Job Description

General Purpose of Job:  

The designated Patient Safety Specialist will support implementation of the Sparrow Health System patient safety program. This role will collaborate with others within the system towards process improvements to reduce errors and other factors that contribute to unintended adverse patient outcomes.  The Patient Safety Specialist provides support for safety assessments, assists with coordination of  the activities of the patient safety committee, educates other practitioners on the system-based causes for medical error, consults with management and staff, and communicates literature-based ideas regarding effective patient safety strategies to others within the organization.

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis.  Caregivers may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader. Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position. 

• The Patient Safety Specialist is responsible for monitoring patient safety and quality outcomes.


• Works with the Director of Accreditation/Safety Officer in the strategic development and direction of the integrated, network-wide Quality and Patient Safety Plan.


• Works closely with the Director of Accreditation/Safety Officer in organizational efforts to continuously improve the safety, effectiveness, efficiency, patient-centeredness, equity, and timeliness of health care service to all patients.


• Assist with implementation of reliable systems to support evidence-based care to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety.


• Evaluates performance through the utilization of statistical processes, control charts and databases.


• Leads root cause analysis to establish timelines and priorities for projects; coordinates action plans; and monitors results that are consistent with the overall goals.


• Ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards for patient safety.


• Assesses the organization's current patient safety culture and implements creative strategies to heighten this culture.


• Serve on Sparrow Health System committees related to quality, patient safety, clinical effectiveness, medication safety, and/or patient experience as requested.

Job Requirements

General Requirements	• Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement within 4 years of hire. • Healthcare professions requiring licensure in the State of Michigan must have and maintain current licensure. • Preferred - Training and/or certification in quality and process improvement (e.g., Patient Safety Officer, CPHQ, FACHE, Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
Work Experience	• Minimum 3 years of experience in quality improvement and patient safety activities in an academic medical center or large, integrated, tertiary health care setting. • Demonstrated experience in utilizing data for continuous quality improvement, the IHI Model for Improvement, and common statistical, spreadsheet and database management programs.
Education	• Bachelor’s Degree in health related field
Specialized Knowledge and Skills	• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and team building skills, with proven ability to influence across functional line. • Persuasive oral and written skills, as demonstrated in oral presentations and written reports required. • Flexible/adaptable with the ability to work with diverse groups of people and in many different situations. • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. • Demonstrates superior organization and time-management skills. • High degree of professional judgment, flexibility, and professionalism. • Exceptional attention to detail. • Must have strong knowledge base of Microsoft Excel, Word, and prefer experience with database management, i.e. Microsoft Access. • Demonstrates ability to use a keyboard as may be required to perform the essential duties of the job.