Clinical Quality Assurance Specialist

Company Description

Helpline Youth Counseling (HYC), established in 1967 and incorporated in 1971, supports at-risk, low-income children, youth, and their families through comprehensive counseling and assistance programs. HYC is dedicated to removing barriers and creating opportunities for its clients, equipping them with the resources to achieve self-sufficiency. Through educational, therapeutic, and advocacy services, HYC strengthens families and fosters resiliency within the community. The organization remains committed to its mission of fostering strong individuals and families.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

Under the supervision of the Director of Quality Assurance, the Clinical Quality Assurance Specialist will be responsible for the oversight of internal and external contract auditing and documentation. This includes in-depth monitoring of the clinical programs of the agency and general coordination and oversight of non-clinical counseling services, as detailed below. The Clinical Quality Assurance Specialist works effectively with program managers, directors and staff, by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions. 

The Clinical Quality Assurance Specialist position will be under the direction of the Director of Quality Assurance and will:   

1. Conduct clinical quality assurance reviews and audits of mental health programs which include; reviewing weekly progress notes, client assessments, client treatment plans and other documentation required by DMH, SAPC-DMC and other Federal, State, County, and City contracted programs.  
2. Conduct detailed internal inspection of charts and/or EHR (electronic health record) system, ensuring compliance with DMH and other Federal, State, County, and City standards, deadlines, and regulations.  
3. Provide clinical documentation expertise on Federal, State, County, and City contracts.  
4. Provide weekly, or as needed, staff training on documentation, assessment, and clinical considerations; provide all-staff training on a monthly basis or as needed.  
5. Participate in all required program meetings including LA County Department of Mental Health QIC meetings.  
6. Identify and monitor possible areas of noncompliance with contract terms and provide consultation with program management and staff regarding improvements to be made.  
7. Convene routine internal quality assurance review team meetings with program management.  
8. Assist the Director of Quality Assurance with writing corrective action plans or assist program directors in developing corrective action plans.  
9. Report regularly to the Director of Quality Assurance regarding quality of service, compliance with contracts, and documentation management.  
10. Present results of improvement efforts and ongoing performance measures of clinical processes within programs to upper management.  
11. Conduct clinical case review meetings with program management and staff.  
12. Collaborate with the Clinical Supervisor on Feedback Informed Treatment outcome measures and assist in determining the clinical quality of services.  
13. Monitor the fulfillment of contracts and be responsible for overall auditing of contracts, including accurate documentation of all service activities, preparation of periodic contract reports, and unit compliance with all contract requirements in accordance with Federal, State, County, City, and agency guidelines.  
14. Supports training of new hires during a probationary period by auditing submitted documentation and providing Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI) feedback within scope.  
15. Conducts reviews of client charts across programs for adherence to regulatory and documentation standards, including outcome measure data collection, and communicates findings in writing to supervisor for follow-up and resolution.  
16. Supports the Director of Quality Assurance with external audits.  
17. Facilitates Utilization Reviews for all programs as needed.  
18. Serves as backup to attend County meetings if the supervisor is unavailable.  
19. Assists in the day-to-day monitoring of contract compliance.  
20. Performs other duties as assigned.  

REQUIREMENTS:  

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work or related field required. 
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills   
• Ability to effectively communicate in written form as well as verbal form.  
• Willingness to work on a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends, as needed.  
• Ability to pass background checks and criminal clearance.   
• Maintains confidentiality in matters of agency operations, personnel, and clients.  
• Maintains positive communication with all agency staff, clients, and visitors.   
• Supports existing agency policies, principles and missions.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Knowledge of EXYM is a plus.  
• Experience working with a community-based organization.  
• Experience overseeing a DMH and/or SAPC-DMC program 
• Licensed, Licensed eligible preferred (LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, AMFT, APCC, ACSW)