Health Systems Specialist

Indian Preference in hiring is given to qualified enrolled members of Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) and Native Americans consistent with P.L. 93-638 and in accordance with KIC policy and other applicable federal laws.

Job Summary

The Health Systems Specialist ensures accreditation and licensing requirements are met for the Salmon Falls Healing Center and implements systems and processes under the direction of the Salmon Falls Healing Center Administrator. This position works collaboratively with the KIC Tribal Health Clinic Quality and Patient Safety team to align standards, share best practices, and maintain consistency across KIC health operations.

The incumbent is responsible for coordinating CARF accreditation readiness, supporting state licensing processes, developing and maintaining policies and procedures, managing quality improvement activities, and ensuring data collection and reporting systems support program integrity and compliance. This position serves as the operational bridge between Salmon Falls and KIC's established quality infrastructure while building systems specific to residential treatment operations.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinates CARF accreditation activities, including gap analysis, standards implementation, documentation preparation, and survey readiness.
• Supports State of Alaska Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) licensing processes, including application preparation and ongoing compliance monitoring.
• Tracks accreditation and licensing timelines, ensures deadlines are met, maintains required documentation, audits and reviews to assess compliance with policies and accreditation requirements.
• Develops and implements Quality Improvement (QI) plans, policies, and procedures using data-driven approaches and QAPI methodologies.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets program data to monitor performance, identify trends, and recognize risks to patients and the organization; maintains performance dashboards and prepares reports communicating QI findings to the Administrator, leadership, and stakeholders.
• Manages incident and adverse event reporting systems, ensuring processes are in place and sustained.
• Assists in developing, revising, and maintaining policies and procedures aligned with CARF standards, state regulations, and tribal requirements.
• Ensures policies address governance, risk management, human resources, clinical operations, and quality improvement; coordinates policy review processes and maintains organized documentation systems.
• Implements and maintains systems for admissions, referral tracking, billing documentation, utilization monitoring, and reporting.
• Supports electronic health record implementation and ensures documentation standards meet compliance requirements.
• Coordinates with KIC Finance, Health Services, and external partners (e.g. True North) to ensure system alignment and data integrity.
• Works collaboratively with the KIC Tribal Health Clinic Quality and Patient Safety Director and team to align quality standards, integrate processes, and share best practices.
• Attends meetings as a representative of Salmon Falls and facilitates workgroups as assigned.
• Participates in training initiatives and supports staff development related to quality and compliance; leads facilitation and training efforts for staff to understand accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Other related duties as assigned

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. 

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand and/or sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk, climb, or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.  The noise level in the work environment is usually average but may be loud during periods of construction.

Minimum Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Associate's degree in healthcare administration, health information management, public health, or related field.
• Minimum two (2) years of work experience in healthcare administration, quality improvement, compliance, or related field.
• A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may substitute for education and experience requirements on a year-for-year basis.
• Proof of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, public health, health information management, or related field.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in healthcare quality, accreditation, or compliance.
• Experience with CARF or similar accreditation processes.
• Experience in behavioral health, residential treatment, or substance use disorder treatment settings.
• Certification in healthcare quality (e.g., CPHQ) or related credential.
• Experience working with tribal health programs or Indigenous-serving organizations.
• Experience in community clinic preferred and a strong commitment to multi-disciplinary teamwork.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of healthcare accreditation requirements, particularly for behavioral health and residential treatment settings.
• Knowledge of quality improvement methodologies, including PDSA cycles, root cause analysis, and performance measurement.
• Knowledge of healthcare policies and procedures, including safety and compliance requirements.
• Skill in data collection, analysis, and reporting using spreadsheets and database applications.
• Skill in developing clear, organized policies and procedures.
• Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal culture and lifestyle, working effectively with AI/AN populations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with sensitivity to the lifestyles of targeted participants.

• Skills in operating personal computers using a variety of computer software.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
• Ability to lead teams and facilitate group processes.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal and tribal privacy laws and KIC policy (HIPAA, HITECH, etc.).
• Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

KIC Core Competencies

Cultural Competency: To be respectful and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of KIC Tribal Members. Developing cultural competence is an evolving, dynamic process that takes time and occurs along a continuum.

Uphold Values: To make decisions and behave in a manner consistent with KIC Workplace Values of Trust, Teamwork, Respect, and Accountability, as well as Southeast Traditional Tribal Values “Our Way of Life”.

Commitment: To serve Tribal Members and set a high standard for yourself in your performance; strive for results and success; convey a sense of urgency and bring issues to closure; and stay persistent despite obstacles and opposition. 

Customer Service: Meet/exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identify, understand, and monitor the needs of both internal and external customers; always talk and act with customers in mind; and recognize working colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication: Ensure important information is passed to those who need to know; convey necessary information with respect, clearly and effectively orally or in writing

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrate a high level of conscientiousness; hold oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and do the required fair share of work.

Salary : $27 - $41