Quality & Operational Improvement Engineer - Downtown Campus
University of Iowa

Job Info

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BASIC FUNCTION

• Develop, conduct and lead continuous quality and operational improvement in order to improve efficiency of operations, products, services and/or processes.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Apply Process Improvement, Quality Engineering, and Management Engineering Concepts and Methodologies.
• Responsible for facilitating and implementing quality and operational improvement initiatives for unit or department processes and projects to improve customer satisfaction levels and business productivity.
• Understand business strategy and business planning principles and apply with minimal guidance in project work.
• Work with areas to identify problems through the use of metrics associated with Key Performance Indicators.
• Encourage informed risk-taking and act as a catalyst for innovation.
• Projects are defined by performing business case analysis including scope of the project, voice of the customer, examination of costs, benefits, risks associated with the proposed investment/project and recommends alternatives for solutions.
• Demonstrate understanding of how process goals are established, measured, and monitored.

Collect and Analyze Data

• Develop methods for data collection; collect and retrieve data; design and access databases for decision making.
• Conduct basic and intermediate analyses on comprehensive populations to improve processes, performance and outcomes.
• Develop and analyze mathematical and discrete event simulation models to analyze potential business improvements before implementation.
  

Project Management

• Apply broad knowledge, best practices, and contemporary process improvement tools to produce desired improvement results.
• Perform engineering work to evaluate processes or performance improvement projects for optimization.
• Develop processes to ensure quality, cost, and efficiency of requirements are met.
• Work with area champions to ensure that adequate resources are available for training and projects and that adequate tollgate reviews are conducted on the projects.
• Lead operational improvement teams, utilizing performance improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean, 5S, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Ensure projects are managed through entire life cycle within approved scope, schedule and budget.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Perform quality management audits.
• Manage a risk management program, provide regulatory and clinical quality oversight. Assure compliance with evidence-based recommendations related to accreditation.
• Assess applicable regulations and navigate authoritative interpretive resources.

Training/Education

• Provide advice, facilitation, and training on the development, administration, and technical aspects of an organization's quality improvement efforts at all levels of an organization.
• Prepare and present educational programs on performance improvement or quality initiatives to process improvement team participants.
• Consult with external agencies to obtain and provide education and resources.

Leadership/Supervision, Budget

• Develop budget and create systems for effective implementation and Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved.
  Monitor and manage budget to meet goals.

Human Resources Administration

• Provide recommendations for changes of current human resource policies.
• Exercise knowledge of human resource policies and procedures. Participate in recruitment and hiring process..

QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN, MA) or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Minimum of one year of related experience with data abstraction and/or analysis of clinical data.
• Minimum of one year of recent clinical experience providing care to adult or pediatric patient populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic medical records, including reporting functions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of incorporating evidence-based practice techniques in a health care setting.
  Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Power Point and Excel.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to build relationships and gain alignment for clinical support, articulate questions to receive an appropriate level of support from superiors and peers, and interact with all members of the surgical team and administrative staff in a professional and courteous manner.
• Knowledge of quality improvement and/or patient safety.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience with data abstraction and/or analysis of clinical data preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience preferred.
• Current license to practice nursing in Iowa (RHIA, RHIT, LPN/LVN, RN, or BSN preferred).
• Demonstrated clinical experience with patients in a hospital surgery department or surgery clinic.
• Computer proficiency with databases or software applications, including data entry and/or management.
• Formal continuing education in performance improvement techniques, such as DMAIC, TQM, or similar nationally recognized techniques.
• Professional certification related to healthcare quality (i.e. CPHQ, ASQ).
• Basic statistical knowledge.
• Dedication to enhancing an inclusive workforce and academic environment is desired.

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. With additional questions, please reach out to emilio-villagrana@uiowa.edu

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Qual & Op Improv Engineer
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

• Pay Level: 5A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Emilio Villagrana
• Contact Email: emilio-villagrana@uiowa.edu

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