Quality Assurance and CQI Specialist

Job Purpose

The QA & CQI Specialist supports and advances UCP Heartland's Quality Assurance (QA) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives across programs and services. This role ensures compliance with regulatory, accreditation, funding, and organizational standards while driving data-informed improvements that enhance service quality, client outcomes, and organizational effectiveness.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintains Quality Assurance tracking systems, databases, and related documentation.
• Supports preparation for external audits, surveys, licensing reviews, and accreditation visits.
• Conducts program evaluations and prepares summary reports.
• Facilitates Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives using data analysis, root cause analysis, Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), and other performance improvement methodologies.
• Partners with program leadership to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate corrective action and performance improvement plans.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Serves as a resource for regulatory interpretation, best practices, and quality improvement strategies.

Competencies

• Collaborates – Builds trust by working respectfully with others, sharing knowledge, and supporting team success.
• Communicates Effectively – Shares information clearly and timely to support quality service delivery, collaboration, and organizational goals.
• Ensures Accountability – Takes ownership of responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and seeks feedback to improve performance and outcomes.
• Instills Trust – Demonstrates integrity by aligning actions with words, maintaining confidentiality, and consistently following through on commitments.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset – Uses data to identify opportunities, solve problems, and improve processes.
• Analytical Thinking – Interprets data, identifies trends, and develops practical recommendations to improve quality and compliance.
• Attention to Detail – Produces accurate work while maintaining compliance with documentation and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Employment Standards

• Bachelor's degree in human services, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Psychology, Business Administration, Quality Management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience training or working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Strong knowledge of Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement principles and methodologies, including PDCA, root cause analysis, and performance improvement practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and present findings effectively.
• Able to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Employment Standards

• Experience with CARF accreditation standards and Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) requirements.
• Experience conducting program evaluations, compliance audits, and mock surveys.
• Experience developing and monitoring corrective action plans.
• Experience analyzing quality metrics and performance data.
• Experience facilitating Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Experience providing staff training related to quality, compliance, or performance improvement.
• Certification in Quality Improvement or Performance Excellence is preferred but not required.

Work Environment

This will primarily be a remote position, however, travel to residential locations, North and South offices, Jefferson City, and Columbia, MO will be required.

Working Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM