An employee at this level, under the general supervision of higher level personnel, is responsible for continuous quality improvement via consultation, data management, and quality advisor functions. The Quality Specialist develops and implements improvement plans at the unit, division, or organizational level based on review and analysis of complex data provided by the staff, as well as from additional sources including qualitative surveys, quantitative audits, evidence-based best practices, and literature reviews.

Sign-On Bonus: Now offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus with a 1-year employment commitment.

25% of time
1. Provides professional nursing research, consultation and quality management advisory input to the Standards, Performance & Accountability Review Team (SPART) by assisting the creation, review and implementation of clinical policies, procedures and educational materials for correctional health services. Works as part of a multi- and inter-disciplinary team to solve quality management challenges and recommend action plans for improvement. Performs duties collaboratively with SPART by observing correctional healthcare clinical and workflow practices as directed and identifying gaps in performance, opportunities for improvement, continuous process improvement, and other quality and change management efforts related to the delivery of healthcare to justice involved individuals. Collaborates with clinicians, administrators and other staff to design, promote and drive best quality management standards and practices.

20% of time
2. Applies extensive knowledge of clinic operations and clinical experience to accurately assess infection prevention/control and specimen collection and nursing/healthcare service delivery processes. Participates as a consultant in the implantation of chart review tools, standards of care, outcome measures, etc. Researches and utilizing best practices and appropriate quality management standards and tools, investigates, plans, organizes, interprets, observes and analyzes various sources of information and clinic workflows in support of quality management reports and University and/or departmental business operations. Conducts research assignments involving the evaluation, selection and compilation of data and information from a wide variety of sources; prepares reports which require the synthesis or integration of a variety of subject areas or the summation of the individual contributions of staff members or sub-units. Gathers and maintains statistical data for administrative reports, clinic utilization statistics, utilization reviews; reviews and analyzes of complex data provided by the staff, as well as from additional sources, including qualitative surveys, quantitative audits and evidence-based best practices and literature reviews. Provides comprehensive and timely reports and detailed analysis for administrative use.


15% of time
3. Works with SPART Chairperson to communicate results of site surveillance/audits, including but not limited to, mortality and morbidity reviews; standards, performance and accountability reviews. Develops, recommends and/or implements performance improvement in clinical practice and infection control initiatives as necessary. Makes clinical judgments based on evidence-based standards of care, review criteria and nursing practice guidelines when applicable.
4. Provides clinical expertise and participates in the a) design of audit methods and instruments to measure performance and service delivery, b) identification of opportunities for improvement, c) development of action plans for resolution of issues identified by SPART, d) site visits and audits. Coordinates, assists, trains and evaluates quality management processes regularly in specific segments and as assigned. Performs routine inspections and quality tests. Performs inter-rater reliability as directed by SPART Chairperson. Analyzes and makes recommendations for staff training needs. Identifies clinical problem areas and recommends correction of deficiencies. Develops, implements and maintains systems to ensure effective and high-quality nursing care.

15% of time
5. Reviews, evaluates, develops, and interprets OCM, partner and stakeholder policies and operational procedures and communicates updates to SPARTs. With input from SPART Chairperson, SPART members and leadership staff, answers complex nursing inquiries and resolves problems that require the interpretation, explanation, and justification of quality management and programmatic policies and procedures. Produces documents which may be proprietary or highly sensitive and confidential. Documents may include, but not be limited to, standards, performance and accountability reviews which include mortality and morbidity studies.

5% of time
6. Serves as a coordinator, facilitator or liaison to committees, teams and outside organizations as assigned. Provides authoritative information, assistance, and advice to departments, various constituencies, stakeholders, and individuals at all levels (including national, state, regional, community, and campus levels) and acts as a representative for the QMOE SPART unit and/or executives/administrators, as requested, which includes sitting on various committees and/or attending professional conferences.

5% of time
7. Maintains an overall awareness of organizational activities of import or impact to the designated member(s) of the unit staff and the unit; develops and trains OCM staff and partners on ethical, compassionate and none non-judgmental aspects and techniques needed in the performance of services.

5% of time
8. Performs other related duties as assigned

1. Bachelor's degree of science in nursing (BSN)
2. One (1) year (12 months) of Quality Improvement work experience in a clinical or healthcare related field.
3. Registered Nurse with demonstrated clinical experience.
   
   * All candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in order to meet the Minimum Acceptable Qualifications.
   
   Condition of Employment: Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.
   

If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at or call 217-545-0223 Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community.

The SIU School of Medicine Annual Security Report is available online at . This report contains policy statements and crime statistics for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. This report is published in compliance with Federal Law titled the
"Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act."

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer who provides equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law.

Pre-employment background screenings required.