Specialist, Risk Management

*****THIS POSITION REQUIRES A REGISTERED NURSE LICENSE*****

MERCYONE (Genesis)
POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Code:

Title: Specialist of Risk Management
Date: November 10, 2023 Department: Risk Management
FLSA: Exempt Reports To: RHM Director of Accreditation and Risk Management

Approved By: Human Resources

POSITION PURPOSE

The purpose of the Specialist of Risk Management is, under the direction of the director, to assist in leading, implementing and managing systems and processes that expose and mitigate risk, and prevent harm to customers as well as protect ministry assets. The specialist facilitates and participates in activities that minimize exposure to general and professional liability. These activities may include, but are not limited to, insurance coverage and risk financing, claims management, interfacing with defense legal counsel, supporting the risk management plan/program on a day-to-day basis, collecting and analyzing risk management data, conducting educational programs, and complying with risk management and safety related standards by The Joint Commission (TJC).

The specialist collaborates with local leadership (President, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), and Chief Medical Officer (CMO)) in ensuring effective implementation and support of the risk management plan/program.

SCOPE OF SERVICE

Customers include, but not limited to, patients and families/significant others; medical staff; hospital and clinic colleagues; Executive Team; Board of Trustees/Directors; Trinity Health (TH) Insurance & Risk Management Services (IRMS); TH and MercyOne Integrity, Compliance, and Privacy Services; visitors; attorneys; and government entities.

The specialist reports directly to the RHM Director of Accreditation and Risk Management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the MercyOne (Trinity Health) Mission, Vision, Core Values, Actions and Promise in behaviors, practices, and decisions.

2. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and Local laws and regulations, Trinity Health's Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior.

3. Assists in administering the ministry-wide systems for risk identification, investigation, and reduction; maintains a network of informational sources and experts; performs risk surveys and inspects patient care areas; assesses for loss potential; and proactively engages in risk reduction activities.

4. Supports the risk management plan/program in order to efficiently provide services across the ministry and minimize exposure to general and professional liability events.

5. Reviews and maintains the patient, visitor and property loss incidence reporting system and prepares and distributes data reports concerning incidents.

6. Reviews, investigates and follows through on patient incident reports meeting
certain risk criteria.

7. Facilitates root cause analyses investigations and reporting of serious adverse events, serious safety events, and sentinel events to the appropriate parties and makes recommendations for improvement.

8. Facilitates and participates in Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis.

9. Actively supports data management, claims management, and the education components of the ministry’s risk management activities.

10. Participates in work with legal counsel and the Area Claims Manager as a team member in the defense of claims; and may consult with legal counsel regarding both preventive and corrective measures to be taken in situations having legal connotation.

11. Organizes ministry-wide educational programs on health care risk management, safety, and related subjects for health care providers and colleagues. Presents such programs in conjunction with the ministry’s education department or other organizations.

12. Facilitates risk management initiatives and participates in committees/workgroups/task forces.

13. Actively works with legal counsel or the Area Claims Manager in investigating claims. In litigated claims, assists legal counsel in accessing facility records and personnel and may act as a corporate representative during pretrial and trial.

14. Works with ministry’s insurance coverage issues as they apply to liability (general and professional) and casualty loss reporting to TH IRMS department all actual and potential claims in accordance with the claim reporting matrix. Assists in acquiring annual exposure data to facilitate insurance procurement.

15. Participates in TH and MercyOne risk management related meetings and affinity groups with implementation of identified initiatives.

16. Reviews contracts between ministry and outside entities to assure appropriate insurance/indemnity/hold harmless language.

17. May assist in collaboration with department leaders in the product and equipment recall process as appropriate.

18. Administers the equipment reporting component of FDA's Safe Medical Devices Act of
1990.

19. Facilitates development, review and revision of consents and releases utilized in
clinical areas.

20. Participates in preparing risk related reports for administration, quality and safety committees, medical staff, Board of Trustees/Directors and other committees as directed.

21. Maintain awareness of and respond to issues in areas including the following:
o Ethnic, cultural and diversity changes in the population
o Political and social influences
o Financial and economic issues
o The aging of society
o Ethical issues related to healthcare

22. Performs other duties consistent with purpose of job as directed.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Maintains a professional, collaborative work environment so as to foster a positive public image.

