Clinical Specialist - Northern California

SUMMARY

The Clinical Specialist (CS) provides expert oversight to ensure the safe, compliant, and high‑quality delivery of in‑center hemodialysis care across an assigned geographic region. The CS monitors clinical performance, patient outcomes, and adherence to regulatory, licensing, and accreditation standards, including CMS Conditions for Coverage and applicable state requirements. The CS is a results‑driven clinical leader committed to implementing best practices that enhance patient safety and outcomes. The role also supports education and competency development for clinical , promotes a culture of continuous improvement, and serves as a key resource for interpreting and applying regulatory and quality requirements in in‑center programs. The CS collaborates closely with Home Therapies leadership to align standards across modalities when appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties and tasks may be assigned.

Quality and Regulatory Excellence

• Partner with quality teams and clinical experts to implement best practices that improve patient outcomes, safety, and retention.
• Ensure clinical processes in assigned facilities are maintained in accordance with company policy and federal, state, and local regulations; stay current on relevant laws and standards.
• Collaborate in the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of quality‑of‑care processes and metrics; support a robust QAPI program and continuous performance improvement.
• Conduct internal clinical reviews to verify compliance; develop, implement, and monitor corrective action plans for internal and external surveys; provide timely follow‑up on all audit findings (e.g., infection control, patient safety, emergency preparedness).
• Ensure compliance with required Governing Body meetings, monthly CQI meetings, and interdisciplinary care plan conferences, including accurate documentation.
• Evaluate patient care data to confirm alignment with clinical guidelines and organizational performance standards; assist in achieving program targets for outcomes.
• Maintain working knowledge of water treatment systems and emergency equipment to support safe dialysis operations; ensure incorporation of OSHA and emergency preparedness requirements.

Partnership & Collaboration

• Promote and exemplify USRC's mission, vision, and values; demonstrate effective use of company resources and risk‑reduction practices.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with Administrators/Clinical Managers, regional leadership, physicians, and community partners.
• Communicate regularly with clinical operations and regional management regarding clinic status, risks, and improvement plans; report completion status of Plans of Correction.
• Assist with clinical operational development and transition of new or acquired clinics; assess and integrate clinical and regulatory requirements during transitions.
• Collaborate with Home Therapies leadership and specialists to ensure alignment of policies and shared best practices across modalities.
•  

Team Member Education & Development

• Ensure all clinical staff meet required qualifications and practice within scope, consistent with company policy and applicable law.
• Proactively identify educational; coordinate with regional leadership and support teams to deliver targeted in‑services to address clinical risks and performance gaps.
• Conduct or coordinate training for new hires and incumbent , including PCT certification review programs, CPR certification (as required), charge nurse training, anemia management, and preceptor development.
• Orient and mentor Administrators/Clinical Managers in QAPI processes, clinical outcomes management, education programs, and operational readiness.
• Promote patient safety through effective education in current clinical protocols, emergency procedures, and infection‑prevention practices; communicate expectations clearly and hold accountable for adherence to standards.

Patient & Program Support

• Perform clinic‑based rounding and consultative support to meet patient care and operational needs; respond timely and effectively to inquiries and concerns.
• Support accurate and timely documentation, data integrity, and reporting to meet regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Actively promote service excellence (e.g., AIDET standards) and foster a culture of teamwork and high reliability.

Must be local to Northern California

Qualifications/Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Requirements include:

Current RN or LVN/LPN license in the applicable state; license must be current and in good standing.

· Minimum five (5) years of dialysis experience; including at least 3 years as a dialysis nurse.

· Extensive knowledge of dialysis industry standards and regulations governing ESRD facilities; previous dialysis management experience preferred.

· CNN/CHN certification preferred within two (2) years of accepting position. For assigned to Georgia clinics: must apply for CNN or CDN within 30 days of accepting position and obtain certification within six (6) months.

· CPR certification required within 90 days of hire; CPR Trainer certificate may be required.

· Valid state driver's license without restrictions and a good driving record.

· Strong leadership and coaching abilities; excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and written communication skills.

· Ability to manage multiple projects and oversee multiple locations.

· Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); proficiency in all USRC clinical applications required within 90 days of hire.