Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Quality Assurance Specialist II (Quality Management (QM) Specialist) performs complex (journey-level) quality management work. Work involves assisting with planning, developing, and implementing departmental and hospital wide QM programs to include policy, QSO (Quality System Oversight) monitoring, Restraint/Seclusion processes, and other performance improvement activities. Ensures compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). Works with department and agency staff as well as external stakeholders. Provides guidance to others, as requested. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Reviews hospital policies, prepares and disseminates information to policy managers for review. Provides guidance and education with regard to organizational and statutory requirements as well as accreditation standards. Ensures policies are approved, updated, and posted for staff.

Coordinates quality improvement and monitoring programs as assigned (such as QSO, Utilization Management (UM), Facility Support Performance Improvement (FSPI), other). Independently completes all aspects of this process. Explains quality management findings and assists in developing performance improvement plans.

Compiles monthly samples, updates, and distributes audits in a timely manner. Provides education and support to auditors. Completes data entry within the time constraints provided. Aggregates data and compiles reports, as well as trend analysis information. Communicates regularly with the corresponding Central Administration program coordinator.

Serves as data oversight coordinator for assigned Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) indicators (such as restraint/seclusion, injuries/falls, Length of Stay (LOS), national benchmarks, Patient Tracers, etc.). Monitors documentation of incidents to include a tracking system. Aggregates data. Coordinates committee meetings, compiles all agenda documents. Compiles reports for hospital committees and Governing Body. Compiles trend analysis information compiled for the Quality Management Director.

Oversees the submission of reports to the Hospital Executive Committee and on to the appropriate committees of the State Hospital System Governing Body.

Prepares, edits, and distributes correspondence, reports and documents. Maintains filing and records management systems.

Completes other audit assignments as need arises (The Joint Commission monitoring, performance improvement projects, etc.).

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to program area
Knowledge of TJC and CMS standards
Knowledge of statistical analysis processes, research techniques, training techniques and project management processes
Skills in interviewing and analyzing data
Skills in the use of computer and applicable software
Ability to plan, coordinate, and administer quality improvement programs
Ability to identify problems and develop solutions
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to provide guidance to others

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None;

Initial Selection Criteria:
Experience in social services, psychiatric/health care, auditing or investigating work; and developing plans of correction
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social services, nursing, psychology or a related field is preferred Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Additional Information:
Requisition Number 565958

While this position will have multi-campus responsibilities, the "home campus" for the position will be the Vernon Campus.

SALARY NOTE: The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum allowable by state law. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

MOS Code:
No direct military equivalents.
Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.