Quality Specialist

MISSION:

Our mission, grounded in traditional Native American culture, is to reduce health disparities by delivering high-quality, comprehensive integrated healthcare and providing stable housing throughout the communities we serve.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision of the Manager of Quality and Compliance, the Quality Specialist supports the implementation of quality assurance, compliance, and documentation standards across Native American Connections (NAC) programs. This role plays an essential part in helping maintain accurate client records, track regulatory compliance, and support performance improvement efforts. The position combines responsibilities in quality monitoring and medical records support, working closely with clinical and administrative teams to uphold consistent standards and improve organizational effectiveness.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Conduct documentation checks and medical record reviews for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness (i.e. assessments, service plans and consents)

· Track monthly compliance indicators, including staff training logs, quality initiatives, and incident reports with follow-up documentation.

· Assist with internal audits and support preparation for ADHS licensing inspections, payer audits, and accreditation site visits.

· Assist with collect, analyze, and summarize data related to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), incident trends, audit findings, and staff observations.

· Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports for submission to AHCCCS health plans, Indian Health Services, and other funding agencies in coordination with program leadership.

· Maintain a calendar of deliverables to track quality improvement activities and required submissions.

· Ensure HIPAA-compliant handling of medical records when storing, retrieving, or releasing client health information.

· Support maintenance and integrity of electronic (EHR) and archived paper records.

· Assist with processing record requests (ROI) and closed chart archiving per NAC retention policies.

· Provide administrative support for credentialing applications and revalidations by gathering and verifying required compliance documentation.

· Identify training gaps through audits and quality monitoring and assist with training when appropriate.

· Monitor incident reports, grievances, and quality-of-care concerns; assist with follow-up to ensure resolution and documentation.

· Participate in root cause analysis activities and recommend quality improvement actions when appropriate.

· Assist with collecting quality-related data for grant applications and required reports for funding agencies.

· Support the Quality & Compliance Manager in aligning program data with contract deliverables for external reporting.

· Upload monthly compliance materials and audit tools to SharePoint for internal access and visibility.

· Create dashboards and summary reports using Excel, Word, or designated templates based on collected quality data.

· Provide administrative support to the Quality Committee, including scheduling, preparing meeting materials, and taking minutes.

· Participate in policy development and annual review processes.

· Collaborate across departments to improve documentation, reduce risk, and enhance service quality.

· Support special projects and additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL / WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

· H.S. Diploma required; Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s preferred in healthcare administration, public health, behavioral health, or a related field.

· Minimum two (2) years of experience in a healthcare, behavioral health, or administrative quality/compliance support role.

· Experience with medical records, chart audits, or documentation review processes.

· CPHQ certifications a plus.

SKILLS REQUIREMENT:

· Proficient in Microsoft 365 (especially Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams).

· Familiarity with HIPAA, ADHS, AHCCCS, or other regulatory standards for medical and behavioral health services.

· Has demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals of Quality Management Principles.

· MS Office proficiency

· Must demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational and time management skills.

· Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, teams, managers, supervisors, and vendors.

· Strong desire to own decisions and take responsibility for outcomes.

· Must be thorough and have great attention to detail.

· Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Excellent customer service skills.

· Must be able to work well with others in a team approach.

· Experience in working with the Native American population preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· Able to sit, stand walk with/ without accommodations.

· Hybrid office/site-based role with routine visits to NAC locations.

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE: Preference may be given to qualified Native American Indians according to the Indian Preference Hiring Act, CFR 25 USC 472. Other than Indian

Preference, Native American Connections, Inc. adheres to all provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE: Native American Connections is a drug-free workplace with safety-sensitive jobs. Use of alcohol and legal or illegal drugs may impair and alter employees' judgement resulting in increased safety risks, workplace injuries, and faulty decision making. Reporting to work at NAC after use of alcohol, a controlled substance, or abuse of any other substance is absolutely prohibited.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT: This position is considered to be Non-Exempt for overtime pay provisions as provided by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and any applicable state laws. Non-Exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked in excess of forty (40) hours per workweek.