2. Knows and adheres to all laws and regulations pertaining to patient health, safety and medical information (i.e., HIPAA, Stark, etc.).

3. Must have excellent interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to relate to people across all levels & diverse backgrounds; ability to handle interactions with discretion, tact & courtesy.

4. Promotes a continuous performance improvement effort to enhance the service provided by demonstrating positive attitudes and positive actions through a display of courtesy, congeniality, cooperation, sensitivity and professionalism.

5. Demonstrates behaviors consistent with identified competencies and job requirements.

6. Exhibits sound judgment, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.

7. Demonstrates the ability to work independently, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

8. Communicates effectively with members of the health care team.

9. Compiles information; keeps records, prepares or directs preparation of reports and correspondence.

10. Must be able to use a computer for documentation and other relevant activities. Familiarity with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), HealthStream, internet/intranet preferred; and use of reporting tools. Helpful to have experience with PowerChart/EPIC, and an incident reporting system such as VOICE, IRIS, MIDAS etc.

As a MercyOne Trinity Health Colleague, the incumbent is expected to demonstrate traits which support our Mission Statement and Core Values as identified below:

Mission Statement: We, MercyOne Trinity Health, serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.

Core Values:

• Reverence: We honor the sacredness and dignity of every person.

• Commitment to Those Experiencing Poverty: We stand with and serve those who are experiencing poverty, especially those most vulnerable.

• Safety: We embrace a culture that prevents harm and nurtures a healing, safe environment for all.

• Justice: We foster right relationships to promote the common good, including sustainability of Earth.

• Stewardship: We honor our heritage and hold ourselves accountable for the human, financial and natural resources entrusted to our care.

• Integrity: We are faithful to those we say we are.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education:
A. Bachelor’s degree in nursing, health administration or related field required (Master’s degree preferred).
B. Iowa licensure as a Registered Nurse.
C. Current Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM) required or obtained within 3 years of hire.

2. Experience:
A. Minimum three (3) years experience in a health care setting.
B. Risk management and/or performance improvement experience preferred.
C. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be effective in presenting information to different audiences including senior management, governance, medical staff and associates.
D. Must be proficient in use of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and the Internet.

3. Special Skills, Competencies, and Aptitudes:
A. Member of a professional nursing organization.
B. Experience in the use of performance improvement methodology/tools.
C. Must be able to use computers for documentation and other relevant activities. Demonstrates specific knowledge related to software programs such as event reporting systems, government reporting systems, and other appropriate software programs. Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), HealthStream, Intranet, and use of reporting tools. Helpful to have experience with PowerChart/EPIC or similar tool.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Normal office environment where there are relatively few physical discomforts due to dust, dirt and noise.
2. During an 8-hour day, an associate must be able to stand/walk for 3 hours and sit 5 hours.
3. Job requires occasional bending and stooping (6-10% of work time).
4. Job requires occasional carrying or lifting of objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
5. Job requires the ability to frequently respond to multiple demands and priorities (50%-75% of work time).
6. Job requires high level of mental concentration to attain established deadlines. Working environment includes frequent interruptions.
7. Must have fine motor and manual dexterity skills to grip and manipulate items and perform repetitive action such as computer entry.
8. Must be able to see at a near visual acuity level; able to speak and hear speech.
9. Must be able to travel to other MercyOne owned and/or affiliated sites, training seminars, etc.
10. Must adhere to applicable organizational requirements on an annual basis for Employee Health Directives.
11. Must possess the ability to comply with Trinity Health policies and procedures.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENTS
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of principle responsibilities and duties performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the job-related responsibilities and duties that incumbents may perform. Incumbents will be required to perform any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. An associate may be called upon to perform physical actions not specifically identified in this job description. All responsibilities and duties listed in this description are essential functions. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job, incumbents will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Additional unit and/or age-specific knowledge, skills or abilities will need to be demonstrated based on specific competencies maintained in each department.

This organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, age, sex, national origin, creed, or qualified individuals with disabilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Location: GENESIS Health System · Quality Management
Schedule: Full-Time, Day, 8:00a - 4:30p