Abilities First, Inc. has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for over fifty years. Starting out as The Little Red School House in 1962, Abilities First, Inc. has evolved into the Hudson Valley's premiere provider of support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. We offer a variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, service coordination and employment services.
Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds to and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Abilities First is seeking a Quality Assurance Coordinator for Educational Programs. The QA Coordinator is responsible for monitoring overall service provision throughout Abilities First's educational programs in accordance with agency philosophy and policy, Corporate Compliance Plan, and various state oversight agencies that monitor Abilities First. The primary focus of the Quality Assurance Coordinator for Educational programs is the creation and implementation of our auditing procedures in compliance with OCFS and NYSED requirements, with secondary responsibilities related to quality improvement throughout the school/preschool programs. The Quality Assurance Coordinator is responsible for assisting school administrators in developing quality on-site orientation programs and professional development opportunities for staff. The Quality Assurance Coordinator will be primarily responsible for conducting investigations of abuse, neglect, and other reportable incidents that occur within the educational environment. The Quality Assurance Coordinator may also conduct investigations or audits for other programs when necessary.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week based in offices located in Orange County with ability to travel to Dutchess County sites as needed.
Salary Range: $25.75 - $27.75 per hour.
Responsibilities include:

• Develop an understanding and maintain up to date knowledge of regulatory requirements of all agency State Oversight Agencies, including but not limited to OPWDD, NYSED, OCFS and OMH. Provide information and support to programs as needed to achieve compliance when there are changes.
• Creates and implements an Educational Services audit protocol and compliance program that aligns with regulatory requirements as outlined by the appropriate state oversight agencies. Conducts internal audits of all designated programs as outlined Internal Audit Policy, monitoring program areas to ensure the needs of students are being met through meaningful activities and interactions as well as comply with State and Federal regulations and agency policy and procedure.
• Provide verbal and written feedback to appropriate parties, completing written reports on findings.
• Provide recommendations to programs based on outcomes, requests responses and plan of corrective actions when needed.
• Works collaboratively with Quality Assurance team to triage any reports received and make recommendations, where applicable.
• Assist in the review, documentation, and investigation of all allegations of abuse and neglect, reportable incidents, notable occurrences, Part 625 events and situations, and non- reportable incidents, adhering to all required timelines. For OPWDD events, this includes the use Incident Report and Management Application ("IRMA") and the NYS Justice Center's Web Submission of Investigation Reports ("WSIR") application.
• Will actively participate and present in committees including but not limited to local incident review for designated program(s) and incident review committee for the overall agency.
• Takes an active role participating and presenting to the Corporate Compliance Committee.
• Offer technical assistance and guidance to staff as well as follow-up monitoring activities at the location if indicated in order to improve quality of education and/or compliance issues.
• Responds to reports of compliance concerns, referring to other responsible parties when necessary.
• Assist with agency training by teaching designated curriculum topics to new and/or existing employees, either during orientation or during required refreshers.
• Provide training to appropriate staff as identified in routine monitoring of program sites.
• Communicate effectively with various team members to foster teamwork and a positive environment that meets the needs of the people we support.
• Communicates effectively with individuals and their families to enhance relationships and ensure satisfaction with the services provided by the agency.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive data and information obtained.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers, and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Will incorporate core competency concepts of person-centered excellence by respecting people's concerns and responding accordingly and will use "teachable moments" to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to: Have the ability to lift up to 10 lbs., bend, squat, bend at the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform and train the required techniques in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques). Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Education or related field preferred. Minimum 1 years' experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or special education required. A combination of education and experience, which in the view of the direct supervisor qualifies the individual, may be acceptable.
2. Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication, and computer skills.
3. Must have a current NYS driver's license, free of moving violations (Amendable to Class E); deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits:

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• Retirement savings options with 403(b) plan
• Employer paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• On Demand Payment - access your earnings as early as the next day
• Pet Insurance
• And More!

Requirements

1. Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field required. A combination of alternate education and experience may deemed appropriate by supervisor.
2. Minimum 1 years' experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities required.
3. OPWDD regulatory knowledge and investigatory experience strongly preferred.
4. Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication, and computer skills.
5. Must have a current NYS driver's license, free of moving violations (Amendable to Class E); deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

Salary Description

25.75-27.75 per hour