Quality Assurance Specialist (1)

Klamath Tribal Health and Family Services•Klamath Falls, OR

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chief Quality Officer, the Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS) is responsible for the operational execution of the organization’s Quality, Compliance, and Risk Management programs. This role supports the implementation and ongoing activities of the Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program, assists with quality improvement initiatives, and collects, analyzes, and reports on various performance data. The QAS also coordinates committee activities, supports audit and accreditation readiness, manages risk management processes, and handles patient complaints and grievances. Additionally, the role involves assisting with policy and procedure development, collaborating with various departments, supporting training, and staying informed about regulatory changes. The incumbent may also be called upon to perform other tasks integral to the Klamath Tribes' broader functions, including assisting with community events, which may sometimes occur outside regular work hours.

Requirements

Knowledge of data collection, analysis, and reporting methodologies.
Ability to coordinate and support multiple quality and compliance initiatives simultaneously while managing competing priorities.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prepare reports, summaries, and supporting documentation.
Ability to work collaboratively with clinical, administrative, and leadership teams.
Excellent oral and written communication skill.
Ability to write clear concise policies, narratives and reports.
Outstanding skills in data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Skill in facilitating/conducting training for various stakeholders.
Demonstrated leadership ability.
Ability to work well with others in a professional team-oriented environment.
Ability to approach staff about quality issues with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with health care personnel from various disciplines.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of medical records and adhere to the standards for health record-keeping, HIPAA and Privacy Act requirements.
Ability to analyze clinical data, prepare written reports and plans, make informed decisions, take appropriate action and follow through within scope of responsibility.
Ability to establish methodologies and create consensus to achieve new goals and improve outcomes affecting health care delivery.
Ability to conduct research with applicable requirements from regulatory organizations.
Ability to adapt supervisory techniques and theories to personnel and patient issues.
Ability to plan, develop, manage, prioritize, evaluate and problem-solve.
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in healthcare, public health, business, or related field.
Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in healthcare quality, quality improvement, compliance activities, healthcare operations, audit preparation, incident reporting and tracking, performance monitoring, and/or accreditation readiness within a healthcare environment.
Working knowledge of healthcare quality improvement, compliance, and risk management principles within a healthcare setting.
Working knowledge of applicable healthcare regulatory and compliance requirements, including HIPAA.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulatory guidance, and accreditation standards within a healthcare setting.
Demonstrated ability to analyze clinical, quality, compliance, or operational data, identify trends or concerns, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to exercise independent professional judgment when addressing non-routine quality, compliance, or risk management issues and determine when escalation is appropriate.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive patient, employee, and organizational information.
Demonstrated hands-on experience performing healthcare quality, compliance, audit, risk management, incident management, complaint/grievance, performance monitoring, and/or accreditation readiness activities.
Computer experience, using word processing, database and spreadsheet software.
Submit to TB skin testing (as needed) and adhere to KTHFS staff immunization policy.
Submit to a background and character investigation.
Report to Human Resource any citation, arrest, conviction for a misdemeanor or felony crime.
Accept the responsibility of a Mandatory Reporter.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in Tribal health, Indian Health Service (IHS), FQHC, or other community-based healthcare settings.
Experience supporting accreditation readiness or external audits (e.g., AAAHC, Joint Commission, or similar).
Experience with healthcare data analysis, reporting, or performance measurement systems.
Knowledge of quality improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, PDSA cycles).
Relevant certifications such as: Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Certified Lean Practitioner (CLP) or similar.
Advanced degree in Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
Clinical or healthcare operations experience sufficient to understand care delivery workflows (clinical licensure not required).

Responsibilities

Support implementation and ongoing activities of the organization’s Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program.
Assist with quality improvement activities across departments.
Collect, track, analyze, and report quality, compliance, risk management, and operational performance data.
Prepare reports, summaries, and supporting documentation for leadership, committees, and departments.
Coordinate and support Quality, Compliance, Risk Management, and related committee activities.
Support organizational readiness activities related to internal audits, external reviews, monitoring activities, and accreditation requirements.
Track and monitor incidents, adverse events, near misses, complaints, grievances, and identified risk trends.
Receive, document, track, and coordinate escalated patient complaints and grievances.
Assist with drafting, revising, organizing, and maintaining policies, procedures, workflows, and supporting documentation.
Work collaboratively with Patient Navigators, clinical staff, leadership, and other departments to support quality improvement, compliance, patient safety, and risk management activities.
Assist with coordination of training and educational activities related to quality improvement, compliance, accreditation readiness, patient safety, and organizational policies and procedures.
Submit regular reports and updates regarding assigned activities to the Chief Quality Officer and other leadership.
Remain informed regarding changes in healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
Accomplish other tasks integral to the Klamath Tribes' broader functions, including assisting during Tribal sponsored cultural, traditional, or community events.