Program Aide

Job Title

Program Aide

Agency

Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Department

Rural And Community Health Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Temporary/Casual Staff (Fixed Term)

Job Description

What we want

The Program Aide performs comprehensive quality reviews of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) documentation submitted by healthcare facilities to identify gaps in the RCA process, including documentation of findings, causal analysis, and action planning steps. The specialist provides consultative feedback to facility RCA teams to improve patient safety outcomes through more effective event analysis and corrective action development. This role supports the organization's Patient Safety Organization (PSO) functions and ensures RCA submissions meet established quality standards based on nationally recognized methodologies.

What you need to know

Responsibilities

Conduct RCA Quality Reviews

• Review RCA submissions using the RCA Quality Analysis Tool (QAT) and established evaluation criteria

• Evaluate RCA team composition for multidisciplinary membership and appropriate subject matter expertise

• Assess initial and final flow diagrams for completeness, chronological order, and identification of information gaps

• Review initial and final understanding narratives for comprehensive event depiction

• Evaluate cause and effect diagrams for proper causal chain development

Evaluate Causal Analysis and Action Plans

• Assess root cause/contributing factor statements for compliance with the Five Rules of Causation

• Verify statements use the cause, effect, event cadence and avoid blame-focused language

• Evaluate action statements for specificity, system-focus, and strength using the Action Hierarchy

• Review outcome measure statements for quantifiable metrics, timeframes, and realistic thresholds

• Ensure actions are assigned to titled positions with reasonable implementation timeframes

Provide Consultative Reports and Feedback

• Prepare written RCA Consultative Reports documenting review findings, commendations, and recommendations

• Identify areas for improvement in RCA process team factors, thoroughness of work, and action planning

• Communicate recommendations clearly using established templates and guidelines

• Track and trend common gaps across facility submissions to identify systemic improvement opportunities.

Maintain Knowledge and Support Program Development

• Stay current on RCA best practices, including VHA NCPS guidelines, Joint Commission standards, and RCA² methodology

• Assist with development and revision of RCA training materials and guidance documents

• Stay current on RCA best practices, including VHA NCPS guidelines, Joint Commission standards, and RCA² methodology

• Assist with development and revision of RCA training materials and guidance documents

• Support facility education on RCA methodology and quality improvement

• Coordinate with PSO Director on RCA findings.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, nursing, public health, quality improvement, or related field.

• 3 years’ experience participating in Root Cause Analyses in a healthcare setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in healthcare administration, public health, or related field

• Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) or Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

• Experience with VHA National Center for Patient Safety RCA methodology or NPSF RCA2 Methodoloy

• Training in human factors engineering principles

• Experience working with Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs)

• Knowledge of The Joint Commission sentinel event requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Root Cause Analysis methodology, including the Five Rules of Causation and Action

• Knowledge of patient safety principles and systems-based approach to error prevention

• Ability to analyze complex healthcare events and identify system vulnerabilities

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to provide constructive feedback in a non-punitive manner

• Knowledge of healthcare regulatory requirements related to patient safety and event reporting

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management tools

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple review assignments

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of protected patient safety work product

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.