Quality & Safety Specialist

Quality & Safety Specialist

The Quality & Safety (Q&S) Specialist supports the planning, implementation, and evaluation of quality improvement and patient safety initiatives that advance MedStar Health's strategic priorities. Working collaboratively with clinical, operational, and administrative leaders, the Specialist serves as a subject matter expert in quality improvement methodologies, patient safety principles, regulatory requirements, and performance measurement. The Specialist is responsible for coordinating quality improvement projects, analyzing and interpreting data, supporting patient safety event management, and facilitating the implementation of initiatives across the entity. To ensure success, the Specialist develops strong working relationships with system quality & safety leaders, key stakeholders within the entity, and with system and entity Risk Management leads.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Partners with clinical and operational teams to support the implementation of quality and patient safety initiatives aligned with organizational priorities including CMS quality programs, accreditation standards, reputational programs, and other regulatory requirements. Assists with planning, coordination, and execution of improvement activities at the entity and system levels.
• Collects, analyzes, and monitors quality and safety performance data related to targeted quality and safety indicators. Assists in identifying performance trends, opportunities for improvement, and preparing reports for leadership.
• Supports implementation of the MedStar Health patient safety program by promoting safety event reporting, Just Culture principles, psychological safety, and high reliability behaviors throughout the organization.
• Coordinates the review and follow-up of patient safety events (PSEs) by facilitating event documentation, supporting system-based reviews, tracking action items, and monitoring completion of peer reviews.
• Contributes to the achievement of established departmental goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards. Ensures compliance with entity/facility policies and procedures and governmental/accreditation regulations.
• Supports safety culture initiatives aligned with the MedStar Health approach.
• Assists with the preparation of presentations, educational materials, and reports for committees, leadership meetings, and quality forums. Participates in sharing quality and safety best practices across the organization.
• Participates in entity and system level quality & safety meetings and multidisciplinary teams representing the department and contributing to organizational improvement efforts.

Minimal Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree Nursing or other healthcare related field required and
• Master's degree Nursing or other healthcare related field preferred

Experience

• 1-2 years Clinical and/or health care experience required and
• 1-2 years Quality and Safety experience preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure Upon Hire preferred and
• CPHQ - Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality preferred and
• Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) preferred

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to review clinical content with strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Exhibits excellent organizational and planning skills with a high level of problem-solving skills.
• Ability to comprehend and follow the policies and procedures for MedStar Health and the applicable MedStar Entity.
• Ability to read, write, and speak or communicate in English to successfully accomplish the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical behavior that supports the entity's mission values and commitment to compliance with all federal, state, and regulatory laws. Inspires trust and exhibits honesty and integrity within the scope of daily activities.
• Exhibits professionalism, courtesy, and excellent customer service while interacting with patients, guests, and co-workers.
• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge and skill to demonstrate strong leadership and management qualities (task completion, delegation, motivation, supervision).
• Knowledge and skill of patient safety principles tools methods and frameworks.
• Ability to work with a variety of disciplines and levels of staff across the department and the health system is required.
• Effective organizational, oral, and written communication skills, problem solving, program development, computer skills, strong leadership, and team building skills.

This position has a hiring range of USD $31.28 - USD $56.39 /Hr.