Quality Improvement Specialist (Not remote)

Northwest Human Services is a non-profit leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970. We are a mission focused organization providing compassionate and professional medical, dental, psychiatry, mental health, and wraparound services for those in our community who need it most - uninsured individuals, families, the homeless, and migrant workers. As a Community Health Center we value a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony.

Quality Improvement Specialist

Location: West Salem Clinic | 1233 Edgewater St. NW, Salem OR 97301 (Not-remote)

Job Status: Full-time, Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

Salary Range: DOE, $25.05-$37.55

YOUR ROLE:

As our Quality Improvement Specialist, you are responsible for improving organizational performance by leading initiatives that enhance patient care and operations. You will use data to track performance, analyze trends, and apply evidence-based methods like the IHI Model for Improvement and Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Identify improvement opportunities by analyzing trends, reviewing metrics, and gathering staff and patient feedback. Develop strategies and collaborate with the Director of Quality Management for alignment and communication.
• Lead and support quality improvement initiatives using tools like PDSA cycles, fishbone diagrams, and workflow maps. Facilitate change by engaging teams and implementing evidence-based improvements based on metrics and patient feedback.
• Conduct focused chart audits and documentation reviews to assess processes and outcomes. Work with departments to interpret findings and recommend improvements.
• Track and analyze performance measures for Medicaid CCOs, Medicare, UDS/HRSA, Joint Commission, and Oregon Health Authority programs. Incorporate patient survey results and trends, providing regular updates for leadership and committees.
• Create and manage dashboards, reports, and data visualizations to track trends, project status, and support stakeholder decision-making.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in public health, healthcare administration/management, nursing, health sciences, or a related field is required; equivalent professional experience may also be considered. Advanced degrees or certifications in quality improvement (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality [CPHQ], or IHI Improvement Advisor training) are preferred.
• Three years of experience in quality improvement, data analysis, workflow redesign, or related functions, including familiarity with the IHI Model for Improvement (MFI), PDSA cycles, and performance measurement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and web-based tools is required; experience with data visualization platforms like Tableau or Power BI is a plus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills to interpret data, identify trends, and support solution-driven strategies in healthcare.
• Ability to support or lead improvement efforts from planning to implementation, including across functional-collaboration and documenting outcomes.
  

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: Our Agency strives to provide a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive within our industry.

• Competitive Salary
• Full Comprehensive Health Plans: Medical with two plan options
• Dental & Vision options
• Flex Spending Account
• Group Life: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 100% paid by employer
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• PTO - 10 hours a month for FT positions @ 40 hrs./wk.
• 7½ paid holidays each year 2 paid floating holidays for FT positions
• Continuing Education & Training Benefits
• Employee Healthy Living Program – Gym Membership & Smoking Cessation
  
  

Northwest Human Services sites are eligible for various Provider Incentive Programs through the Oregon Office of Rural Health and National Health Service Corps loan repayment and scholar programs as well as the Rural Practitioner Tax Cred. For more information check out the Office of Rural Health, National health Service Corps, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness websites. NWHS sites have a Primary Care HPSA Score of 18, Dental score of 19, and a Mental Health score of 22.

TO APPLY:

If you are interested in joining a team that makes a difference in the lives of many, apply online at: http://www.northwesthumanservices.org/Employment.html

For more information, contact the HR/Recruiting Department at: HR@nwhumanservices.org | 503.588.5828

Equal Opportunity Employer | We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to undergo a criminal records check.