WVPP Career Opportunity – Director of Perinatal Quality Improvement

Director of Perinatal Quality Improvement

Position Title: Director of Perinatal Quality Improvement
Job Type: Full time
Salary: $80,000 – $85,000, plus fringe
Location: Remote; travel to Charleston and throughout the state. Travel to out-of-state national meetings 1-2 times per year.

General Job Summary
The Quality Improvement Director is responsible for the development, implementation and capacity building of Quality Improvement programs for the WV Perinatal Partnership (Partnership). The QI Director will hold the primary responsibility for the implementation of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant.  Under this 5-year grant project, the QI Director will focus on capacity building to conduct quality improvement (QI) initiatives to improve perinatal health outcomes statewide; improve quality of care, and to reduce disparities in healthcare outcomes between subpopulations within West Virginia (WV). The QI Director, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, will use QI science to rapidly implement intervention, policy, and practice changes in healthcare across WV through collaborative learning and formal and informal networks among providers of perinatal care and other healthcare entities.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Establish and lead an interdisciplinary team of advisors to support the development and implementation of perinatal quality improvement projects to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.  In the first year, the project will focus on addressing preterm birth and complications from very low birth weight infants born outside of tertiary care centers.
  • Use sound methods for developing quality improvement projects.
  • Research clinical pathways and tools to implement quality improvement processes.
  • Design quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches, collect data, and analyze results looking for trends and making recommendations based on analysis.
  • Design and implement educational opportunities related to the QI project.
  • Manage regular communications and scheduling for project activities, including:
    • Coordinating regular meetings of the interdisciplinary advisory group;
    • Communication to the executive director and other WVPP staff of project progress;
    • Develop webinars and training as indicated and recommended by the advisory group.
  • Provide quality improvement consultation and technical support to hospitals participating in quality improvement projects.
  • Develop and  disseminate materials related to QI projects, including manuscripts, conference abstracts, and other education materials, toolkits, and professional educational materials.
  • Serve as project liaison with partner organizations and government agencies, including staff from the CDC and the National Network of Perinatal Quality Collaboratives.
  • Coordinate and conduct site visits with hospitals participating in the implementation of quality improvement programs in consultation with the interdisciplinary advisory group.

Qualifications

  • A master’s degree in nursing, public health or related field, or combination of equitable education and experience.
  • Healthcare quality improvement experience, preferably in perinatal health, required.
  • Familiarity with the standards of care for perinatal healthcare providers and birthing facilities.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of normal obstetric and infant care as well as high risk obstetric and neonatal care;
  •  Ability to complete diverse tasks ranging from long-term, multi-stage educational and quality improvement projects to fast-paced requests from policy leaders, funders, and preparing for the annual conference.
  • Willingness to work in a collaborative environment and receive constructive feedback from colleagues.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and ability to learn new data analysis, visualization and reporting software.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal acumen, and the ability to work productively in a team environment.
  •  Must be highly organized and detail-oriented.

Work Location and Travel:
The position is remote but periodic travel throughout West Virginia is an integral part of this position, including periodic travel to the WVPP headquarters in Charleston. Applicants must be willing to travel frequently including both day and periodic overnight trips throughout the state.  Occasional out of state travel (1 to 2 times per year) to national conventions and meetings. Qualified candidates will need to have a dedicated office space or home office.  Access to WIFI is necessary in order to fulfill responsibilities.

The WVPP maintains a strong organizational foundation that supports and encourages behaviors that improve the health of the public. We strive to support breastfeeding, tobacco and nicotine cessation, substance use disorder treatment, infant safe sleep practices, contraceptive access and health equity.  Candidates must be sensitive to the needs of and possess an interest in working in a perinatal community that is diverse with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or identity, and disability status.

Application Process:
Initial interviews will be conducted by Zoom. Interested applicants please submit a cover letter, resume or CV and three professional references by email to Amy Tolliver, Executive Director at atolliver@wvperinatal.org with “QI Director Position” in the subject line. 

The West Virginia Perinatal Partnership, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.  WVPP provides a collegial, respectful, and inclusive environment that values the diversity, creativity, and contributions of its staff.  

About the Partnership:
The WVPP is a statewide quality collaborative of healthcare professionals and public and private organizations working together to improve perinatal health in West Virginia. Founded in 2006, as a project to improve perinatal outcomes statewide, the WVPP is recognized throughout the state for its effectiveness in bringing together individuals and organizations involved in all aspects of perinatal care. The WVPP is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization and is led by Board of Directors and a Central Advisory Council that is comprised of over 30 representatives of tertiary medical centers, schools of medicine, level I, II and III delivery hospitals, and representatives of privately practicing providers of obstetrics, midwifery, and pediatrics as well as specialty medical and nursing associations state agencies and payers. The WV Perinatal Partnership, Inc. is a project of the WV Higher Education Policy Commission. The WVPP is supported through state, federal and private foundation grants including: the WV Higher Education Policy Commission; the WV Department of Health and Human Resources; the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation; the CDC; and the US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

The following are the aims of the WV Perinatal Partnership:

  • Work together as the state’s perinatal quality collaborative to improve the quality of maternal and newborn care through a coordinated system of perinatal health care delivery in West Virginia.
  • Prevent maternal and infant morbidity and mortality through collaborations with tertiary medical centers, community hospitals, and health care professionals.
  • House a repository of the state’s maternal and infant health data, as well as research and trends in maternal and child health and create mechanisms to distribute that information to the public and health care professionals.
  • Encourage new policies and laws that promote better health for pregnant women and their babies.
  • Create opportunities for perinatal professionals to share their expertise with each other through educational programs.
  • Encourage behavioral changes that promote healthy lifestyle including increasing supportive breastfeeding practices, reducing tobacco and drug use, and establishing a reproductive life plan.

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