Quality Improvement Specialist

Ketchikan Indian Community • Ketchikan, AK

5d • $27 - $41 • Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Improvement Specialist assists and supports quality improvement initiatives within KICTHC, focusing on quality, risk management, patient safety, core measures, data analysis, regulatory compliance, and process improvement across the organization. The specialist works with administration, healthcare providers, staff, and other stakeholders to strengthen awareness of quality and patient safety and facilitate improvement efforts. The role also manages significant clinical event investigations and reporting, coordinates regulatory surveys, and facilitates quality- and safety-related education and training. Ongoing education is required to keep current with changes in standards and regulations and to support a culture of continuous performance improvement.

The position is based at 2960 Tongass Ave in Ketchikan, Alaska, and is listed as regular full-time, working Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The listed salary range is $27.03–$40.55 per hour.

The employee must meet the physical demands described, which include regular use of hands, reaching, and talking or hearing; frequent standing and/or sitting; occasional walking, climbing, or balancing; and lifting or moving up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally. Reasonable accommodations may be made. The work environment typically has an average noise level.

A valid driver's license, or the capability of obtaining one, and insurability by KIC may be required. KIC is a drug-free workplace; employees must follow its drug and alcohol policies and pass pre-employment and subsequent random and/or for-cause screening. Some covered positions are conditional on a federal criminal background check under the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act.

Requirements

• Associate degree in healthcare, administration, or another related field.
• At least two years of work experience in healthcare administration or a related field.
• Proof of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may substitute for education and experience requirements on a year-for-year basis.
• Knowledge and demonstrated understanding of healthcare policies and procedures, including safety issues.
• Knowledge of accreditation requirements for an ambulatory healthcare system.
• Knowledge of group processes and ability to lead teams.
• Good judgment, assertiveness, and dependability in performing assigned duties.
• Ability to operate software programs, with knowledge of Microsoft applications.
• Ability to communicate patient rights and responsibilities to patients, family members, and staff with sensitivity to their needs.
• Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native Tribal culture and lifestyle, and ability to work effectively with AI/AN populations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with sensitivity to the lifestyles of targeted participants.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with applicable federal and tribal privacy laws and KIC policy, including HIPAA and HITECH.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to cultural competency, KIC workplace values, Southeast Traditional Tribal Values, customer service, effective communication, responsiveness, and accountability.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field.
• Three years of experience in healthcare administration or a related field.
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification.
• Equivalent certifications in healthcare quality, patient safety, or risk management, such as CPPS, CPHRM, CHC, or CHDA.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate quality improvement initiatives using evidence-based methods such as PDSA, Lean, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, and Fishbone Diagrams to improve clinical outcomes and operational performance.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret quality and clinical data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas of risk.
• Use electronic health records and other data management systems to develop reports, dashboards, and data visualizations that support strategic planning, operational improvement, and data-informed decisions.
• Partner with department leaders to develop meaningful, reportable, evidence-based quality indicators that drive measurable improvements in population health, preventive disease, avoidable utilization and hospitalization, and the health of the Tribal community.
• Support the clinic’s Risk Management Program by investigating incidents and adverse events, facilitating multidisciplinary reviews, and collaborating with departments on corrective actions to strengthen patient safety and regulatory compliance and reduce risk.
• Support AAAHC accreditation compliance with Quality and Safety Standards by coordinating QAPI studies, peer review, and quality measure reporting; conducting internal and external benchmarking; and collaborating with departments to implement and sustain improvement initiatives.
• Provide quality improvement education and training to leaders and teams, including PDSA methodology, root cause analysis, process mapping, data interpretation, and data reporting systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree