Patient Safety Clinical Specialist
Job Summary
The anticipated duration of this assignment is 2 months.
The Patient Safety Clinical Specialist supports UCSF Health's mission to deliver safe, equitable, and high-quality care. Reporting to the Director of Patient Safety, this role promotes a culture of safety and supports the consistent application of evidence-based practices across the organization. The Specialist identifies and analyzes patient safety opportunities, investigates and responds to quality and safety events, and collaborates with leaders to develop and sustain risk-reduction strategies.
This position partners closely with nursing and physician leadership to design and implement corrective action plans, facilitate root cause analyses, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The Specialist also serves as a resource on regulatory compliance, data analysis, and education related to patient safety and quality improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate organizational responses to patient safety incidents, adverse events, and areas of noncompliance.
- Conduct surveillance, data collection, and root-cause analysis of complex patient safety issues.
- Manage and track action items identified through event analysis and safety referrals, ensuring follow-up and sustainability of improvements.
- Review and interpret data related to patient safety practices, outcomes, and trends; prepare complex reports and presentations for leadership.
- Collaborate with teams to implement safety improvement plans, support regulatory compliance, and integrate safety practices into clinical and quality programs.
- Participate and facilitate Root Cause Analyses (RCA), Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (FMEA), and Culture of Patient Safety Surveys.
- Support and deliver patient safety education and training for physicians, staff, and management.
- Contribute to updates of the UCSF Health Patient Safety Plan, goals, and strategic initiatives.
- Stay current on regulatory and procedural changes related to patient safety and quality of care.
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
To see the salary range for this position (we recommend that you make a note of the job code and use that to look up): TCS Non-Academic Titles Search (https://tcs.ucop.edu/non-academic-titles)
Please note: An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate AND the current salary level of individuals working at UCSF in a similar role.
For roles covered by a bargaining unit agreement, there will be specific rules about where a new hire would be placed on the range.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html Department Description UCSF's Temporary Employment Program (TEP) recruits and hires temporary employees for immediate clerical and technical support services to UCSF Departments and various off-campus locations. UCSF departments deploy temporary employees to work on special projects, fill in for regular employees who are on vacation or leave, or to temporarily fill a vacant position during recruitment. Frequently temporary employees become successful candidates for career and limited appointment positions. Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field (nursing, public health, healthcare administration, or similar).
- Strong analytical and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives.
- Thorough knowledge of patient safety methodologies, tools, and regulatory requirements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly.
- Experience working in hospital or healthcare settings focused on quality or systems improvement.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
- Strong computer proficiency, including use of data management and reporting systems.
- Experience with root cause analysis and failure mode effect analysis (FMEA).
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a healthcare-related profession.
- Licensed clinician in the State of California.
- Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) and/or Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
- Lean or Six Sigma certification.
- Experience within a large multi-facility academic health system.
- Experience in perioperative or surgical services.
- Familiarity with electronic health record systems (CPOE, decision support, and clinical documentation).
About UCSF The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells. Pride Values UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/ppsm-20 For the University of California's Anti Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination Job Code and Payroll Title 006517 PAT SFTY PROFL 4 Job Category Administrative Support, Support Services, Temporary Employment Bargaining Unit 99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit) Employee Class Temporary Employment Location San Francisco, CA |
University of California - San Francisco Campus and Health
Oct 22, 2025