Northwest Human Services is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and has been a 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.
Senior Quality Improvement Specialist
Location: Northwest Human Services - West Salem Clinic, 1233 Edgewater St. NW, Salem OR 97304
Job Status: Full-Time
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm (In-person non-remote)
Join NWHS as our Senior Quality Improvement Specialist—an advanced, strategic role responsible for leading agency-wide improvement efforts, aligning operations with evolving care goals, and building internal capacity for continuous improvement across all departments.
YOUR ROLE:
As our Senior Quality Improvement specialist, you will lead organization-wide efforts to improve care delivery, strengthen internal process, and build sustainable capacity for continuous improvement. Using methodologies such as the IHI Model for Improvement and other evidence-based tools, you will guide teams through structured problem-solving, coach key staff on applying QI methods, and help translate strategic priorities into measurable results. This is a high-impact, hands-on role designed for someone who brings expertise in quality improvement and thrives on empowering others to drive change.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Strategic Alignment: Translate organizational priorities into actionable QI initiatives; provide expert consultation to leadership and department heads.
- Process Improvement:
Use methodologies and tools such as the IHI Model for Improvement, Lean, PDSA, root cause analysis, and workflow mapping to design, lead, and evaluate improvement projects.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Guide cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges related to access, care coordination, and service delivery.
- Training & Coaching: Develop and deliver QI training and mentorship, building internal capacity and promoting a culture of shared ownership.
- Data Communication: Design dashboards and reports that transform raw data into actionable insights and narratives for diverse stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Quality Management, or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience may also be considered.
- Five years of experience leading quality improvement or operational excellence projects in a healthcare setting.
- Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) or equivalent QI credential (e.g., IHI Improvement Advisor, CPHQ) is required.
- Demonstrated success applying QI tools and methodologies to drive change across departments or service lines.
- Experience coaching or mentoring teams in QI tools, facilitating collaborative problem-solving, and promoting a culture of improvement.
- Strong skills in performance measurement, data visualization, and project tracking using Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms.
WHY JOIN NWHS?
- Impactful Work: Be part of a mission-driven organization that makes a real difference in the lives of underserved and resilient populations.
- Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about improving healthcare outcomes and fostering community engagement.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: Our Agency strives to provide a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive within our industry.
- Healthcare insurance plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Group Life: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 100% paid by employer
- 403(b) retirement plan with 2% of employer contribution and up to 3% employer match
- Flex Spending Account
- PTO - 10 hours a month for FT positions 40 hrs./wk. up to 20 hours monthly as your tenure grows
- 7/12 Paid Holidays a year + 2 paid floating holidays for full-time positions
- Continuing Education & Training Benefit
- Employee Healthy Living Program – Gym Membership & Smoking Cessation
TO APPLY:
To join our team please visit our website Employment (northwesthumanservices.org)
For more information, contact the HR/Recruiting Department at: HR@nwhumanservices.org | 503.588.5828
All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to undergo a criminal records check.
Equal Opportunity Employer | We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.