Director, Quality & Safety

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Under the direction of the YNHHS Executive Director, Safety and Quality, the incumbent directs and manages the clinical quality improvement and safety operations of the strategic quality and safety agenda. S/he works extensively with System performance management directors and delivery network senior executives to facilitate and oversees the successful execution of a YNHHS performance improvement plan to include, but not limited to, all aspects of governance, , progress of quality and safety initiatives, production of salient reports and presentations that articulate the quality and safety agenda of YNHHS. With YNHHS Medical Directors, YNHHS Director of Quality Data and Analytics, and Chief Quality Officer, s/he assumes the lead in the YNHHS collaborative to reduce harm and error and provide optimal outcomes according to best practices as well as improve performance on publicly reported quality measures .

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

• With general direction from YNHHS Executive Director Safety and Quality and in collaboration with delivery network hospitals, directs all aspects of the YNHHS quality and safety initiatives as identified in the PI Plan .
• Working closely with the Director of Quality Data and Analytics, will coordinate major quality improvement and safety functions across the system including quality improvement education, reporting, and monitoring.
• When appropriate to achievement of YNHHS quality improvement and safety goals, engages outside consultants and vendors, negotiating and preparing contracts and monitoring budget and progress.
• Provides internal human resource management of staff, prepares new and modifies older position descriptions, oversees timelines and quality of personnel evaluations, and is primary conduit to YNHHS Human Resources. Represents department at Vacancy Review Committee to secure approval for vacant positions. Manages, recruits, hires, administers disciplinary action and conducts job performance reviews for staff assigned to incumbent.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with YNHHS senior management, advancing the System quality and safety agenda through the System Quality Committee and the respective Quality and Safety Subcommittees, and advising on status of System PI plan and initiatives.
• Collaborates with the Institute for Excellence in analysis and development of curricular and educational offerings to develop and maintain the YNHHS quality improvement plan, and the culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Enhances knowledge in the field of quality, quality improvement, performance improvement methodologies, patient safety, error prevention, healthcare safety monitoring, federal and state regulatory guidelines, standards, and practices by attending meetings, visiting other sites, reading, reporting and disseminating relevant literature. Strives to publish best practices.
• Management and accountability for the YNHHS Quality Improvement and Safety budget, with oversight by the Chief Quality Officer and Executive Director for Quality and Safety.
• Completes an annual environmental scan of all available advances in healthcare quality and safety. Critically analyzes performance to make recommendations to Senior Leadership on organizational priorities.
• Develops and participates in quality improvement and safety projects and facilitates the dissemination of results through interpretive presentations, automated electronic reports, and/or publications.
• Directs and promotes the High Reliability Organization program.
• Directs, promotes, and advises on the system use of event reporting,and event classification, and error prevention/error-proofing.
• Coordinates, with staff and in conjunction with Legal and Risk Services Department, root cause analyses and serious safety event reviews.
• In coordination with Accreditation and Regulatory, prepares reports and investigations for the Department of Health (of CT or RI) or The Joint Commission.
• Works directly with the Director of Quality Data and Analytics to manage the system-wide execution of performance improvement plans, quality and safety corporative objectives as well as other pertinent quality and safety initiatives aligned with the organization?s mission and vision.
• Demonstrates high-level knowledge and skills in key behaviors that reflect expertise in communication , customer service orientation, professionalism, problem solving, resource management, results orientation , teamwork and cooperation, business and organizational expertise, leadership, and managing performance.
• Directs production of reports to senior leadership and collates and summarizes quarterly reports as requested by the Medical Directors.
• Reports data from special projects and other quality reports to appropriate individuals, departments and committees.
• Serves as the liaison to appropriate outside agencies such as CHA and Joint Commission as well as a resource for other YNHHS Delivery Networks in the area of patient safety.
• Provides support and consultation to stakeholders as related to design, upgrading and implementation of survey instruments and systems. Directs surveys and qualitative assessments across the organization.
• Provide education and consultation to senior leadership with regard to changes in safety approaches or error proofing.
• Directs and/or coordinate special projects as directed by CMO, CQO, Medical Directors or other senior leaders to promote continuing evaluation and improvement in processes and patient care outcomes.
• Meets frequently with employees and plans mutually agreed upon individual performance goals. Monitors progress and/or barriers, plans remedial education and/or training, modifies performance expectations, and completes six-month and twelve-month reviews as required.
• Mentors staff across the system in quality measurement. Maintains an exceptional work environment through effective leadership, direction, supervision, role modeling, and communication. .Schedules, plans, facilitate, and conduct staff meetings.
• Plans, facilitates, tracks, and modifies the organizational performance goals and action plans annually and as necessary.
• Performs other assignments as required and/or directed by CMO, CQO and/or Medical Directors, Infection Prevention, Patient Safety and Quality.

EDUCATION

Master's degree in healthcare administration, public health or other related field required. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred.

EXPERIENCE

10+ years progressive leadership experience in hospitals and healthcare industry. Documented experience working successfully with hospital senior management and physicians. Clinical background required. Budget management.

LICENSURE

N/A

SPECIAL SKILLS

Superior written and oral communication. Ability to effectively work with and motivate personnel at varying levels within an organization. Documented capacity to deliver results in a highly -matrixed work environment. Strong skills in the following areas: adaptability and flexibility, ability to learn quickly, facilitation, analysis, critical thinking, working with minimal supervision, and management of people and projects. Strong computer skills

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Ability to travel between system locations on an at least weekly basis. Ability to traverse campuses.