DDS Programs Quality Specialist

Quality Assurance Specialist

Location : Greater Hartford, CT - requires some local travel

Organization : Harc, Inc.

Work Schedule : M-F, 40 hours a week

FLSA Status : Non-exempt

Reports to : Senior Director

Harc is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I / DD) and their families. Established in 1951, Harc offers a range of services including employment, enrichment, residential supports, and advocacy. Our mission is to ensure lives of quality, inclusion, and dignity.

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of service delivery across all programs. This position involves developing, implementing, and monitoring quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational standards. The Quality Assurance Specialist will report to the Senior Program Director and work closely with program staff, management, and external stakeholders to promote continuous improvement and excellence in service provision.

Key Responsibilities

• Regular Audits and Inspections
• Conduct regular / monthly audits of residential facilities, community programs, day programs, and / or employment sites to ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards, including organizational policies as well as DDS licensing and QSR standards.
• Perform unannounced inspections to assess the quality of care and services provided.
• Client Satisfaction Surveys
• Distribute quarterly satisfaction surveys to residents / participants and their families to gather feedback on the services provided.
• Analyze survey results to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
• Staff Training and Development
• Provide ongoing training for staff on best practices, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance procedures.
• Implement a mentorship program to support new staff and promote continuous learning.
• Ensure that all staff complete the training requirements as outlined by DDS including but not limited to individual and program specific requirements.
• Incident Reporting and Analysis
• Ensure compliance with the DDS incident reporting system as well as organizational procedures to document and analyze any incidents or near-misses.
• Conduct root cause analysis to identify underlying issues and develop corrective action plans.
• Ensure completion of Abuse and Neglect case recommendations.
• Performance Metrics and Monitoring
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of services provided, identifying areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with program managers and directors to develop and implement corrective action plans.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of programs and services.
• Use data from KPIs to drive program improvements.
• Prepare and present reports on quality assurance activities and outcomes to management and stakeholders.
• Individual Care Plans
• Ensure that each supported person has an Individual Support Plan that is reviewed and updated regularly.
• Ensure that all individual health and safety guidelines, behavior programs and action plans are implemented in a timely manner as required by DDS.
• Ensure the involvement of individuals and their families in the care planning process to ensure their needs and preferences are met.
• Establish individual protective service plans as applicable.
• Compliance with Regulatory Standards
• Stay up-to-date with local, state, and federal regulations related to intellectual disability services.
• Conduct regular compliance checks to ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements.

Feedback Mechanisms

Continuous Improvement Initiatives

External Reviews and Accreditation

Key Competencies

1. Analytical Thinking

2. Attention to Detail

3. Communication Skills

4. Regulatory Knowledge

5. Process Improvement

6. Team Collaboration

7. Technical Proficiency

8. Project Management

9. Leadership

Qualifications

Work Environment

Benefits

Harc, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity