escalation.
Provides operational advice and suggested direction to Cermak Health Services.
Coordinates Worker’s Compensation claims for CCH, including serving as a client representative for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO).
Serves on CCH committees to address patient care, safety, quality, and oversight of same.
Performs other duties as assigned.