Continuous Improvement Specialist Intermediate

University Of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan Health System is seeking a hands-on Improvement Specialist to advance pediatric health equity and quality across Michigan initiatives. You will translate strategic goals into actionable plans, test changes, and troubleshoot barriers with stakeholders while leading SPC-driven measurement and dashboard development.

The role partners with CS Mott Children’s Hospital leadership to reduce health inequities, design improvement strategies, and drive measurable improvement while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field, or equivalent education and experience in Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• 2+ years of experience coaching or facilitating quality improvement initiatives or projects, applying methodologies such as PDCA, Lean, Six Sigma, and rapid-cycle improvement.
• Hands-on experience facilitating the development of SPC charts (C, U, P, I/XmR, X-bar and S charts) with SME collaboration to develop measurement strategy.
• Ability to interpret performance data over time and communicate findings to clinical, operational, and executive audiences; distinguish common and special cause variation.
• Strong time management, organizational, and project management skills; excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; willingness to travel infrequently within Michigan; ability to work onsite at least 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Improve care processes through strategy design, testing, and deployment for PEACH, Mi-CHEC, Mi-CHIME (50%).
• Facilitate and monitor improvement projects, interpret data, apply Lean/Six Sigma/PDCA, and develop performance dashboards.
• Collaborate with CS Mott leadership and clinicians to reduce healthcare inequities and translate goals into actionable plans.
• Develop measurement strategies, SPC charts, process maps, and driver diagrams; conduct site visits as needed.
• Provide progress reports, identify barriers, and work with stakeholders to move work forward.

Skills

Quality Improvement

Project Management

Data Analysis

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in healthcare-related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Job description

This role leverages continuous improvement and project management expertise to advance pediatric health equity locally at the University of Michigan Health System and across several statewide initiatives. The position supports the Program for Equity in Adolescent and Child Health (PEACH), the Michigan Child Health Equity Collaborative (Mi-CHEC), and the Michigan Community Hospitals Improving Equity for Children (Mi-CHIME for Children) projects by working directly with key stakeholders and project teams to plan, implement, and advance quality improvement efforts.

This is a hands-on improvement role requiring the ability to work at both a strategic and detailed operational level. The successful candidate will help stakeholders translate improvement goals into actionable plans, implement and test changes, identify barriers, and troubleshoot challenges that may slow progress. Responsibilities include developing SPC charts, interpreting improvement data, mapping processes, developing and tracking action plans, facilitating working sessions, and following up on commitments and deliverables.

The role also supports efforts within CS Mott Children?s Hospital focused on improving our overall performance on the goal of Belonging as well as reducing health inequities. The person will partner closely with CS Mott leadership as well as the Mental Health Committee to execute the vision to identify and improve the quality of care for all of our patients. This role will collaborate closely with clinicians, project staff, and leadership to design, implement, and evaluate improvement strategies.

Success requires strong quality improvement, project management, analytical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to build relationships and actively move work forward with stakeholders. The ideal candidate is comfortable getting into the details, taking ownership of assigned projects, and doing the practical work necessary to help teams achieve measurable improvement?not simply providing high-level consultation or facilitation.

Responsibilities*

Improvement Strategy Design & Deployment (PEACH, Mi-CHEC, and Mi-CHIME) (50%)

• Research best practices and assess their applicability to projects.
• Partner with clinicians (physicians, nurses, and other providers) and staff who work with PEACH to develop strategies that improve care and performance.
• Support the development and plan for implementation of improvement using QI tools, including process maps, root cause analysis tools, key driver diagrams, and additional methods as needed.
• Support the development and execution of measurement strategies for improvement initiatives, including identifying process, outcome, and balancing measures; classifying data types; selecting appropriate statistical process control (SPC) charts; and partnering with project and data teams to develop meaningful data visualizations.
• Conduct virtual or in-person site visits to help support improvement activities

Facilitation & Monitoring of Improvement Projects (PEACH, Mi-CHEC, and Mi-CHIME) (30%)

• Contribute to the design, testing, and implementation of improved care processes.
• Interpret data to assess current processes and recommend quality improvement tools and strategies.
• Apply problem-solving and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, rapid-cycle improvement).
• Develop and interpret SPC charts to monitor performance and change.
• Support development of performance monitoring systems and dashboards using SPC and other QI methods.
• Provide reports, recommendations, and progress updates based on progress and changes in process and outcome measures.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and resolve conflicts or barriers to improvement initiatives.
• Research best practices and assess their applicability to projects.
• Partner with leadership and clinicians (physicians, nurses, and other providers) within CS Mott to develop strategies that reduce healthcare inequities.
• Support the development and plan for implementation of improvement using QI tools, including process maps, root cause analysis tools, key driver diagrams, and additional methods as needed.
• Conduct virtual or in-person site visits to help support improvement activities

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field, or equivalent education and experience in Continuous Improvement methodologies.

A minimum of 2 years of experience coaching or facilitating quality improvement initiatives or projects, applying methodologies such as PDCA, Lean, Six Sigma, and/or rapid-cycle improvement. Proven ability to guide teams in developing process maps, key driver diagrams, and in designing, sequencing, and implementing effective interventions.

• Hands-on experience facilitating the development of SPC charts
  • specifically, C, U, P, I/XmR, X-bar and S charts)
  • including working with Subject matter experts to develop the measurement strategy
• Demonstrated ability to interpret performance data over time and communicate findings to clinical, operational, and executive audiences, including distinguishing common and special cause variation and recommending appropriate improvement actions based on data signals.
• Demonstrated time management, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate, coach, and provide feedback across disciplines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direction, as appropriate.
• Willingness to travel infrequently to partnering sites within Michigan to support QI initiatives as needed

Willingness to work at least 3 days per week onsite

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

University of Michigan Health System conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

U-M EEO Statement

• The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Opening ID

282484