Program Quality Specialist

Position Summary: The Program Quality Specialist (PQS) is responsible for monitoring program performance using a data driven approach. The PQS will be responsible for reviewing and gathering quantitative and qualitative data in foster home services, residential programs and a variety of community-based programs including evidenced based models. Reporting directly to the Director of Program Quality, the Specialist will be responsible for implementing quality assurance and quality improvement measures that promote child welfare best practice and compliance with all oversight mandates as well as internal policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct compliance and qualitative reviews to assess program performance;
• Synthesize data to identify target areas for improved outcomes; utilize appropriate statistical methodology to evaluate program effectiveness, identify trends, and help determine the best course of action for continuous improvement activities;
• Track and monitor progress with data sets including ACS PAMS, Scorecard and internal measures;
• Collaborate with caseworkers, supervisors and program directors to ensure timely submission of progress notes, FASP’s, CAN’s, Permanency Hearing Reports, PYA Checklist and other required documentation;
• Enter, monitor and assess the quality of information entered into various system such as Connections, Evolv and PROMIS;
• Proactively identify trends in worker/team data entry and assist in the creation and monitoring of plans to improve data quality and timeliness;
• Work collaboratively with programs to develop outcome measures and data collection protocols;
• Conduct evaluations of agency programs for quality improvement reports;
• Research best practice and promising practice methods and models to develop evaluation techniques and instruments for measuring provider performance.
• Prepares evaluation reports by utilizing information obtained from: site visits, participant and family interviews, staff interviews, record reviews and other data sources;
• Develop and implement internal quality assurance and control measures;
• Develop written performance reports and other correspondence based on research, analysis, and assessments in order to communicate information, recommendations, and decisions;
• Participate in Quality Team meetings. Communicate results and recommendations to key audiences including the presentation of Quality Improvement reports to staff with analysis of trends. Assure recording of minutes, as appropriate.
• Assist in the development, design and implementation of dashboards, data collection systems, tools and other business processes;
• Ensure adherence with agency, ACS, OCFS and DOHMH policies and procedures;
• Assist with the implementation and monitoring of internal and external improvement plans; 
• and evaluate critical incident reports and monitor progress with corrective action plans;
• Conduct regular case record reviews;
• Develop standard operating procedures in collaboration with program areas;
• Provide supportive and corrective feedback to program staff to promote positive outcomes;
• Participate in other aspects of agency QA/QI initiatives as requested;

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university. Master’s preferred in Public Administration, Organizational Management, Psychology, Social Work, Political Science or related field.
• At least three (3) years of experience in quality assurance, program evaluation or contract management in community based social services agency; familiarity with the NYC child welfare system, residential programs and/or DOHMH is preferred
• Must be proficient in MS Office Suite; high proficiency in Excel and PPT required.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently to achieve necessary results;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under time constraints;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills required;
• Must commit to work from a trauma-informed, strength-based youth and family development perspective;
• Ability to travel in and around New York City and Westchester region 

Salary: $60,000 per year