Performance Improvement Specialist I

Job Summary

The Performance Improvement Specialist I supports the hospital's quality, safety, and operational excellence initiatives by assisting in the analysis, design, and implementation of performance improvement activities. This role collaborates with clinical and non-clinical teams to collect and analyze data, support process improvement projects, and promote evidence-based practices. The specialist applies foundational performance improvement methodologies (such as Lean, Six Sigma, or PDSA), helps monitor key performance indicators, and contributes to regulatory compliance and accreditation readiness. Under general supervision, this position plays a key role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Support the Six Sigma, Safety, Infection Prevention, Regulatory and the Clinical Quality Departments.
• Support hospital-wide performance improvement, patient safety, quality, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Collect, validate, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data related to clinical, operational, and regulatory performance.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of performance improvement projects using foundational methodologies (e.g., PDSA, Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis).
• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and scorecards to monitor key performance indicators and outcomes.
• Participate in multidisciplinary improvement teams and meetings, providing data analysis, documentation, and follow-up support.
• Assist in identifying process gaps, inefficiencies, and variation using data, observation, and staff input.
• Support standard work documentation, workflow mapping, and process redesign efforts.
• Track project progress, action plans, and outcomes to ensure timelines and goals are met.
• Support regulatory compliance, accreditation readiness, and performance monitoring related to organizations such as CMS and DNV.
• Prepare presentations, summaries, and written documentation for leaders, committees, and frontline teams.
• Provide education and basic coaching to staff on performance improvement tools, data interpretation, and continuous improvement principles.
• Support audits, tracers, and reviews to assess adherence to policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Collaborate with clinical, operational, and administrative departments to promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Maintain accurate records and files related to improvement projects, metrics, and reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational priorities and improvement goals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Patient Group Knowledge (Only applies to positions with direct patient contact)

The employee must possess/obtain (by the end of the orientation period) and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide developmentally appropriate assessment, treatment or care as defined by the department's identified patient ages. Specifically the employee must be able to demonstrate competency in: 1) ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of patient needs; 2) knowledge of growth and development; and 3) understanding of the range of treatment needed by the patients.

Competency Statement

Must demonstrate competency through an initial orientation and ongoing competency validation to independently perform tasks and additional duties as specified in the job description and the unit/department specific competency checklist.

Common Duties and Responsibilities

(Essential duties common to all positions)

1. Maintain and document all applicable required education.

2. Demonstrate positive customer service and co-worker relations.

3. Comply with the company's attendance policy.

4. Participate in the continuous, quality improvement activities of the department and institution.

5. Perform work in a cost effective manner.

6. Perform work in accordance with all departmental pay practices and scheduling policies, including but not limited to, overtime, various shift work, and on-call situations.

7. Perform work in alignment with the overall mission and strategic plan of the organization.

8. Follow organizational and departmental policies and procedures, as applicable.

9. Perform related duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree (Required) • Bachelor's degree required in Healthcare Administration, Nursing, Public Health, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Quality Management, or a related healthcare field. • Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CAMC or other) Experience • Minimum of 2 years of experience in healthcare, quality improvement, performance improvement, data analysis, or a related operational or analytical role.

Credentials

Work Schedule: Days

Status: Full Time Regular 1.0

Location: Northgate-400 Association Dr.

Location of Job: US:WV:Charleston

Talent Acquisition Specialist: Tammy.Young@vandaliahealth.org