Quality & Patient Safety Specialist

About the role

The Quality and Patient Safety Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring programs that promote high standards of patient care, safety, and satisfaction. This role involves collaboration with clinical and non-clinical staff to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, improve care delivery, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes project plans by managing multi-disciplinary quality and patient projects
• Manages project timelines, agenda development, minutes, documents and presentation preparation, and reports on project progress
• Coverage of patient safety programs, including risk assessments, incident reporting, and root cause analyses
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce medical errors and improve safety outcomes
• Design, implement, and evaluate quality improvement projects using evidence-based methodologies (e.g., Plan-Do-Study-Act, Lean, Six Sigma)
• Monitor clinical outcomes, analyze trends, and recommend changes to improve care delivery
• Ensure adherence to standards set by accrediting bodies (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS) and assist with survey preparation and follow-up
• Review and facilitates the interpretation of regulations and standards to advise leadership and staff
• Collect, analyze, and report quality metrics and safety data to stakeholders
• Use data visualization tools to present findings effectively
• Identify trends and areas for improvement using tools like root cause analysis (RCA)
• Generate reports for leadership and regulatory bodies
• Educate staff on quality and safety initiatives, policies, and best practices
• Provide training on incident reporting, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance
• Conduct training sessions for healthcare professionals on patient safety practices
• Promote awareness of quality and safety initiatives and encourage reporting of near misses
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to foster a culture of safety and quality
• Act as a resource for staff and leadership regarding quality improvement and safety practices
• Partner with staff to facilitate the investigation of patient safety events and near-misses, documenting findings and implementing preventive measures
• Collaborate in the management of the reporting process for adverse events and regulatory compliance
• Developing Safety Protocols: Design and facilitate the implementation of policies to prevent medical errors, adverse events, and infections
• Risk Management: Collaborate with clinical and administrative teams to minimize risks to patients
• Manage responses to adverse events, including patient communication and process review
• Performance Improvement: Lead or participate in quality improvement projects (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
• Develop strategies to enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes
• Regulatory and Accreditation Readiness: Ensure the organization is prepared for external audits and inspections
• Stay updated on changes in healthcare laws and standards

Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a healthcare setting, with exposure to quality improvement and patient safety
• Candidates with extensive relevant experience (greater than 5 years) may be considered in lieu of a degree; for these candidates, a bachelor's degree will be required

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical background (e.g., RN, PT, etc.)
• Leverage in Lean Six Sigma or equivalent quality improvement certification OR Certification in Quality and Safety (e.g., CPHQ, CPPS) highly desirable

Skills

• Familiarity with regulatory and accreditation processes with deep understanding of regulations and accreditation requirements
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and identify actionable insights
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with demonstrated experience educating staff, engaging leadership and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve goals
• Familiarity with healthcare analytics tools and software with proficiency in the use of quality data analysis tools and software (e.g., Excel, Tableau)

Physical Requirements

• Up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally)
• 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently)
• 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly)
• Lifting 25 lbs max
• Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs
• Occasional to frequent standing & walking
• Occasional sitting
• Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing)

Environmental Factors

• Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and work tasks
• Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to:
• Blood-borne pathogen exposure
• Bio-hazardous waste
• Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors
• Communicable diseases
• Electrical shock
• Latex
• Lighting
• Patient care/handling injuries
• Radiation
• Shift work
• Travel may be required

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified individuals with disabilities will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.