What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Improvement Specialist - Transplant - 140731 position at University of California San Diego Health System?
#140731 Quality Improvement Specialist - Transplant
Filing Deadline: Fri 8/14/2026 Apply NowUC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
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DESCRIPTION
Under minimal supervision, the Quality Improvement Specialist 3 provides advanced analytical support across transplant programs, including Heart Transplant/Ventricular Assist Device (VAD), Lung, Kidney, and Liver. This role is responsible for the review, analysis, validation, and reporting of complex statistical data related to patient outcomes for both internal & external stakeholders as well as regulatory bodies. The position performs detailed chart and database audits to ensure accurate, complete documentation in compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
The Quality Improvement Specialist 3 evaluates workflows and transplant processes, identifies opportunities for improvement, and supports or leads small to medium size quality improvement (QI) initiatives. Responsibilities also include preparing and delivering presentations, supporting QAPI (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement) meetings, and contributing to program performance monitoring and compliance efforts.
Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of clinical education and experience. The role requires demonstrated experience in quality improvement standards, data abstraction, and transplant regulatory requirements. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, proficiency in data management and analytics tools, and experience in process improvement and project management are essential.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing or other relevant healthcare profession, or a combination of comparable clinical education and/or experience.
- Three (3) or more years of relevant experience.
- Thorough knowledge of QI standards, clinical chart review and abstraction, and regulatory requirements.
- Thorough knowledge of QI models, measurement tools, and techniques, including collection, aggregation, abstraction, validation, analysis, and reporting of data.
- Detail oriented, with proven ability to effectively manage time, see projects through to completion, organize competing priorities, and effectively address complex, urgent issues as they arise.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to manage multiple levels of information and responsibilities, to quickly assess complex problems, and to develop and implement timely and effective solutions.
- Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating effectively with a broad range of clinical and technical staff and representatives of external regulatory agencies and for mentoring lower-level QI staff.
- Strong skills required to effectively convey complex clinical and technical information both verbally and in writing and to produce high quality reports and documentation.
- Strong knowledge of various administrative and business software packages, and of the specialized applications for quality data management.
- Strong skills to influence staff, management, and clinicians at all levels and across departments.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Lean Six Sigma training or certification.
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
- Experience working within a transplant program, organ procurement organization (OPO), or academic healthcare setting.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
- Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
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Salary : $102,061 - $191,093