Health Systems Specialist

KETCHIKAN INDIAN CORPORATION•Ketchikan, AK

12d•$27 - $41

About The Position

The Health Systems Specialist ensures accreditation and licensing requirements are met for the Salmon Falls Healing Center and implements systems and processes under the direction of the Salmon Falls Healing Center Administrator. This position works collaboratively with the KIC Tribal Health Clinic Quality and Patient Safety team to align standards, share best practices, and maintain consistency across KIC health operations. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating CARF accreditation readiness, supporting state licensing processes, developing and maintaining policies and procedures, managing quality improvement activities, and ensuring data collection and reporting systems support program integrity and compliance. This position serves as the operational bridge between Salmon Falls and KIC's established quality infrastructure while building systems specific to residential treatment operations.

Requirements

Associate's degree in healthcare administration, health information management, public health, or related field.
Minimum two (2) years of work experience in healthcare administration, quality improvement, compliance, or related field.
A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may substitute for education and experience requirements on a year-for-year basis.
Proof of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Knowledge of healthcare accreditation requirements, particularly for behavioral health and residential treatment settings.
Knowledge of quality improvement methodologies, including PDSA cycles, root cause analysis, and performance measurement.
Knowledge of healthcare policies and procedures, including safety and compliance requirements.
Skill in data collection, analysis, and reporting using spreadsheets and database applications.
Skill in developing clear, organized policies and procedures.
Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal culture and lifestyle, working effectively with AI/AN populations.
Effective oral and written communication skills with sensitivity to the lifestyles of targeted participants.
Skills in operating personal computers using a variety of computer software.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
Ability to lead teams and facilitate group processes.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal and tribal privacy laws and KIC policy (HIPAA, HITECH, etc.).
Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, public health, health information management, or related field.
Three (3) or more years of experience in healthcare quality, accreditation, or compliance.
Experience with CARF or similar accreditation processes.
Experience in behavioral health, residential treatment, or substance use disorder treatment settings.
Certification in healthcare quality (e.g., CPHQ) or related credential.
Experience working with tribal health programs or Indigenous-serving organizations.
Experience in community clinic preferred and a strong commitment to multi-disciplinary teamwork.

Responsibilities

Coordinates CARF accreditation activities, including gap analysis, standards implementation, documentation preparation, and survey readiness.
Supports State of Alaska Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) licensing processes, including application preparation and ongoing compliance monitoring.
Tracks accreditation and licensing timelines, ensures deadlines are met, maintains required documentation, audits and reviews to assess compliance with policies and accreditation requirements.
Develops and implements Quality Improvement (QI) plans, policies, and procedures using data-driven approaches and QAPI methodologies.
Collects, analyzes, and interprets program data to monitor performance, identify trends, and recognize risks to patients and the organization; maintains performance dashboards and prepares reports communicating QI findings to the Administrator, leadership, and stakeholders.
Manages incident and adverse event reporting systems, ensuring processes are in place and sustained.
Assists in developing, revising, and maintaining policies and procedures aligned with CARF standards, state regulations, and tribal requirements.
Ensures policies address governance, risk management, human resources, clinical operations, and quality improvement; coordinates policy review processes and maintains organized documentation systems.
Implements and maintains systems for admissions, referral tracking, billing documentation, utilization monitoring, and reporting.
Supports electronic health record implementation and ensures documentation standards meet compliance requirements.
Coordinates with KIC Finance, Health Services, and external partners (e.g. True North) to ensure system alignment and data integrity.
Works collaboratively with the KIC Tribal Health Clinic Quality and Patient Safety Director and team to align quality standards, integrate processes, and share best practices.
Attends meetings as a representative of Salmon Falls and facilitates workgroups as assigned.
Participates in training initiatives and supports staff development related to quality and compliance; leads facilitation and training efforts for staff to understand accreditation and regulatory standards.
Other related duties as assigned