Continuous Quality Improvement Specialist

POSITION PURPOSE
This position is responsible for supporting the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) projects, in accordance with the Division’s policies, goals and objectives. The position is responsible for developing, implementing, evaluating and monitoring a full range of CQI activities; tracking and analyzing trends and making appropriate recommendations that will positively impact operational effectiveness and program delivery. The position provides guidance and/or coordination of Divisional assessments related to relevant external accreditation or benchmarking; and providing advice and recommendations to staff and management as the Division’s CQI specialist. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES

• Provides support in establishing and maintaining a CQI framework in accordance with the Region and Branch’s objectives and policies. 
• Develops CQI and planning objectives that are consistent with the mission and ensures that the services provided meet legislated and Regional, Departmental and Divisional standards, procedures, and guidelines.
• Supports the development and implementation of CQI indicators/strategies and risk, and utilization management initiatives by providing guidance, facilitation, and other forms of consultation, under the direction of management.
• Works to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate all CQI programming within the Division, acting as appropriate and reporting processes and outcomes to management staff.
• Recommends, develops and implements programs to improve service efficiency based on performance indicators.
• Provides guidance, and/or coordination of divisional assessments related to external accreditation or benchmarking.
• Reviews documentation practices, data quality and conducts audits to identify opportunities for improvements to processes or procedures.
• Supports staff development and promotes the expansion of in-house expertise through the creation and implementation of an ongoing CQI education program.
• Leads cross-functional project/program teams in the implementation of CQI activities to support interdisciplinary program planning, delivery, and coordination.
• Leads the development, review, and assessment of Divisional process maps for all key program and service delivery areas
• Participates in the development and maintenance of CQI policies, procedures, guidelines and templates and makes recommendations to Divisional management.
• Analyzes and assesses data and advises management/staff on program implications for more efficient and effective service programming and service delivery.
• Provides training and knowledge exchange opportunities for Divisional management team and staff through individual in-person training sessions as well as development and posting of e-learning modules on the Portal.
• Provides guidance and advice to managers and staff in the development of effective self, peer and management evaluation and audit tools and supports ongoing evaluation and refinement of these tools to ensure ongoing CQI.
• Researches, maintains and analyzes statistics to identify trends; conducts utilization reviews, develops and monitors quality and risk indicators, and conducts audits and program reviews.  
• Prepares or provides input to reports, briefing notes, presentations, statistics and analysis, for management, as requested.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves concerns, as appropriate.
• Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
• Participates on committees, work groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned within the Division, Branch, Department and Corporation.
• Liaises with internal and external stakeholders, including other levels of government, community agencies, associations and committees, the public, and other stakeholders.
• Responds to routine inquiries or requests for information from external stakeholders. 
• Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with Branch and Departmental objectives

QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Health Sciences, Health Administration, Business Administration, or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification in relevant CQI designation or demonstrated knowledge and experience of continuous quality improvement equivalent to the skills acquired through the completion of the program.
• Minimum three (3) years experience in quality management and/or program design, research, business re-engineering, business and project planning, workflow and processing mapping, implementation, and evaluation; in a health services field. Knowledge of concepts and principles of Continuous Quality Improvement and of quality and risk indicators.
• Satisfactory Policy Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Demonstrated ability in York Region corporate core competencies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation, Standards, Acts and Regulations.
• Understanding of health policy and health care service issues.
• Demonstrated research, project management, statistical and data analysis skills.
• Strong communication skills to convey issues, reports and other deliverables clearly and effectively to senior management.
• Strong ability to develop relationships and work in welcoming and inclusive environment, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential.
• Ability to work independently and with teams and with ability to manage competing priorities.
• Advanced proficiency in virtual platforms and Microsoft Office suite including the use of virtual platforms for conducting meetings and/or presentations.
• Ability to travel to off site locations as required.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required.