Vice President of Quality Assurance and Compliance

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions.

Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.

Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

POSITION TITLE: Vice President of Quality Assurance and Compliance

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: President & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Clinical Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Quality Assurance and Compliance serves as a senior executive leader responsible for advancing organizational excellence, regulatory compliance, patient safety, accreditation readiness, risk management, and continuous quality improvement across Lifeline Connections’ behavioral health programs and operations. This position partners closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team to develop and implement enterprise-wide strategies that promote clinical quality, operational integrity, compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, and measurable organizational outcomes. The Vice President leads initiatives related to CARF and CCBHC accreditation, regulatory oversight, quality assurance, incident management, performance improvement, workforce competency development, and evidence-based practice fidelity. The incumbent promotes a culture of ethical practice, transparency, accountability, trauma-informed care, continuous learning, and person-centered service delivery.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy

Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation

• Washington Administrative Codes (WAC)


• Revised Code of Washington (RCW)


• Oregon Revised Statuses (ORS)


• Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR)


• Department of Health (DOH) regulations


• Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) requirements


• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) standards


• OSHA regulations


• HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules


• 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements


• CARF and CCBHC accreditation standards


• Other applicable federal, state, neighboring state(s), and local behavioral health regulations

Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement

Risk Management & Patient Safety

• Incident reporting


• Sentinel event review


• Root cause analysis


• Corrective action implementation


• Patient grievance processes


• Patient feedback processes


• Compliance investigations


• Patient safety initiatives

Policy Development & Operational Oversight

Workforce Development & Competency Management

• Compliance


• HIPAA


• Patient safety


• Documentation standards


• Incident reporting


• Quality improvement


• Evidence-based practices


• Ethical conduct


• Accreditation

Community & Organizational Representation

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Strategic Leadership


• Regulatory Compliance Expertise


• CARF and CCBHC Accreditation Readiness


• Risk Management


• Continuous Quality Improvement


• Data Analytics & Outcome Measurement


• Executive Communication & Competencies


• Ethical Decision-Making


• Trauma-Informed Leadership


• Change Management


• Policy Development


• Workforce Development


• Operational Excellence


• Interdisciplinary Collaboration


• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking


• Cultural Humility & Inclusive Leadership

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• CARF accreditation


• CCBHC demonstration and/or certification


• Regulatory audits


• Quality improvement systems


• Incident management


• Compliance investigations


• Policy development


• Performance improvement initiatives

• WAC 246-341


• RCW 71.24


• HIPAA


• 42 CFR Part 2


• CMS requirements


• CARF and CCBHC requirements


• Behavioral health licensing standards


• Medicaid documentation requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHC, LICSW, LMFT, PsyD, PhD, RN, etc.)


• Mental Health Professional (MHP) designation consistent with WAC 246-341


• Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)


• Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)


• Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC)


• Lean/Six Sigma training or certification


• Experience serving in a Compliance Officer role


• Experience in value-based care environments


• Experience leading CARF surveys or accreditation readiness activities


• Experience leading CCBHC implementation, accreditation, or readiness activities

Salary: $100,000 - $120,000 / year Dependent on Experience

Application Process:
To apply electronically for this position, please click "Apply Now" or visit our ADP career center. For more information on this and other positions, please visit our website at www.lifelineconnections.org

The Benefits:

Lifeline Connections strives to be an employer of choice by offering regular and full-time employees a robust and highly competitive benefits package designed to support both personal and family well-being. Our comprehensive benefits include multiple options for medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.

In addition, Lifeline Connections provides employer-paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance, along with access to supplemental coverage options. Full-time employees and eligible part-time employees may also enroll in our 401(k) retirement plan, helping support long-term financial wellness.

Beyond benefits coverage, Lifeline Connections is proud to offer generous paid time off. Both full-time and part-time employees earn PTO at competitive accrual rates that increase with years of service, allowing for meaningful time away from work. Employees also receive paid holidays and personal holidays, reinforcing our commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.