Operational Excellence Consultant

Job Description

Operational Excellence Consultant

Office of Innovation

The Office of Innovation is seeking an Operational Excellence Consultant to join our team! This office supports the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as we work to continuously improve the systems and services we provide. This role has the opportunity to solve complex problems through quality improvement projects and strategic planning. They will support the department’s efforts to use data to inform decision making through performance management. We use the Results-based Accountability framework to add structure and consistency to the quality improvement process across the department.

Most of the work done in this office is synonymous with ‘change’ and therefore change management is a key function of this role. While not supervisory, it does require good leadership skills and approaches to ensure we are building relationships of trust with those we support. Having a quality improvement mindset is essential to everything we do as an individual, a team, or the entire department. Oftentimes, we are tasked with solving a problem where there is no playbook or clear direction; we figure out what is the next right step and keep the momentum moving until we see results. We are looking for a creative thinker who isn’t afraid to ask questions and challenge the status quo.

If you are a fast-learner, have an eye for efficiency, and want to make a difference at the system-level, we want you to apply!

Why You Should Join Our Team

Your work helps Utahns live their best, healthiest lives. Along with the job satisfaction that comes from making a true difference, the State offers excellent health and wellness, leave, and retirement benefits .

The Agency

The Division of Continuous Quality & Improvement is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. To learn more about the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, click here .

Responsibilities

• Manage and/or support complex department projects in an organized and timely manner
• Provide expertise and consult on performance management, strategic planning, project management, and other quality improvement best practices
• Apply critical thinking and problem solving to address department needs
• Develop positive and trusted relationships with staff at all levels of the department
• Build and maintain data tracking in spreadsheets and systems
• Collaborate effectively with peers and stakeholders
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and contribute to the psychological safety of the Office
• Create high quality recommendations and deliverables on assigned projects
• Give and receive constructive feedback on projects and any developed materials
• Identify opportunities for streamlining processes, efficiencies, and increasing the value and quality of DHHS services
• Model effective leadership skills
• Develop and deliver presentations related to projects or trainings relevant to quality improvement topics
• Obtain the necessary certifications as required by the Office Director (may include Results-based Accountability and Project Management Professional certifications)
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• An improvement mindset, always seeking opportunities to make things better
• At least 2 years experience leading projects or teams
• Knowledge and applied understanding of quality improvement models, particularly Results-Based Accountability
• Excellent social skills, with the ability to connect and engage with people at all levels of the organization
• Project management skills, with the ability to track multiple assignments and hold oneself and others accountable for assigned tasks
• The ability to work individually and proactively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in the health and human services industry
• Results-based Accountability (RBA) certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Knowledge of health and human services programs
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives or complex projects
• Intermediate Microsoft platform/Google Suite skills, especially Google Sheets
• Experience with delivering training to groups and/or public speaking
  
  

Supplemental Information

• Effective July 1, 2021, State of Utah Employees must either reside in Utah or be in the process of relocating to within 30 days of their start date.
• All job offers are contingent upon passing a Background Screening Application (BSA).
• Travel required: Must have a valid driver's license. May require you to use your personal vehicle to perform the duties of this position. All approved mileage driven by using a personal vehicle is reimbursable by State Finance. The reimbursement rate is determined by State Finance.
• All applications must be submitted online. Resumes emailed or faxed will not be accepted as an application.
• Only applicants invited to interview will be notified.
• This position may currently be a hybrid of both in-office and remote work days. Please note, a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion, at any time and for any reason.
• DHRM rules apply for promotions and transfers.
• Everyday Risks - Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.