Performance Improvement Specialist

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 an experienced and highly skilled Performance Improvement Specialist with a Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification to join our healthcare organization. This role is ideal for a professional with a deep understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and a track record of driving successful process improvement projects preferably in a healthcare setting. As a Senior Performance Improvement Specialist you will lead complex, high-impact projects focused on improving patient care quality, operational efficiency, and resource utilization across the organization. This is a fulltime on-site position and is not virtual.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, clinical field, business, industrial engineering, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA, MHA, MPH) is a plus.

Certification:

• Green or Black Belt certification required, with proven application of methodologies, preferably in healthcare.

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 and Critical Thinking Skills: Strong background in data analysis, statistical tools, and problem-solving techniques to interpret complex data and drive decision-making.
• Project Management Skills: Proficient in managing multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work effectively across teams, build strong relationships with clinical and non-clinical staff, and communicate complex concepts in a clear and actionable way.
• Proficiency with Improvement Tools: Skilled in the use or Lean Six Sigma tools (e.g., DMAIC, 5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping), as well as project management and data analysis software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Minitab and PowerPoint).
• Results-Oriented Mindset: Demonstrated success in achieving measurable outcomes and leading change in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

Change Management Experience: Knowledge of change management and principles and experience with initiatives that require significant organizational change.

• Familiarity with Regulatory Standards: Understanding of healthcare quality standards and regulations such as those set by Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint Commission.

Work Experience:

• Healthcare Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years experience in Lean Six Sigma or a healthcare setting, preferably in performance improvement, quality management, or operational excellence roles.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Lead Performance Improvement Projects: Manage and execute Lean Six Sigma projects from inception to completion, focusing on key areas like patient flow, clinical quality, cost reduction, and operational efficiency. Develop and implement strategies to meet specific projects goals.
• Root Cause Analysis and problem Solving: Conduct thorough root cause analysis to address underlying issues in clinical and operational workflows. Use methods such as FMEA, Pareto analysis, and 5 Whys to identify and resolve process inefficiencies.
• Data Analysis and Measurement: Utilize advanced data collection and statistical analysis tools to evaluate current processes, measure performance, and identify areas for improvement. Apply Lean Six Sigma tools such as DMAIC, PDCA, process mapping and value stream analysis.
• Collaborate Across Departments: Works closely with clinical, administrative, and support teams to understand workflows, engage stakeholders, and ensure alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives.
• Standardize and Implement Best Practices: Develop standardized processes and implement best practices across departments to drive sustainable improvements in quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Mentor and Train Staff: Provide mentorship and guidance to staff on Lean Six Sigma methodologies and process improvement techniques. Offer training and support to build internal capabilities for continuous improvement.
• Monitor and Report Outcomes: Establish performance metrics to track project success, sustainability, and impact on key performance indicators (KPIs). Prepare and present detailed projects reports and presentations.
• Champion a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Act as a change agent to foster a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization, encouraging staff engagement and accountability in quality improvement initiatives.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs additional duties as assigned.