Quality Improvement Specialist

Quality Improvement Specialist Opportunity:

The Quality Improvement Specialist is responsible for collecting data related to patient experience to support performance improvement initiatives across North Central Health Care. Supporting performance improvement and quality initiatives across North Central, with a focus on Behavioral Health programs and the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). This role plays a crucial part in ensuring data-driven decision-making by collecting data, coordinating teams to resolve patient and quality concerns, supporting projects and initiatives in the NCHC Quality department, contributing to essential reports, tracking key quality indicators, and assisting in regulatory matters. The Quality Improvement Specialist collaborates with the Quality Manager, Compliance, and operational leaders to enhance patient and resident care outcomes.

This role helps to ensure compliance with HIPAA, Joint Commission standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.

What You’ll Get:

• The starting pay range for this role is $68,640 - $74,734, based on education and experience.
• This job is a full-time, in person position, working weekday business hours.
• PTO, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, on-site bistro and cafeteria, employee assistance program, newly updated facility, and more.
• As a full-time employee of NCHC, you are eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS is a hybrid defined benefit plan. It contains elements of both a 401(k) or defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. Participating staff contribute 7.2% and NCHC will match this at 100% each pay period!

What You Bring:

Required:

• Associate degree in human services, public health, healthcare administration, or a closely related field
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a healthcare or behavioral health setting
• Prior customer service, patient experience, or medical office experience

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with Electronic Health Record (HER) systems
• Basic understanding of HIPAA, privacy regulations, and patient rights

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, public health, healthcare administration, or a closely related field
• Experience in quality improvement, performance measurement, or compliance within a healthcare setting
• Knowledge of medical terminology and clinical documentation standards
• More than 2 years of experience in healthcare quality, patient experience, or regulatory compliance
• Familiarity with Joint Commission standards, CMS Conditions of Participation, and state regulations
• Certification in quality or compliance (CPHQ, CPPS, etc.)

In evaluating candidates for this position, North Central Health Care may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. 

What a Quality Improvement Specialist does at NCHC:

• Support Quality data collection and analysis efforts across Behavioral Health and Skilled Nursing Facility settings
• Responsible for collecting survey data related to the experience of clients, patients, and residents
• Assist in preparing data for quality reports, dashboards, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
• Participate in various Quality Committees by providing accurate data to inform decision-making and improvement priorities
• Engage in complaint and grievance reviews and support in follow-up to ensure patient satisfaction and internal risk mitigation

• Support the Quality Manager in implementing performance improvement initiatives and monitoring compliance with regulatory standards (HIPAA, Joint Commission, CMS, DHS, etc.)

• Partner with clinical teams, leadership, and frontline staff to integrate data-driven insights into daily operations and review quality improvement efforts
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend improvements
• Prepare and submit quality and compliance reports (e.g., Joint Commission)
• Support accreditation and survey readiness activities, including data collection and various audits
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by engaging staff in quality initiatives and providing education on quality standards when necessary
• Respond to escalated inquiries from patients, staff, and external requestors
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and other applicable privacy regulations in all data handling, reporting activities, and quality efforts
• Maintain regular attendance and meet performance expectations such as confidentiality & professionalism
• Adapt to changing regulatory requirements and workflows
• Performs other duties as assigned

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

• Primarily sedentary office work with prolonged computer use
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds
• Frequent repetitive hand and finger movements while using office equipment
• Indoor office environment with background noise
• Occasional interaction with individuals who may be stressed or agitated

Who We Are:

Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, North Central Health Care (NCHC) is a healthcare organization formed over fifty years ago as a partnership between three Central Wisconsin counties - Langlade, Lincoln, and Marathon. NCHC employs more than 600 professionals in diverse roles across a variety of care and work environments. We provide passionate and high-quality care for individuals and families within the fields of mental health treatment, addiction services, long term care, short term care, physical therapy, crisis stabilization and so much more. We have amazing employees who provide exceptional care and want to add to our team. You can visit our website at www.norcen.org/careers to learn more.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer sponsorship, including but not limited to visa sponsorship or employment-based immigration support.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, NCHC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. North Central Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.