Quality and Patient Safety Specialist

Overview

Be inspired.  Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare. 

At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be.  We provide: 

• Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1 
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs 
• Family-focused benefits  
• Wellness incentives 
• Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs  
• And more  

Work Location: Atlanta, GA

Description

The Quality and Patient Safety Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring programs that promote high standards of patient care, safety, and satisfaction.

This role involves collaboration with clinical and non-clinical staff to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, improve care delivery, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Project Management:

• Develops and executes project plans by managing multi-disciplinary quality and patient projects
• Manages project timelines, agenda development, minutes, documents and presentation preparation, and reports on project progress 

Patient Safety Initiatives:

• Coordinate and facilitate patient safety programs, including risk assessments, incident reporting, and root cause analyses
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce medical errors and improve safety outcomes

Quality Improvement:

• Design, implement, and evaluate quality improvement projects using evidence-based methodologies (e.g., Plan-Do-Study-Act, Lean, Six Sigma)
• Monitor clinical outcomes, analyze trends, and recommend changes to improve care delivery

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to standards set by accrediting bodies (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS) and assist with survey preparation and follow-up
• Participate in readiness preparedness surveys
• Review and facilitates the interpretation of regulations and standards to advise leadership and staff

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Collect, analyze, and report quality metrics and safety data to stakeholders
• Use data visualization tools to present findings effectively
• Identify trends and areas for improvement using tools like root cause analysis (RCA)
• Generate reports for leadership and regulatory bodies

Staff Education and Training:

• Educate staff on quality and safety initiatives, policies, and best practices
• Provide training on incident reporting, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance
• Conduct training sessions for healthcare professionals on patient safety practices
• Promote awareness of quality and safety initiatives and encourage reporting of near misses

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work with multidisciplinary teams to foster a culture of safety and quality
• Act as a resource for staff and leadership regarding quality improvement and safety practices

Incident Management:

• Partner with staff to facilitate the investigation of patient safety events and near-misses, documenting findings and implementing preventive measures
• Collaborate in the management of the reporting process for adverse events and regulatory compliance

Developing Safety Protocols:

• Design and facilitate the implementation of policies to prevent medical errors, adverse events, and infections

Risk Management:

• Collaborate with clinical and administrative teams to minimize risks to patients
• Manage responses to adverse events, including patient communication and process review

Performance Improvement:

• Lead or participate in quality improvement projects (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
• Develop strategies to enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes

Regulatory and Accreditation Readiness:

• Ensure the organization is prepared for external audits and inspections
• Stay updated on changes in healthcare laws and standards

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a healthcare setting, with exposure to quality improvement and patient safety
• Masters degree in nursing, healthcare administration, or a related field
• Candidates with extensive relevant experience (greater than 5 years) may be considered in lieu of a degree; for these candidates bachelor's degree will be required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Clinical background (e.g., RN, PT, etc.) 
• Lean Six Sigma or equivalent quality improvement certification OR Certification in Quality and Safety (e.g., CPHQ, CPPS) highly desirable
• Familiarity with regulatory and accreditation processes with deep understanding of regulations and accreditation requirements
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and identify actionable insights
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with demonstrated experience educating staff, engaging leadership and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve goals
• Familiarity with healthcare analytics tools and software with proficiency in the use of quality data analysis tools and software (e.g., Excel, Tableau)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Medium/Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 25 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock , Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY! Emory Healthcare (EHC), part of Emory University (EUV), is the most comprehensive academic health system in Georgia and the first and only in Georgia with a Magnet® designated ambulatory practice. We are made up of 11 hospitals-4 Magnet® designated, the Emory Clinic, and more than 425 provider locations. The Emory Healthcare Network, established in 2011, is the largest clinically integrated network in Georgia, with more than 3,450 physicians concentrating in 70 different subspecialties.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at [email protected]. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.