Program Consultant Healthcare Quality – Post Acute Stroke

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Position Title: Program Consultant Healthcare Quality – Post Acute Stroke
Location: Mesa
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, with a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Established over a century ago, the AHA has grown to become a trusted leader in cardiovascular and brain health, operating in numerous countries and employing thousands of individuals. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and aims to create a workplace culture that reflects these values. As the AHA celebrates its Centennial year, it continues to focus on innovative solutions and impactful programs that improve health outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Program Consultant Healthcare Quality – Post Acute Stroke position is a vital role within the American Heart Association, primarily responsible for implementing quality improvement programs aimed at enhancing care for patients with cardiovascular disease, specifically in South Dakota. This position is home-based, allowing for flexibility while supporting the National Center office in Dallas, TX. The consultant will engage with multiple healthcare sites to educate and motivate improvements in treatment protocols, ensuring adherence to clinical guidelines and best practices. The role requires effective communication of project statuses and the ability to deliver on requirements within budget and timeline constraints. The consultant will collaborate closely with various departments within the national office to ensure the success of the initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the Program Consultant include driving the implementation of quality improvement projects that align with American Heart Association guidelines for treating cardiovascular disease. This involves providing consultation, direction, and support through learning cohorts to identify strategies for improving patient outcomes. The consultant will build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, facilitate learning cohort meetings, and coordinate local conferences with volunteers and staff partners. Additionally, the consultant will develop program implementation strategies, serve as the point of contact for ongoing resources needed by hospitals and clinics, and establish sustainability plans for all components of the grant. The role also includes developing clinical decision support tools, collaborating with clinicians to improve care, recruiting program participants, and addressing barriers to guideline adoption. Regular communication with the Senior Manager is essential to ensure tasks are completed according to grant timelines, and the consultant will manage project documents, including budgets, timelines, and status reports for both internal and external audiences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience, along with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. Experience in a post-acute clinical setting, particularly related to Post Acute Stroke, is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have experience in healthcare or public health organizations, focusing on clinical quality improvement, program development, and systems improvement. Proficiency in project management, including budget management, timeline oversight, and effective communication with team members and stakeholders, is essential. Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills are required, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and interact with various levels of staff, volunteers, and the public. Comprehensive skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, are also necessary, along with the ability to travel up to 15% for 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:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience, particularly in a post-acute clinical setting. Candidates should have a background in healthcare or public health organizations, 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 in implementing quality improvement initiatives.

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 is a full-time, benefits-eligible position funded by grants, with current funding set to expire on June 30, 2027, although there is a possibility of extension. The expected salary range for this position is between $70,000 and $90,000, commensurate with experience, and geographic differentials may apply. 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 entitled to a minimum of 16 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year, increasing with seniority, and 12 paid holidays annually. The organization supports professional development through tuition assistance and access to HeartU, its national online university.