Classification: Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Department: Administration

Reports to: Director of Quality Assurance

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Associate supports the Director of Quality Assurance in monitoring, evaluating, and improving the quality and compliance of DDS-funded residential services.

This role partners with program leadership to ensure adherence to DDS regulations, agency policies, and best practices related to health, safety, individual rights, and person-centered care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administration

• Conduct routine and targeted audits of residential programs to assess compliance with:
  • DDS regulations (e.g., licensing indicators, MAP requirements, ISP timelines)
  • Agency policies and procedures
• Review documentation across systems (e.g., HCSIS, electronic health records, and paper records) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Identify quality concerns, develop improvement strategies, and support implementation.
• Verify implementation and effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance and subject matter expertise to operational leadership.
• Partner with operations to design and implement local process improvement initiatives.
• Identify deficiencies and assist with developing corrective action plans.
• Track corrective actions and verify timely completion.
• Participate in division meetings and report on quality indicators.
• Review satisfaction survey data and support the design, implementation, and evaluation of improvement strategies.

Compliance

• Partner with operations to implement agency and local policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular audits of residential operations to assess compliance with:
  • DDS regulations
  • Agency policies and procedures
  • Internal quality standards
• Analyze audit findings, incident data, and quality trends (e.g., medication occurrences, ISP compliance).
• Assist residential programs in preparing for DDS licensing, certification, and survey reviews.
• Conduct mock audits and certification readiness reviews.
• Identify systemic issues and recommend training or process improvements.
• Partner with program leadership to implement measurable quality improvement initiatives.
• Monitor progress toward compliance benchmarks and performance indicators.
• Collaborate with operations leadership to develop corrective action plans and verify implementation.
• Provide guidance on regulatory requirements and documentation standards.

Risk Management

• Review incident reports for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Support investigations involving incidents, allegations, and complaints, as assigned.
• Conduct internal investigations by reviewing facts, determining findings, and recommending appropriate responses.
• Identify trends and collaborate with operations to develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Assist with the implementation of risk reduction initiatives.

Education and Training

• Identify training needs in collaboration with Quality Assurance leadership and Operations.
• Partner with Human Resources and Operations to develop training resources that support quality and compliance standards.
• Provide training and coaching to staff on topics including:
  • Documentation standards
  • Individual rights and human rights processes
  • Incident reporting
  • Risk management
• Provide ongoing technical support and consultation as needed.

Systems Analysis, Design, and Improvement

• Provide quality assurance and process improvement expertise across residential services.
• Partner with Program Directors, nursing staff, and clinical teams to resolve compliance concerns.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and quality assurance reviews.
• Communicate audit findings, recommendations, and improvement opportunities clearly and professionally to leadership.
• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives designed to strengthen service delivery and regulatory compliance.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in human services within DDS-funded programs.

Knowledge

• DDS certification standards for residential services.
• Individual Support Plan (ISP) development and implementation
• Data collection and outcome measurement

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent organizational skills
• Effective written and verbal communication

Core Competencies

• Attention to detail and audit accuracy
• Data analysis and trend identification
• Knowledge of person-centered and outcome-based services
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and audits simultaneously
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills
• Professional communication and presentation skills

Performance Expectations

Success in this role is demonstrated by:

• Timely completion of audits and certification readiness activities
• Measurable improvements in compliance and service quality
• Effective collaboration with program leadership
• Ongoing certification readiness across all residential programs
• Meaningful contributions to continuous quality improvement initiatives

Language & Communication Skills

• Fluent in English, with the ability to read, analyze, and interpret reports, clinical data, policies, and other professional documentation.
• Strong ability to write professional reports, progress notes, correspondence, and other clinical documentation.
• Capacity to effectively communicate with individuals using various communication methods.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
• Frequent lifting of up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds to assist with personal care activities and crisis interventions.
• Adequate vision, including close, distance, and peripheral vision, necessary for monitoring, observation, and maintaining safety.
• Ability to travel between program locations and participate in on-site meetings, trainings, and emergency response activities as needed.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions.
• Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment in complex situations.
• Ability to analyze information, identify solutions, and implement appropriate interventions while maintaining compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and make timely decisions in a fast-paced environment.