Quality Improvement Specialist

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of over 400 direct-care and support staff.

About the role

The Quality Improvement Specialist is an essential member of the Quality Improvement team, overseeing and operationalizing the agency-wide Quality Improvement (QI) Plan. This role ensures quality improvement efforts are person-centered, data-driven, systems-focused, and results-oriented, aligning with regulatory and accreditation requirements from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), CARF International, NADD, and other governing authorities.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous quality improvement (CQI) by coaching staff and stakeholders on effective QI methods, tools, and best practices to enhance service delivery and program outcomes.
• Monitor and measure performance through data collection, analysis, and reporting, providing actionable insights to leadership and program teams.
• Align programs with service standards by reviewing guidelines and collaborating with staff to optimize workflows and maintain fidelity to service intent.
• Ensure service excellence by conducting regular Quality Service Visits, facilitating internal audits, and preparing for external reviews/surveys.
• Elevate stakeholder engagement through structured satisfaction surveys, feedback loops, and targeted improvements based on data trends.
• Identify and address areas for improvement by initiating internal quality improvement plans, leading cross-functional workgroups, and facilitating problem-solving sessions.
• Strengthen compliance by drafting and submitting corrective action plans in response to audits, reviews, or investigations.
• Champion accreditation and certification readiness through preparation, coordination, and follow-up on quality-focused reviews and fidelity monitoring.
• Shape organizational policy by partnering with committees to develop, refine, and update policies and procedures.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and maintain role-specific certifications.
• Advance the agency mission by supporting strategic initiatives and contributing to special projects that enhance organizational impact.

Performance Metrics

• 90% or greater or exemplary fidelity on quality reviews for assigned programs.
• 80% or greater on annual state-required key performance metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, Public Administration, Psychology, or related field.
• Three to five years in a similar role in a human services or behavioral health organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, Public Administration, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
• Five or more years in a similar role in a human services or behavioral health organization.
• Knowledge of the community behavioral health system, service guidelines, and regulations.

Skills

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data and identify trends and patterns to recognize areas needing improvement.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex data to various audiences.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work with cross-functional teams and strong interpersonal skills.
• Project Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple competing objectives and projects simultaneously.
• Data Analysis Proficiency: Experience with data analysis software and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).

Needed Attributes

• Proficient with using technology.
• Detail-oriented.
• Strong communicator (written and verbal).
• Mission-driven.
• Critical thinker and results-oriented.
• Team player.
• Flexible and adaptable.

Schedule

Routinely 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in an office setting. Some non-traditional hours may occasionally be required. Travel to various sites for quality reviews, training, and technical assistance. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement under the telework policy.

Pre-employment drug screening and successful completion of a criminal history background check is required. Claratel Behavioral Health participates in E-Verify (Company ID: 226305).