Continuous Improvement Specialist Intermediate

Job Summary

This role leverages continuous improvement and project management expertise to advance pediatric health equity locally at the University of Michigan Health System and across several statewide initiatives. The position supports the Program for Equity in Adolescent and Child Health (PEACH), the Michigan Child Health Equity Collaborative (Mi-CHEC), and the Michigan Community Hospitals Improving Equity for Children (Mi-CHIME for Children) projects by working directly with key stakeholders and project teams to plan, implement, and advance quality improvement efforts.

This is a hands‑on improvement role requiring the ability to work at both a strategic and detailed operational level. The successful candidate will help stakeholders translate improvement goals into actionable plans, implement and test changes, identify barriers, and troubleshoot challenges that may slow progress. Responsibilities include developing SPC charts, interpreting improvement data, mapping processes, developing and tracking action plans, facilitating working sessions, and following up on commitments and deliverables.

The role also supports efforts within CS Mott Children?s Hospital focused on improving our overall performance on the goal of Belonging as well as reducing health inequities. The person will partner closely with CS Mott leadership as well as the Mental Health Committee to execute the vision to identify and improve the quality of care for all of our patients. This role will collaborate closely with clinicians, project staff, and leadership to design, implement, and evaluate improvement strategies.

Success requires strong quality improvement, project management, analytical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to build relationships and actively move work forward with stakeholders. The ideal candidate is comfortable getting into the details, taking ownership of assigned projects, and doing the practical work necessary to help teams achieve measurable improvement?not simply providing high‑level consultation or facilitation.

• Research best practices and assess their applicability to projects.
• Partner with clinicians (physicians, nurses, and other providers) and staff who work with PEACH to develop strategies that improve care and performance.
• Support the development and plan for implementation of improvement using QI tools, including process maps, root cause analysis tools, key driver diagrams, and additional methods as needed.
• Support the development and execution of measurement strategies for improvement initiatives, including identifying process, outcome, and balancing measures; classifying data types; selecting appropriate statistical process control (SPC) charts; and partnering with project and data teams to develop meaningful data visualizations.
• Conduct virtual or in‑person site visits to help support improvement activities.

• Contribute to the design, testing, and implementation of improved care processes.
• Interpret data to assess current processes and recommend quality improvement tools and strategies.
• Apply problem‑solving and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, rapid‑cycle improvement).
• Develop and interpret SPC charts to monitor performance and change.
• Support development of performance monitoring systems and dashboards using SPC and other QI methods.
• Provide reports, recommendations, and progress updates based on progress and changes in process and outcome measures.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and resolve conflicts or barriers to improvement initiatives.