Director of Safety and Performance Improvement (Hospital and Health Centers, Quality Department)

Job Description:

Director of Safety and Performance Improvement (Hospital and Health Centers, Quality Department)

Description

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 21 - Supervisory Management

The Contra Costa County Health Services Department is seeking a qualified individual for one (1) vacant Director of Safety and Performance Improvement (Hospital and Health Centers, Quality Department) position at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, located in Martinez, California.

The Director of Safety and Performance Improvement maintains a functional Quality Management Division and manages and directs the daily operations and functions of the Safety and Performance Improvement Program; participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization's continuous quality improvement initiatives and activities, including training and team consultations; develops goals and objectives for the division; establishes and maintains a continuous and accountable process for measuring and improving the quality and appropriateness of patient care and services. Additional responsibilities include maintaining division budget maintenance; ensuring a safe patient environment and adhering to safety practices; developing and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with organization-wide divisions and members of the medical staff to ensure open communication and the sharing of information; assuring that the Quality Improvement Program, and related medical and clinical services meet the compliance standards of the Joint Commission, California Coding regulations, Title 22 and other accrediting agencies; and monitoring operational compliance with licensure, accreditation, regulatory standards, and recommending and implementing changes as needed; and participating in staff meetings as required.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Deep knowledge of healthcare regulatory and accreditation standards - especially agencies like The Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
• Strong leadership and staff development skills - able to guide and support quality managers and program coordinators
• Analytical and data-driven mindset - uses quality metrics, audits, and performance data to drive improvement initiatives
• Excellent communication and influence - can translate regulatory requirements into operational practice across clinical teams
• Strategic thinker - aligns quality programs with organizational priorities set by executive leadership (e.g., Chief Quality Officer)
• Detail-oriented and compliance-focused - ensures policies, documentation, and practices consistently meet regulatory standards
• Collaborative and relationship-driven - works effectively with clinical leaders, operations, and external surveyors

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Overseeing regulatory compliance and quality improvement initiatives across Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC)
• Supervising a team of quality managers and program coordinators, providing direction, mentorship, and accountability for key quality programs
• Ensuring organizational readiness for regulatory surveys and maintaining compliance with standards set by agencies such as The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other regulatory agencies
• Analyzing performance data, leading audits, and implementing corrective action plans to address gaps in compliance or patient safety
• Collaborating with clinical and operational leaders to integrate quality standards into workflows and drive continuous improvement
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining policies, procedures, and reporting systems that support regulatory requirements
• Serving as a liaison between CCRMC leadership and external regulatory bodies, ensuring timely communication and response to findings
• Promoting patient safety, improving care outcomes
• Maintaining the organization’s accreditation and compliance standing

A few reasons why you might love this job:

• You will lead a department that is central to the mission of advancing quality and equity in healthcare
• This is a dynamic work environment where you can shape the organization’s quality improvement and health equity strategies
• You will be part of something that has a direct and lasting impact on members’ health outcomes
• Every day is different, with opportunities to engage across multiple teams, providers, and community partners
• You will serve the community and help eliminate health disparities in Contra Costa County

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Balancing multiple priorities, projects, and regulatory requirements simultaneously
• Leading staff and departments through organizational and regulatory change in a fast-paced environment
• Navigating complex accreditation and compliance standards while advancing innovation and equity initiatives
• Adapting to evolving state and federal requirements, accreditation and compliance standards while advancing innovation and equity initiatives, including TJC, CDPH, etc.

Competencies required:

• Innovative Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify complex system gaps, analyze root causes, and implement creative, sustainable solutions that improve quality, safety, and compliance outcomes
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Advanced skill in interpreting and operationalizing requirements from regulatory and accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and state agencies, ensuring continuous survey readiness
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Strong foundation in healthcare quality methodologies (e.g., performance improvement, patient safety frameworks, root cause analysis) and experience integrating health equity principles into quality programs
• Visionary Leadership: Proven ability to establish and communicate a compelling vision for quality and equity, while motivating multidisciplinary teams and serving as a catalyst for organizational change
• Leveraging Technology: Experience using data systems, dashboards, and analytics tools to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive evidence-based decision-making and improvement initiatives
• Strategic Thinking & Perspective: Ability to evaluate immediate operational needs within the broader context of long-term organizational goals, aligning quality strategies with executive leadership priorities
• Program & Team Leadership: Experience managing and developing professional staff (e.g., quality managers, program coordinators), including setting expectations, coaching performance, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

To read the complete job description, please visit the website: https://www.cccounty.us/hr

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The eligible list may remain in effect for six (6) months .
Other divisions in Health Services may use the eligible list from this recruitment to fill future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing, business administration or other healthcare related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of full-time (or its equivalent) experience performing duties related to continuous quality improvement and at least one (1) year must been at a supervisory or lead level.

Substitution: A Master's degree in one of the above noted fields may be substituted for two (2) years of qualifying experience. No substitution is permitted for the required supervisory or lead level experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA), Public Health (MPH), Business Administration (MBA), or Law (JD)
• Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC), Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US)
• Leadership experience within a Medicare Advantage, D-SNP, or Medi-Cal managed care plan
• Direct experience leading or supporting audits with regulators such as CMS, DHCS, DMHC, or OIG
• Experience managing compliance for first-tier, downstream, and related entities (FDRs) and delegated vendors/providers
• Proficiency with data tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, dashboards) to identify compliance risks, FWA trends, and support investigations
• Demonstrated success building or transforming compliance, HIPAA, or FWA programs

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: All applicants must apply online at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date. Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.Structured Interview: Qualified candidates will be invited to a structured interview. The Structured Interview will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. In the Structured Interview, candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the Structured Interview competencies, as well as an overall passing score of 70% or higher. These may include but are not limited to: Innovative Problem Solving, Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Visionary Leadership, Strategic Thinking & Perspective. (Weighted 100%)

The online interview assessment is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) June 10 -14, 2026.

The examination steps noted above may be changed in accordance with the County’s Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment questions, please contact Health Services Personnel, Recruitment Team at [email protected] . For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$204,791.08 - $248,924.83 Annually