Performance Improvement Specialist (Entry Level)

About North Country Healthcare (NCH):

North Country Healthcare is a non-profit affiliation of four medical facilities, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, and Weeks Medical Center, located in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire. NCH includes numerous physicians and medical providers at multiple locations. This leading comprehensive healthcare network which employs hundreds of highly-trained individuals delivers integrated patient care through three community hospitals, specialty clinics, and home health and hospice services. NCH remains committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. As a leader in a management position this role emphasizes advancing High-Reliability Organization (HRO) principles, embedding a culture of safety, accountability, and consistent high performance.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a motivated and analytical entry-level Performance Improvement Specialist with a foundation in Lean Six Sigma methodology. This role is ideal for individuals with a Yellow Belt certification and a relevant degree, who are passionate about process improvement and operational excellence. As a Performance Improvement Specialist, you will support a variety of projects aimed at optimizing processes, reducing waste, and enhancing overall efficiency. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams, under the guidance of senior staff, to apply Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies in a structured and effective manner. This is a fulltime on-site position and is not virtual.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, industrial engineering, healthcare management, operations, or a related field preferred. Experience in healthcare a plus.

Certification:

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification: Basic understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles, tools, and methodologies

Licensure:

• Association* accredited course in Basic Life Support (BLS) (for clinical staff), or Heartsaver CPR AED (for nonclinical staff), and renewal on a regular basis, with up to a three-month grace period after the expiration date.

Skills:

• Analytical Skills: Strong attention to detail, with a comfort in working with data to identify trends, make recommendations, and drive process improvements.
• Communication Skills: Ability to work well within a team and communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.
• Problem-Solving Orientation: Eager to take initiative, approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, and develop creative strategies for improvement.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for presentations; experience with process mapping software is a plus.

Work Experience:

Healthcare experience, clinical or non-clinical preferred.

Must have a basic knowledge of Lean Six Sigma including having completed a project using these tools in the work place.

Additional Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to Lean Tools: Familiarity with tools like 5S, value stream mapping, and Kaizen is advantageous.
• Interest in Lean Six Sigma Advancement: Desire to pursue further Lean Six Sigma certifications (Green Belt, Black Belt) and grow within the field of performance improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Support Process Improvement Projects: Assist in executing Lean Six Sigma initiatives aimed at enhancing quality and efficiency across the organization. Collect and analyze data to identify areas for improvement. Guide staff with process improvement projects.
• Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Work closely with team members from various departments to gather information, understand current workflows, and implement small-scale improvements.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conduct basic data collection, measurement, and analysis to understand process trends, identify root causes, and evaluate process performance.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain clear and accurate project documentation. Assist in preparing reports and presentations to communicate project progress and outcomes to stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving and Root Cause Analysis: Apply problem-solving tools such as the fishbone diagrams, SIPOCs (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers,) 5 Whys, cause-and-effect diagrams, and basic statistical analysis to support ongoing improvement efforts.
• Process Mapping and Standardization: Create and update process maps to visualize workflows, identify inefficiencies, and document standardized procedures.
• Participate in Training and Development: Engage in continuous learning and professional development to grow in Lean Six Sigma knowledge, working towards higher levels of certification and expertise. Teach Lean Six Sigma classes.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs additional duties as assigned.
2. Adheres to facility Values, Service Excellence and Standards of Excellence.

Career Path Opportunities: This position offers growth potential within the organization. Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience with Lean Six Sigma practices, building a solid foundation for future roles in process improvement, project management, or operational leadership.