Director Patient Safety & Risk Management

Job Summary 

The Director of Patient Safety and Risk Management (DPS/RM) provides administrative, strategic, operational oversight and direction of the patient safety program. The D PS/RM is responsible for participating in the development, management and coordination of the hospital and system wide Patient Safety Program. The D PS/RM will provide leadership for supporting and developing a culture of safety, fairness, transparency, teamwork and patient-centeredness. D PS/RM assists in promoting high reliability principles throughout the organization and its workforce members. Additionally, the D PS/RM will assist organizational leaders in managing risk and uncertainty by incorporating enterprise risk management principles in decision-making to support the organization's commitment to becoming a Highly Reliable Organization.

The D PS/RM serves as the liaison between the system and hospital executive team for matters related to the Patient Safety or Risk Management program. The D PS/RM reports directly to the Vice President of Patient Safety and Risk Management with a dotted line to the pavilion Executive Vice President (EVP). The D PS/RM works collaboratively Harris Health and Medical Staff leadership for the purpose of demonstrating measurable improvement in patient safety and reduction in patient errors/harm. The D PS/RM provides leadership in proactive and reactive identification of threats to patient safety and/or Harris Health Organization. The Director of PS/RM uses recognized methods to identify gaps in processes and assists in the development, implementation of robust risk reduction strategies. 

The D PS/RM provides oversight in the investigation and response to patient grievances as assigned. The D PS/RM maintains regulatory compliance in areas of patient safety and ensures mandatory reporting requirements to local, state, and federal agencies as required. The D PS/RM continuously evaluates and improves the Patient Safety program based on internal needs and external requirements and standards. Collaborates with legal counsel, regulatory compliance, accreditation, quality management and other departments as needed to identify and reduce risks and improve quality of care. 

The D PS/RM must have the ability to manage complex issues and people. Must have excellent verbal and written communication and team building skills. The position demonstrates a high degree of responsibility, accountability and autonomy. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Degrees: 
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master's Degree in a health care related field

License & Certification:
- Certified Professional Patient Safety (CPPS) (Or) Cert Prof-Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) (Or) Cert Prof in Health Care Quality (CPHQ) within 2 years of employment
- Registered Nurse: current State of Texas RN Licensure
- Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association or Red Cross
- Certificate: Current professional certification from a nationally recognized certifying organization.

Work Experience: 
- Ten (10) Years Work Experience: in risk management, patient safety, or quality management related activities (includes nursing leadership). 
- Three (3) Years Work Experience: in an academic medical center. (Preferred)

Management Experience: 
- Five (5) Years Management Experience: Leadership experience managing people, projects, etc.

Communication Skills: 
- Above average Verbal Communication (Heavy Public Contact)
- Writing/Reports

Proficiencies: 
- Personal Computer

Job Attributes

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 
- Analytical Abilities
- Mathematics
- Research Knowledge and Abilities
- Medical Terminology Knowledge

Work Schedule: 
- Travel
- Weekends 
- Flexible
- On Call 
- Holidays

Other Special Requirements

Other Requirements: Experience with forensic data entry and case reports.

Equipment Operated: Computer, calculator, fax, copier, camera.