Process Improvement/Lean Six Sigma Advisor

The Process Improvement/Lean Six Sigma Advisor will work closely with stakeholders at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC) to identify & support performance improvement opportunities. This position is a key internal consultant providing expertise on performance improvement projects and initiatives, and uses Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and/or equivalent principles, methodologies, and tools to achieve project goals and outcomes. The Process Improvement/Lean Six Sigma Advisor serves as a key member of HRMC High Reliability Team, and will assist in making HRMC the leading High Reliability Organization in the State of Kansas.

Actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff at all levels including other departments, vendors and agents
• Works closely with departments in the associated development and reporting of measurements and quality data.
• Formalize and administer continuous improvement activities that will drive Lean methodology and Lean quality tools throughout the organization, including: Facilitating the development of visual management boards, value stream maps, identifying critical areas and value streams for improvement, prioritization of lean events, measurement of results, auditing using lean tools (ie A3's, PDSAs, etc) and established reporting structure
• Acts as a troubleshooter to research and resolve work process and training barriers. Leads workflow redesigns and process improvement initiatives utilizing improvement methodologies such as LEAN, PDSA and change management principles.
• Assist with documenting and communicating Lean and Process/Systems "best practices" and standards
• Assist with Root Cause Analysis and FMEA process by taking minutes, and providing follow-up tasks based upon the meeting
• Develop project plans, schedules and road maps for process/system improvement implementation
• Develops, implements and maintains Lean healthcare and quality related metrics and reports that reflects the progress and sustainability of Lean healthcare
• Provides staff communication and education related to the particular project. Will obtain staff feedback during the project planning phase as needed to ensure success and staff involvement.
• Thorough understanding of clinical quality metrics that impact inpatient, surgical, emergency departments and ambulatory practices. Designs, develops and implements projects and technology to improve performance on clinical quality metrics

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Demonstrates effective customer service/interpersonal skills at all times.
• Applies techniques of problem solving, active listening, negotiation and strong consensus building skills.
• Applies a high level of tact and diplomacy when engaging internal and external resources and customers.
• Uses computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and relevant regulatory applications) efficiently and effectively.
• Maintains a working knowledge of Federal, State and local laws and regulations, Corporate Compliance Program, Code of Ethics, SMDA, EMTALA and patient safety, as well as other policies and procedures and understands the role of other organizational leaders for each in order to ensure compliance.
• Maintains a working knowledge of process mapping, statistical evaluation, data aggregation/analysis, and critical thinking.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• 2 years of experience working with Lean Management and Six Sigma techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of Federal regulations.

REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL SKILLS:

• Integrity:
• A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of honesty and the willingness to do the right thing.
• The ability to role model, inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals and values of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System
  
• Compassion:
• A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of caring that is reflected in a high level of empathy and customer service with all that we come in contact.
• Ability to manage conflict, consider other points of view, and offer alternative solutions without jeopardizing overall project direction and the ability to manage customer expectations.
  
• Accountability:
• Demonstrated track record of ownership of situations, projects and issues.
• Able to work autonomously and have a high degree of flexibility to adapt to changing projects, priorities and work volumes.
  
• Respect:
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse population.
• Treat all internal and external customers with a positive, proactive service orientation.
  
• Excellence:
• Strong communication and presentation skills with a proven ability to influence and lead teams to conclusion/decision making.
• Proven ability to think strategically but also must be able to lead day-to-day tactical processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and provide coaching and leadership on complex projects.
• Must be able to lead and/or facilitate process improvement.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree in a health-related/quality field, or a human sciences field (Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, etc.)
• 2 years of relevant performance improvement and/or project management experience in healthcare facility, or graduate work in a related field

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in a health-related/quality field, or a human sciences field (Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, etc.)
• Five years of experience in healthcare quality/performance improvement/LEAN management, or graduate work in a related field, or 5 years in combination with graduate work in a related field

MINIMUM LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION:

• N/A

PREFERRED LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Certification as Healthcare Quality Professional (CPHQ) or Healthcare Accreditation Certified Professional (HACP)
• Green belt (or higher) Certified, or able to complete within 2 years upon hire.

We offer competitive pay, a generous benefit package and a reason to be proud of what you do, every day.