Quality Assurance Specialist

Primary Duties and Essential Functions:

• Develops and maintains working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations that are applicable to the various services delivered by Vanderheyden.
• Develops, maintains, evaluates, and applies a working knowledge of internal policies, procedures, systems, and practices to all services provided.
• Manages and organizes all aspects of investigations including collecting evidence, reviewing documentation, conducting interviews, collaborating with external investigators, making determinations, and writing reports.
• Maintains confidentiality in all applicable situations, including during investigations, among personnel and about individuals served, in accordance with all regulations and policies.
• Ensures all agency incident reports are written thoroughly, responses are appropriate, and when needed, additional follow-up is requested and tracked.
• Identifies systematic trends through data analysis and work to remediate trends that have negative or problematic consequences for the agency or persons served.
• Visits all program sites to conduct announced and unannounced walk-throughs, internal audits, and other compliance checks.
• Prioritizes various job duties, including investigations to meet deadlines, comply with regulations, and minimize program disruption.
• Prepares for, assists with, and responds to accreditation surveys, state oversight audits, and other external reviews.
• Participates in inter- and intra- agency work groups, committees, and coalitions to clarify and improve systems, program function, and service delivery.
• Seeks opportunities for training and development for self and others.
• Attends all required agency and department meetings, trainings, work groups, and functions.
• Incorporates a trauma-informed perspective into all other operations, as described by the Sanctuary Model.
• Displays flexibility in leading, joining, advising, or providing information to ad hoc teams, committees, work groups, including taking on extra responsibilities when required.

Required Education, Knowledge and Skills:

• Associate Degree in Human Services or similar field required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 5 years of experience in a setting overseen by the Office of Children and Family Services, the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, the State Education Department, the New York State Justice Center, or similar required.
• 2 years of experience with quality assurance activities in the above settings preferred.

Abilities and Working Conditions:

• Has firm values and beliefs about protecting clients.
• Demonstrates initiative and is self-motivated.
• Able to think critically, maintain confidentiality and objectivity, pay attention to details, and assert opinions professionally.
• Exhibits exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable leading projects or committees, explaining complex topics, and managing difficult situations.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Must be able to be seated and use computer screens/equipment for several hours a day with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must complete annual training obligations including a Fit for Duty assessment.