Healthcare Process Improvement Intern (Lean)

maryfreebed; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on Education

Professional Portfolio

Family Culture

Job summary

Mary Free Bed is seeking a Process Improvement Intern to support HR/compliance, recruiting, onboarding, and engagement initiatives within the Leadership Team/Process Improvement department.

The role involves A3 problem solving, Gemba walks, data collection, and process mapping to identify bottlenecks and standardize workflows across clinical and administrative areas. It is a hands-on learning opportunity in a hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Currently enrolled in an accredited program for Industrial Engineering, Industrial Operations, or Healthcare Administration.
• Mindset: Highly self-motivated with a passion for Lean methodologies and continuous improvement.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel for data analysis, PowerPoint for presentations).
• Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to navigate a multidisciplinary clinical environment with sensitivity and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• A3 Thinking & Problem Solving: Assist in developing A3 reports to document root cause analysis and proposed countermeasures for operational challenges.
• Waste Walks & Observations: Conduct regular "Gemba" walks and waste identification sessions across clinical and administrative departments.
• Data Collection & Time Studies: Perform time-and-motion studies to establish productivity baselines and identify bottlenecks in patient flow or staff workflows.
• Process Mapping: Create current-state and future-state maps to visualize complex healthcare processes and support standardization.
• Visual Management: Assist in the design and implementation of visual cues, dashboards, and huddle boards to improve communication and transparency.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work alongside clinical staff, therapy teams, and leadership to validate findings and ensure sustainable changes.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Education

Industrial Engineering

Industrial Operations

Healthcare Administration

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Mary Free Bed is seeking a Process Improvement Intern to support HR/compliance, recruiting, onboarding, and engagement initiatives within the Leadership Team/Process Improvement department.

The role involves A3 problem solving, Gemba walks, data collection, and process mapping to identify bottlenecks and standardize workflows across clinical and administrative areas. It is a hands-on learning opportunity in a hospital setting.