Improvement Specialist Corporate

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

UPMC Corporate Operations is seeking an Improvement Specialist to contribute to system-wide and departmental quality initiatives focused on patient safety. The role assesses and analyzes operations and processes, then collaborates with frontline caregivers and leaders to design and implement improvements and innovations. The specialist builds commitment, supports cultural change, shares information, and helps teams adopt behavioral and process changes. Work focuses on patient-centeredness, staff vitality, process efficiency and waste reduction, and safe, reliable patient care. This position works Monday through Friday during standard daylight hours, with some work-from-home flexibility. It is not fully remote, and onsite work is required. Occasional travel may be needed based on business needs. A bachelor's degree in Nursing, Business Administration, or a related field is required at hire or transfer, along with five years of related experience and knowledge of information systems and process improvement techniques. A master's degree in Business Administration or an applicable healthcare field is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Business Administration, or a related field required at time of hire or transfer.
Five years of related experience required, with knowledge of information systems and process improvement techniques.
Ability to understand and interpret data.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients and families.
Ability to work productively and effectively in a complex environment, handle multiple or changing priorities, and work with specialized equipment.
Exemplary critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities related to various aspects of patient care.
Critical-thinking skills necessary to exercise judgment and lead others.
Mobility and visual-manual dexterity; physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, and lifting.
Act 34 clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Business Administration or an applicable healthcare field.
Familiarity with the Pennsylvania Medical Care Act and/or applicable regulatory and safety agencies, such as CMS, NQF, and Joint Commission.
Knowledge of Just Culture, human factors, systems thinking, psychological safety, and High Reliability Organization principles.
Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) and/or Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
UPMC-approved national certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Review and support patient safety and adverse event reports for accuracy, severity, and organizational or local impact.
Support or facilitate structured adverse event reviews using a Just Culture methodology and promote transparent shared learning.
Partner with operational leaders to develop and drive measurable, system-based interventions.
Monitor adverse event reporting data for recurring themes, risks, and emerging safety concerns.
Promote Just Culture, psychological safety, speaking up, and continuous learning.
Support compliance with applicable patient-safety requirements, including MCARE, CMS, NQF, and Joint Commission requirements, and organizational policies.
Translate complex safety requirements into practical guidance for frontline staff and leaders.
Use project management skills to advance goals and collect accurate, timely data on quality, cost, and service outcomes.
Keep quality improvement and innovation work focused on patient-centeredness, staff vitality, process efficiency and waste reduction, and safe, reliable patient care.
Coordinate assessments of current operational processes at UPMC entities.
Lead improvement work using approaches such as TPS, Lean, and PDSA, as appropriate.
Assess institutional or departmental readiness and identify strategies to achieve goals.
Maintain ongoing self-development, particularly in presentation facilitation, change management, and quality improvement activities.
Create a supportive departmental environment by regularly consulting with the Director and frontline staff about the area's issues and needs.
Communicate improvements to work teams, staff, managers, and administrators across UPMC; when opportunities arise, present accomplishments at regional and national forums.
Measure, analyze, and interpret data using varied approaches.
Lead and engage teams across the enterprise and interact with executives at all levels.
Partner with system divisional leaders to implement and deploy system and local change.
Complete assigned special projects and other related duties according to agreed goals and parameters.