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Role Description

The Improvement Specialist plays a key role in developing and integrating improvement strategies, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and partnering closely with Patient Safety, Infection Prevention & Control, and Regulatory & Compliance. This full-time position supports core Quality Improvement Program functions, including:

• Leading performance improvement initiatives
• Ensuring regulatory compliance
• Supporting education and committee operations
• Collecting and analyzing data to drive measurable outcomes

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by improving patient safety, enhancing clinical outcomes, and driving data-informed changes that strengthen the quality and consistency of care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Business Administration or related field required at time of hire/transfer
• Master's degree in Business Administration preferred
• Minimum 5 years of related experience with 3 years of hospital and/or healthcare experience required
• Knowledge of information systems and process improvement techniques
• 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
• Mobility and visual manual dexterity
• Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting

Requirements

• UPMC approved certification required. If the employee does not have a UPMC approved certification, a Master's degree may be substituted in lieu of certification
• Act 34

Benefits

UPMC is committed to investing in healthcare professionals—financially, personally, and professionally. With tuition reimbursement, continuous professional development resources, and clear pathways for career advancement through the Quality Improvement Specialist career ladder, UPMC provides the support needed for long-term success and growth. Remote work opportunities are also available periodically, based on departmental needs, offering additional flexibility while advancing your career in healthcare.

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 with staff, managers, and administration
  • 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 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