Quality Assurance Specialist IV

About the Role

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The Quality Assurance Specialist IV, Systems Improvement Specialist oversees and coordinates the development and implementation of the State Supported Living Center’s (SSLC) Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs), Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), and monitoring processes. The role reviews reports to analyze data and evaluate trends, oversees the quality and accuracy of action plans, provides recommendations for improvement, participates in QA/QI council and Incident Management Review Team (IMRT), and provides supervision and oversight of external and internal reviews.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly; may be required to work specific, rotating, extended, or overtime shifts and serve on‑call as needed.
• Oversee and coordinate development and implementation of SSLC’s QIPs, CAPs, and monitoring processes.
• Review data and provide technical assistance to discipline coordinators for analysis, summarizing findings, and developing recommendations.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among departments for plan development and implementation.
• Conduct monthly meetings with disciplines to review QIPs, CAPs, monitoring processes, and initiatives; identify barriers and status.
• Work with staff to modify quality assurance procedures and plans based on identified barriers or lack of progress.
• Participate actively in the QA/QI council and Incident Management Review Team (IMRT).
• Review QA/QI presentations, State Office trend reports, and other reports to analyze and evaluate trends.
• Evaluate SSLC improvement plans for goal relevance, indicator adequacy, and required elements; resolve issues with subject‑matter experts.
• Review and evaluate documents submitted by experts for quality, accuracy, and compliance before submission to federal and state entities.
• Develop and improve systems to correct documents and initiate corrective action when warranted.
• Provide technical guidance before, during, and after external/internal reviews (settlement agreement monitoring, HHS regulatory activity, state office quality reviews).
• Gather, organize, and distribute document requests; coordinate logistics of on‑site and virtual reviews, meetings, interviews, and observations.
• Serve as liaison between reviewers and subject‑matter experts, facilitating communication and issue resolution.
• Coordinate review of monitoring reports from HHS Regulatory, State Office, and other reviewers; compile response comments and questions.
• Assist SSLC staff in identifying priorities, focus areas, and immediate actions from findings; conduct root cause analysis and develop corrective action plans.
• Develop and deliver training for staff at various levels on new processes, policies, procedures, QIPs, CAPs, and review logistics.
• Conduct new‑employee orientation related to state, federal, and local processes and requirements; update training as policies change.
• Ensure reports and files are updated and retained per federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinate transmission of completed review documents to end users; submit SSLC reports to State Office designees.
• Distribute internal and external reports (monitoring reports, State Office reports, PCC visits, trend reports, QA/QI meeting minutes) via shared folders.
• Prepare and submit meeting reports as requested.
• Support and mentor staff through the “buddy home” process; oversee quality of services and staff compliance on assigned homes; complete buddy home reports and assist with data analysis.
• Participate in discipline‑specific meetings (e.g., behavioral support committee, admission review committee) as assigned.
• Conduct special projects as assigned.
• Serve as Quality Assurance Director (QAD) in the absence of the QAD, supervising QA staff and acting as administrator on duty (AOD) in the on‑call rotation.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation as needed, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of ICF/IID standards, interpretive guidelines, and survey process.
• Knowledge of Texas Administrative Code, HHSC policies, and Department of Justice Settlement Agreement.
• Knowledge and experience ensuring quality services, treatment, training, and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Skill in defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and conducting root‑cause analysis.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions and approaches.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Skill in motivating staff at all levels and facilitating change.
• Skill in writing quality improvement plans and corrective action plans.
• Ability to gather, assemble, and correlate data for trend analysis.
• Ability to effectively facilitate work groups and meetings.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
• Time‑management ability with latitude for independent judgment.
• Flexibility to work overtime or extended hours as needed.
• Ability to interpret and develop policies, procedures, and technical reports accurately.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, individuals, families, and community members.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and oversee routine and complex tasks.
• Ability to develop monitoring systems and analyze information.
• Ability to make effective decisions to meet Settlement Agreement requirements.
• Commitment to facility mission and workplace/service values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferred).
• Experience assessing or monitoring compliance with quality standards.
• Experience participating in committee meetings or workgroups; facilitation experience preferred.
• Experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities (preferred).
• Experience facilitating external or internal survey or audit processes (preferred).
• Experience developing corrective action plans or quality improvement plans (preferred).

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: $4,801.16 – $7,761.50 per month (Pay Frequency: Monthly). Salary Group: TEXAS‑B‑22. Position is non‑exempt.

Schedule

• Shift: Day (additional shift: Days – First).
• Full‑time, regular position.
• Telework: Not eligible.
• Travel: Up to 5%.
• On‑call rotation required as needed.