Process Improvement Intern

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; Full time

Job description

Process Improvement Intern

Job Code: 1079

Department: Office of CEO

Reporting Relationship: Process Improvement Specialist

Company Statement

Restoring hope and freedom through rehabilitation.

Description

This internship supports process improvement initiatives, focusing on Lean methodologies and continuous improvement within a healthcare setting.

Essential Job 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.

Customer Service Responsibilities

• Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behavior.
• Encourage, coach, and model these behaviors in others.
• Promote teamwork, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Quality Improvement Responsibilities

• Identify problems and seek solutions.
• Promote patient and employee satisfaction where possible.
• Participate in departmental efforts to monitor and report service quality.

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.

Internship Benefits

• Hands‑on Education: Receive formal training and mentorship in Lean tools (A3, 5S, Kaizen).
• Professional Portfolio: Walk away with a portfolio of completed projects that demonstrate tangible impact on hospital operations.
• Culture: Experience a Family Culture that values innovation, trust, and a shared drive to serve patients.

Academic Requirements & Work Schedule

• 20-40 hours per week for a 12-16 week period.
• Hours and duration determined upon awarding the internship.
• Unpaid internship; a monthly stipend may be offered to support basic needs such as meals, transportation, or lodging.
• Internship focuses on education and hands‑on training. Interns are not considered employees and should not expect employment at completion.
• Supervisors will coordinate schedules to avoid academic conflicts.
• Interns receive mid‑point and final evaluations based on learning goals.
• Academic credit may be coordinated with the student's institution when feasible.