Patient Safety & Quality Consultant Sr

Patient Safety & Quality Consultant Sr. – Overview The Patient Safety & Quality Consultant Sr. is a thought partner with VCUHS executive, physician, nursing and ancillary leaders in strategic planning and implementation of data‑driven initiatives to achieve clinical excellence at the system, service line and care site level. The role serves as a coach, facilitator, or advisor as appropriate for the needs of the organization. As a subject‑matter expert in established performance improvement techniques and strategies, the consultant is responsible for leading the successful management of change to ensure improvements are spread and a sustainability plan is implemented. The consultant manages improvement projects and multi‑disciplinary teams through all phases, from inception to implementation and spread. This role also provides formal and just‑in‑time education on safety & quality improvement methodologies to increase organizational improvement capability, mentors department and hospital staff in Safety, Quality and Project Management methodologies and tools, and reports to their manager under the Director of their division of the Department of Quality & Safety. Key Responsibilities Lead the integration of safety & quality into the fabric of the organization to achieve care targets. Advance the organization through leading collaboration, learning and communication. Lead the implementation of processes for engagement and teamwork. Create learning opportunities to advance the organization. Communicate effectively in multiple venues via multiple routes. Ensure appropriate use of data to drive change and improvement. Serve as mentor and subject matter expert in safety, quality and project management. Use proven methods to facilitate improvement initiatives. Lead the use of performance and process improvement tools. Lead the implementation of change management methodology. Lead the employment of project management tactics. Leverage data analytics to help guide decision‑making and inform improvement initiatives. Design and implement data structure and plans to support initiatives. Integrate data from multiple sources into initiatives. Use statistical and data visualization methods. Cultivate a safe healthcare environment by promoting safe practices, nurturing a just culture and improving processes that detect, mitigate, or prevent harm. Facilitate root cause analyses and FMEAs. Ensure incorporation of high‑reliability principles into improvement initiatives. Ensure focus remains on process‑driven solutions rather than people‑driven ones. Promote psychological safety through transparency of data and information. Evaluate and improve healthcare processes and care transitions to advance the safe, equitable, efficient, effective, and timely care of a diverse patient population. Lead the integration of population health management strategies into initiatives. Apply a holistic approach to improvement. Collaborate to improve care processes and transitions. Maintain & update knowledge base. Participate in and lead education opportunities such as reading professional publications and networking locally and regionally. Complete required continuing education to maintain certification (as applicable). Ensure responsibility and visible commitment of diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, programs, and initiatives through collaboration and implementation across the health system. Perform other duties as assigned and lead special projects to support the mission of VCUHS and the HR Business Advisory team. Required Education and Experience Master's Degree in a healthcare field (e.g. MSHA, MPH, MSN, MHA), Quality Engineering, Business Administration or related field; or currently enrolled in a master's program. Minimum of four (4) years of experience in Patient Safety/Quality & Process Improvement/Project Management, leading change initiatives in a large, complex health care delivery system. Proficiency in using a personal computer and software applications to include the Internet, e‑mail, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.), MS Project, Visio. Licensure and Certification Current license in the Commonwealth of Virginia (e.g. Registered Nurse, Pharmacist, Nurse Practitioner, Registered Dietitian or similar) if the candidate holds a professional license. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) or Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) required within 1 year to maintain position. Preferred Certifications Certified Project Manager (PMP) Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Previous experience applying and explaining statistical process control tools. Experience conducting group facilitation/presentation and designing data collection tools. Cultural responsiveness and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias. Physical and Mental Requirements May have periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads. General office environment with periods of constant interruptions. Possible periods of working alone. Physical requirements: Lifting/Carrying (0‑50 lbs.), Push/Pull (0‑50 lbs.), Bending, Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity. Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, reasoning, problem‑solving, hearing, speaking clearly, writing legibly, reading, logical thinking. Emotional: Fast‑paced environment, steady pace, ability to handle multiple priorities and adapt to frequent change. EEO Statement EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Commonwealth University Health