Improvement Specialist

UPMC; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC Altoona seeks a dynamic Improvement Specialist to lead quality improvement initiatives within our Quality Improvement department. The role blends clinical insight with project leadership, working with care teams to drive patient care enhancements.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of related experience, hospital exposure, and a background in Nursing or Business Administration. This full-time position typically operates daytime hours with occasional shifts as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Business Administration or related field required at hire/transfer.
• Master's degree in Business Administration preferred.
• 5 years of related experience; hospital experience required.
• Knowledge of information systems and process improvement techniques.
• Ability to analyze data and communicate results effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead or co-facilitate teams aligned with annual assessments and organizational goals
• Assume leadership roles in core clinical design team meetings and key committees
• Support redesign efforts through delegated leadership duties
• Create a supportive environment for redesign work within departments
• Coordinate assessments of new clinical design projects for implementation
• Conduct annual operational assessments using organizational data and surveys
• Contribute to setting quality, cost, and service goals based on assessment findings
• Communicate clinical design activities and improvements to staff, managers, and administrators

Skills

Quality improvement

Project leadership

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nursing

Master's degree in Business Administration

Tools

Information systems

Job description

UPMC Altoona is seeking a dynamic and experienced healthcare professional to join our Quality Improvement department as an Improvement Specialist!

This full-time role is ideal for individuals with a strong clinical background who are eager to lead meaningful change in patient care. The Improvement Specialist will work both in office settings and alongside clinical teams, driving performance improvement initiatives that align with hospital goals and service line priorities. If you have at least five years of related experience, including direct clinical exposure and a demonstrated commitment to quality improvement, this is your opportunity to make a measurable impact in a role that builds on and evolves our Quality Nurse Coordinator framework.

This position will primarily work Monday through Friday day shifts - may occasionally work other shifts as needed.

Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Coordination

• Lead or co-facilitate teams aligned with annual assessments and organizational goals

• Assume leadership roles in core clinical design team meetings and key committees

• Support redesign efforts through delegated leadership duties

• Create a supportive environment for redesign work within departments

Assessment & Goal Setting

• Coordinate assessments of new clinical design projects for implementation

• Conduct annual operational assessments using organizational data and surveys

• Contribute to setting quality, cost, and service goals based on assessment findings

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate clinical design activities and improvements to staff, managers, and administrators

• Consult with administrative and medical staff leaders, department heads, and committees

• Build positive relationships with staff and leaders across departments

• Partner with project area directors to facilitate work and negotiate support

Data & Process Improvement

• Apply tracking methods to monitor progress and identify redesign needs

• Collect and present accurate, timely data to demonstrate improvement results

• Utilize cost-effective approaches when planning team activities

• Integrate cost-saving opportunities into clinical practice changes

Coaching & Mentorship

• Assess team development stages and apply strategies to achieve goals

• Coach and advise team members in collaboration with their supervisors

• Provide mentorship at the department, unit, and team levels

Professional Development & Advocacy

• Maintain accountability for self-development in facilitation, change management, and quality improvement

• Participate in professional organizations to enhance growth and build industry relationships

• Share accomplishments through presentations or publications at local, regional, and national forums

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Business Administration or related field required at time of hire/transfer

• Master's degree in Business Administration preferred.

• 5 years of related experience required. Hospital experience is a must.

• Knowledge of information systems and process improvement techniques.

• Must be able to demonstrate skills to understand and interpret data

• Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families.

• Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment.

• Exemplary critical thinking, analytical and problem solving abilities required as related to various aspects of patient care.

• Critical thinking skills necessary to exercise and to lead others.

• Mobility and visual manual dexterity. Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Act 34

• UPMC approved national certification preferred.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran