What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance Specialist position at Harc Inc?
Quality Assurance Specialist Job Description
Location: Greater Hartford, CT
Organization: Harc, Inc.
Positions Available:
Quality Assurance Specialist for Day and Employment Services
Quality Assurance Specialist for Residential and Community Services
Harc is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Established in 1951, Harc offers a range of services including employment, enrichment, residential supports, and advocacy. Our mission is to ensure lives of quality, inclusion, and dignity.
Position Summary: The Quality Assurance Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of service delivery across all programs. This position involves developing, implementing, and monitoring quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational standards. The Quality Assurance Specialist will report to the Senior Program Director and work closely with program staff, management, and external stakeholders to promote continuous improvement and excellence in service provision.
Key Responsibilities:
Regular Audits and Inspections- Conduct regular/monthly audits of residential facilities, community programs, day programs, and/or employment sites to ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards, including organizational policies as well as DDS licensing and QSR standards.
- Perform unannounced inspections to assess the quality of care and services provided.
- Client Satisfaction Surveys
- Distribute quarterly satisfaction surveys to residents/participants and their families to gather feedback on the services provided.
- Analyze survey results to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
- Staff Training and Development
- Provide ongoing training for staff on best practices, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance procedures.
- Implement a mentorship program to support new staff and promote continuous learning.
- Ensure that all staff complete the training requirements as outlined by DDS including but not limited to individual and program specific requirements.
- Incident Reporting and Analysis
- Ensure compliance with the DDS incident reporting system as well as organizational procedures to document and analyze any incidents or near-misses.
- Conduct root cause analysis to identify underlying issues and develop corrective action plans.
- Ensure completion of Abuse and Neglect case recommendations.
- Performance Metrics and Monitoring
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of services provided, identifying areas for improvement.
- Collaborate with program managers and directors to develop and implement corrective action plans.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of programs and services.
- Use data from KPI’s to drive program improvements.
- Prepare and present reports on quality assurance activities and outcomes to management and stakeholders.
- Individual Care Plans
- Ensure that each supported person has an Individual Support Plan that is reviewed and updated regularly.
- Ensure that all individual health and safety guidelines, behavior programs and action plans are implemented in a timely manner as required by DDS.
- Ensure the involvement of individuals and their families in the care planning process to ensure their needs and preferences are met.
- Establish individual protective service plans as applicable.
- Compliance with Regulatory Standards
- Stay up-to-date with local, state, and federal regulations related to intellectual disability services.
- Conduct regular compliance checks to ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements.
- Feedback Mechanisms
- Establish multiple channels for clients, families, and staff to provide feedback, including suggestion boxes, online forms, and regular meetings.
- Act on feedback promptly to address concerns and improve service quality.
- Continuous Improvement Initiatives
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within the organization.
- Collaborate to develop and implement quality assurance policies and procedures.
- Implement a continuous improvement program that encourages staff to identify and propose quality improvement projects.
- Recognize and reward staff contributions to quality improvement efforts.
- External Reviews and Accreditation
- Participate in external reviews and benchmarking, including DDS licensing and Quality Service Reviews to compare performance with similar organizations.
- Collaborate with program managers and directors to ensure that all corrective actions are completed, documented and submitted as required by DDS or other governing entity.
Key Competencies:
1. Analytical Thinking
- Ability to analyze data and identify trends and patterns to ensure quality standards are met.
- Strong problem-solving skills to address compliance and process issues.
2. Attention to Detail
- High level of accuracy in monitoring and implementing quality assurance processes.
- Ability to meticulously review service delivery and documentation.
3. Communication Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication to liaise effectively with program staff, management, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to clearly articulate quality standards and expectations.
4. Regulatory Knowledge
- In-depth understanding of regulatory requirements relevant to the organization and industry.
- Ability to ensure compliance with these standards.
5. Process Improvement
- Strong skills in developing and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ability to monitor and evaluate processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
6. Team Collaboration
- Ability to work closely with program staff and management to foster a culture of quality.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders.
7. Technical Proficiency
- Proficiency with quality assurance tools and software.
- Ability to use technology to streamline and improve quality assurance processes.
8. Project Management
- Strong project management skills to oversee quality assurance initiatives.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
9. Leadership
- Ability to lead quality assurance efforts and drive a culture of excellence.
- Skills to mentor and guide team members in quality practices.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., social work, healthcare administration, quality management) preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in quality assurance or a related role, preferably within the nonprofit sector, and working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and best practices in intellectual disability services.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Therap, and quality management software.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Work Environment:
- The role requires flexibility to work in a variety of environments, including office settings, residential group homes, and community-based programs. The Quality Assurance Specialist must be comfortable traveling between locations and engaging with participants, families, and staff on-site.
Benefits:
- Generous Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time, Plus Paid Holidays
- Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits (Harc covers 94% of a single person's health insurance cost)
- 403(b) retirement plan with a 9.5% employer contribution.
- Employer Paid Life Insurance Options
- Professional Development Opportunities, including Tuition Reimbursement
- Staff Recognition and Appreciation Programs
- Paid Training and Education
- Harc employees qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Harc, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.
