Program Consultant Healthcare Quality – Post Acute Stroke

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Position Title: Program Consultant Healthcare Quality – Post Acute Stroke
Location: Chicago
Country: United States
Deadline Date: N/A

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The American Heart Association (AHA) is a leading organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Established over a century ago, the AHA has grown to become a trusted authority in cardiovascular health, with a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The organization operates in numerous countries and employs thousands of individuals who are committed to improving health outcomes for all. The AHA focuses on research, education, and advocacy to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke. As they celebrate their Centennial year, they are looking to expand their impact and continue their legacy of health and hope for everyone, everywhere.

Job Overview:
The Program Consultant Healthcare Quality – Post Acute Stroke position is a vital role within the American Heart Association, specifically supporting the National Center office in Dallas, TX. This position is primarily home-based and is a full-time, benefits-eligible role funded by grants, with current funding set to expire on June 30, 2027, although there is a possibility for extension. The consultant will be responsible for implementing quality programs aimed at enhancing care for patients with cardiovascular disease, particularly in South Dakota. This role requires collaboration with multiple healthcare sites to educate and motivate improvements in treatment adherence to established guidelines, clinical processes, and practices. The consultant will also be tasked with communicating project statuses and ensuring that deliverables are met within budget, scope, and timeline. The position involves working closely with various departments within the national office to ensure the success of the initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Consultant Healthcare Quality include driving the implementation of quality improvement projects that assist healthcare providers in adhering to American Heart Association guidelines for cardiovascular disease treatment. The consultant will provide consultation, direction, and support through learning cohorts to identify strategies for improving patient outcomes. Building relationships with internal and external stakeholders and volunteers is crucial, as is facilitating learning cohort meetings and local conferences in collaboration with volunteers and staff partners. The consultant will develop program implementation strategies that align with initiative objectives and serve as the primary contact for ongoing resources needed by hospitals and clinics. Additionally, the consultant will develop clinical decision support tools and work collaboratively with clinicians to implement systematic efforts to improve care. The role also involves recruiting program participants and working with in-hospital clinical care teams to address barriers to guideline adoption and enhance clinical workflows. Regular communication with the Senior Manager is essential to ensure tasks are completed according to the grant timeline, and the consultant will manage project documents, including budgets, timelines, and status reports for both internal and external audiences.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Program Consultant Healthcare Quality position, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience. A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is required, particularly in a post-acute clinical setting, with a preference for experience related to Post Acute Stroke. Candidates should have experience in healthcare or public health-related organizations, particularly in clinical quality improvement, program development, and systems improvement. Proficiency in project management is essential, including the management of budgets, timelines, and communication with team members and stakeholders. Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and interact with all levels of AHA staff, volunteers, and the public. Comprehensive skills in the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, are required, and candidates should be willing to travel up to 15% of the time, including overnight stays in South Dakota.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience. This educational requirement can be satisfied through relevant experience in healthcare or public health-related organizations, particularly in roles focused on clinical quality improvement and program development.

Experience:
Candidates for the Program Consultant Healthcare Quality position should have at least 2 years of relevant experience, particularly in a post-acute clinical setting. Experience in healthcare or public health-related organizations is essential, with a focus on clinical quality improvement, program development, and systems improvement. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of healthcare delivery and the challenges faced by providers in adhering to clinical guidelines.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a salary range of $70,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience. The American Heart Association offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as a robust retirement program with employer matching. Employees are also eligible for performance and recognition rewards, professional development opportunities, and work-life harmonization benefits, including Paid Time Off (PTO) and tuition assistance for further education. The AHA is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and workplace culture, ensuring that all employees feel seen, heard, and valued.