Quality Assurance Specialist

Responsibilities

• Verify that suicide risk assessments are completed consistently and at required intervals (e.g., intake, crisis events, discharge)
• Ensure use of validated tools used for risk assessments (e.g., Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale)
• Check that risk levels (low, moderate, high) are clearly documented and justified
• Confirm that individualized safety plans are present for at-risk patients.
• Ensuring plans include: Warning signs, Coping strategies, Emergency contacts, Means restriction (e.g., limiting access to lethal methods)
• Verify that safety plans are updated as clinical status changes
• Ensure interventions in a treatment plan are commensurate with the suicide risk level
• Ensure evidence-based tools and clinical judgment are always used when developing a treatment plan
• Individuals who are at moderate or high risk for suicide must have the treatment of suicidal behaviors addressed in the treatment plan.
• Check documentation of appropriate interventions based on risk level, such as: Increased observation levels, Crisis intervention, Hospitalization or referral when necessary
• Ensure follow-up actions are documented after any suicidal ideation or attempt
• Confirm that post-discharge follow-ups are scheduled and documented
• Ensure communication between providers (e.g., therapists, psychiatrists, primary care) is consistent across the agency
• Verify that missed appointments or noncompliance are addressed in a timely matter
• Ensure documentation aligns with: Organizational policies, State and federal regulations, Accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission, CARF)
• Identify missing, incomplete, or late documentation
• Check that entries are: Completed within required timeframes, Legible and properly signed/dated, Free from contradictions or copy-paste errors
• Provide feedback to clinicians on documentation quality
• Recommend training or corrective actions when deficiencies are found with documentation
• Help improve documentation practices to reduce liability and improve care
• Maintain strict adherence to privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA)
• Ensure sensitive information is handled appropriately

Requirements

• A High School Diploma/GED equivalent
• A valid Georgia Driver’s License
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities
• A strong attention to detail and documentation review skills
• The ability to work independently and in collaboration with others
• Experience with Microsoft 365 Office Products

Qualifications

• Previous experience with auditing or quality assurance measures
• Knowledge of regulatory bodies in the behavioral health field (e.g. CARF, CCBHC, DBHDD, etc.)