Quality Assurance Associate - Residential (6345)

## Description

**Classification:** Full-Time/Non-Exempt

**Department:** Administration

**Reports to:** Director of Quality Assurance

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**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.

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**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.

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• **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.

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• **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.

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• **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.

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• **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.

## Qualifications
**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

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• **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

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• **Performance Expectations**

Success in this role is demonstrated by

• Timely completion of audits and certification readiness activities