POSITION TITLE: Quality Improvement Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: Health & Human Services
LOCATION: Longview, WA
REPORTS TO: Operations Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $91,936 - $110,240

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes a Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for ensuring that the services provided by HHS meet industry standards for each field of discipline. The position works with HHS programs to assess and improve processes, workflows, and efficiency within each program. Compiles and reviews information and data to ensure that all HHS programs meet applicable licensing, credentialing, and accreditation standards. Coordinates quality improvement and accreditation activities and provides policy analysis, planning, and reporting support within the HHS. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of CIT and of the HHS department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Ensures HHS Departments and Programs services meet or exceed national accreditation standards; monitors programs, policies, and practices to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements and federal regulatory standards.
• Participates in developing and implementing quality control systems and policies to ensure consistency across sites.
• Works with HHS program managers to identify and prioritize projects for quality improvement.
• Routinely conducts audits within programs and services to ensure quality is maintained.
• Participates in site visit preparation and execution by regulatory and accreditation agencies.
• Prepares correspondence, applications, and reports to accreditation agencies.
• Works closely with HHS managers and staff on all accreditation issues; works collaboratively with Directors to review, develop, and write policies and procedures that meet or exceed accreditation standards and quality assurance.
• Provide resources and technical assistance to department staff on quality, compliance, and accreditation issues.
• Works with the compliance officer to implement the compliance plan.
• Assists HHS programs in developing policies, standards, and procedures.
• Chair Quality Improvement Committee.
• Reviews complaints to recommend improvements to processes, procedures, or resolutions.
• Assures that all staff receive orientation and ongoing education regarding accreditation,
• Develops and maintains a quality assurance/improvement program to ensure compliance with Indian Health Services and to meet and/or exceed accreditation requirements.
• Manages and monitors clinical and non-clinical quality studies to include receipt and analysis of trended data, assessment of national benchmarks, development of internal benchmarks, and evaluation for desired results.
• Monitors quality of care and program complaints to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Implements and oversees client satisfaction program; ensure compliance concerning the collection of surveys and accuracy of compilation, preparation of client demographics, and producing summary reports on results.
• Coordinates, educates, and trains staff on accreditation, quality improvement, confidentiality/HIPAA, and other areas as needed.
• Keeps leadership and other departments informed of the status of quality improvement and accreditation-related activities by gathering information, attending meetings, and submitting reports.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of accreditation standards.
• Knowledge of quality performance initiatives.
• Knowledge of CARF and AAAHC Accreditation Standards and the accreditation process.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and coaching skills.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs in a Windows environment, including electronic health care systems.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to present information and train others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in administration, health and human services, or related field.
• Three years of experience in quality improvement, health care administration, or accreditation.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office or clinical setting with a moderate noise level. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Overnight travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.