Quality Assurance Spec II

About the role

The Quality Assurance Specialist II (Quality Management Specialist) performs complex, journey‑level quality management work at Big Spring State Hospital. The role assists with planning, developing, and implementing departmental and hospital‑wide quality management programs, including policy oversight, Quality System Oversight (QSO) monitoring, restraint/seclusion processes, and other performance improvement activities. The specialist ensures compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), works with internal staff and external stakeholders, and provides guidance as needed.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly; may be required to work specific, rotating, extended, or overtime schedules in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Review hospital policies, prepare and disseminate information to policy managers, ensure policies are approved, updated, and posted for staff.
• Provide guidance and education on organizational, statutory, and accreditation requirements.
• Coordinate quality improvement and monitoring programs such as QSO, Utilization Management (UM), Facility Support Performance Improvement (FSPI), and others; independently complete all aspects of these processes.
• Explain quality management findings and assist in developing performance improvement plans.
• Compile monthly samples, update and distribute audits promptly; provide education and support to auditors.
• Enter data within required timeframes; aggregate data, compile reports, and perform trend analysis.
• Communicate regularly with the Central Administration program coordinator.
• Serve as data oversight coordinator for assigned Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) indicators (e.g., restraint/seclusion, injuries/falls, length of stay, national benchmarks, patient tracers).
• Monitor incident documentation, maintain tracking systems, and aggregate related data.
• Coordinate committee meetings, compile agenda documents, and prepare reports for hospital committees and the Governing Body.
• Prepare, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, and documents; maintain filing and records management systems.
• Complete additional audit assignments as needed, including TJC monitoring and performance improvement projects.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.
• Potentially earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area.
• Knowledge of TJC and CMS standards.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis processes, research techniques, training methods, and project management processes.
• Skills in interviewing, data analysis, and use of computer software.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and administer quality improvement programs.
• Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to provide guidance to others.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in social services, nursing, psychology, or a related field and a minimum of six months experience; or an associate degree with at least 24 months experience; or no degree with at least four years experience.
• Two years of experience in social services, psychiatric/health care, auditing or investigating work, and developing plans of correction.
• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (including CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and LEIE).
• Male applicants aged 18‑25 must be registered with the Selective Service; all applicants must be at least 18 years old (21 for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth).
• Flexibility in work hours; overtime and extended hours may be required.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time‑off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.
• Additional benefits detailed on the “Benefits of Working at HHS” webpage.

Pay

Salary range: $3,793.41 – $5,921.25 per month (pay frequency: monthly). Salary group: TEXAS‑B‑18. Position is non‑exempt.

Schedule

• Shift: Regular Weekend Day
• Additional shift: Days (First)
• Telework: Not eligible for telework
• Travel: Up to 10% of time

Location: Big Spring State Hospital, 1901 N Highway 87, Big Spring, TX 79720 (nearest major market: Midland).