Cookies & analytics consent
We serve candidates globally, so we only activate Google Tag Manager and other analytics after you opt in. This keeps us aligned with GDPR/UK DPA, ePrivacy, LGPD, and similar rules. Essential features still run without analytics cookies.
Read how we use data in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
🤖 15+ AI Agents working for you. Find jobs, score and update resumes, cover letter, interview questions, missing keywords, and lots more.
University of Southern California • Los Angeles, California, United States
Salary: $110,240 - $181,896 / year
Role & seniority
Stack/tools
Regulatory frameworks: TJC, CDPH, CMS; hospital licensure standards
Quality/PI tools: RCA, FMEA, root cause analysis, cluster investigations; performance improvement
Certifications: RN (CA), CPHQ or CPPS (or CCPS) preferred; Fire Life Safety Training (LA City)
Data/documentation: action plans, audit responses, regulatory databases, survey readiness processes
Top 3 responsibilities
Coordinate quality improvement and patient safety initiatives; provide guidance, education, and measurement for projects
Investigate patient safety events and lead or support RCA/FMEA activities; develop evidence-based interventions
Ensure regulatory compliance; provide consultation, prepare responses to RFIs/audits, update policies, and manage corrective actions
Must-have skills
Registered Nurse (CA) with acute care experience (1+ year; licensing/accreditation preferred)
Working knowledge of TJC, CDPH, CMS requirements
Experience with accreditation surveys; ability to perform data analysis and develop action plans
Ability to lead survey readiness activities and communicate with leadership
Nice-to-haves
CPHQ or CPPS certification (or CCPS) within 2 years of hire
Supervision/oversight experience; cross-training in Quality/Outcomes and Peer Review
Fire Life Safety training (LA City) or willingness to obt
This Patient Safety Quality Specialist directly reports to the Manager of Regulatory and Patient Safety. The Quality Specialist- Patient Safety is responsible for coordinating quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, providing guidance, education and assistance in the development, implementation, and measurement for assigned projects, quality improvement initiatives and patient safety events. Investigates and evaluates patient safety events for risk potential, loss minimization, and applicable recording and documentation. Analyzes risk factors data to develop evidence-based patient safety interventions and process improvement strategies. Provides consultation and support to teams or departments related to performance improvement initiatives, regulatory compliance and patient safety events. Participates in root cause analysis (RCA), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and cluster investigations. Assists departments in identifying and correcting regulatory compliance issues and participates in preparatory activities for regulatory agencies. Research, collect and analyze internal and external data for decision making. Serve as subject matter expert regarding quality and patient safety initiatives, significant event management, and patient safety and risk reduction goals in alignment with the organization's strategic priorities. Essential Duties: 1. Assessment - Assesses survey readiness and ensures all implementation of all applicable Patient Safety initiatives a. Evaluates prior survey deficiencies and current survey standards for compliance. b. Coordinators and provides leadership for survey readiness rounds and provides a rotating calendar of visits to units and hospital departments. c. Complies and disseminates information to the applicable hospital director on areas that require action to ensure compliance d. Ensures all quality and patient safety rounds identify opportunities to improve care and outcomes 2. Consultation - Provides consultation to individuals/departments concerning regulatory standards and assists with interpretation of new or revised standards; Recommends methods/actions to achieve regulatory compliance; Serves as a consultant for other projects as assigned. 3. Implementation - Implements corrective actions including but not limited to providing written responses to any RFI’s (Recommendation for improvement), or audit deficiencies related to regulatory compliance. Ensures that the applicable database is updated with any corrective action plans and follows up with the applicable department director regarding the proposed action plan. 4. Collaboration - Collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to promote an organized approach to the hospital’s survey process. Facilitates survey readiness teams. Cross-trained in the functions of Quality and Outcomes management and Peer Review processes to collaborate with department staff members and provide coverage as necessary. 5. Communication - Communicates any audit findings to the hospital leadership along with any proposed or implemented action plans. Attends any applicable hospital or medical staff committee meetings to communicate information on Survey Readiness 6. Education - Provides In-service to hospital and medical staff as appropriate to ensure survey preparedness. 7. Keeps updated on all regulations that pertain to hospital licensure and updates policies and procedures as necessary 8. Member of the policy and forms committee and works closely with the policy coordinator 9. Provides supervision and oversight for regulatory compliance staff ensuring a cohesive well informed team 10. Performs other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: Req Bachelor's degree Degree in Nursing. Req 1 year One or more years or more in an acute care setting (preferred with experience in licensing and accreditation). Req Experienced at least one facility-wide accreditation survey within the last three years. Req Working knowledge of TJC, CDPH, CMS accreditation and regulatory requirements. Preferred Qualifications: Required Licenses/Certifications: Req Registered Nurse - RN (CA Board of Registered Nursing) Req Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality - CPHQ (NAHQ) Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) OR Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CCPS) certification within 2 years of hire. Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only) The annual base salary range for this position is $110,240.00 - $181,896.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Notice of Non-discrimination Employment Equity Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report USC is a smoke-free environment Digital Accessibility If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city – responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region – we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work. Application help If you need assistance during the application process, see our application help. (If you already work for USC, see Your USC career.) At any point you may also contact our HR Service Center for help at (213) 821-8100 or . Don't see the dream job you are looking for? Drop off your contact information and resume and we will reach out to you if we find the perfect fit!