Director of Quality, Developmental Services at UNITED COUNSELING SERVICE OF BENNINGTON COUNTY INC – Bennington, Vermont

Description: Why join UCS?Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County.As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners—a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies—we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

The Director of Quality for Developmental Services (DS) is a senior leadership position responsible for ensuring the integrity, compliance, quality, and consistency of all Developmental Services programs and services. This role carries both internal leadership responsibilities and external accountability to state oversight entities.

The Director of Quality for DS provides independent, system-wide oversight of client services, documentation, regulatory compliance, and risk management practices. The role ensures that all services meet applicable Medicaid rules, Vermont regulations, and contractual obligations, and that systemic issues are identified, corrected, and prevented.

This position operates with a high degree of autonomy and authority and maintains direct reporting relationships with the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Executive Officer, while also providing reporting and collaboration with MFRAU and the Developmental Services Oversight Monitor.

Key Responsibilities

1. Division-Wide Quality Oversight

• Provide leadership and oversight of quality assurance and quality improvement across all Developmental Services programs.
• Ensure consistent practices in client placements, service coordination, service delivery, monitoring and support.
• Establish and enforce standards for quality, compliance, and documentation.
• In coordination with the Director of DS, establishes and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks to evaluate the effectiveness of services and identify areas for improvement.

2. Comprehensive Client Record and Service Review

• Lead and oversee the review of all Developmental Services client records, including service assessments, service plans, budgets, progress notes and encounter data.
• Ensures continuity of care, accuracy and completeness of documentation, compliance with Medicaid rules and applicable regulations.
• Identify discrepancies, risks, or non-compliance and require corrective action.
• Coordinate with Service Coordinators, Direct Support Professionals and other staff as appropriate to resolve identified issues; escalate unresolved concerns as appropriate.

3. Public Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Conduct timely and comprehensive reviews of: Public Safety/Act 248 records, Peggy’s Law disclosures.
• Ensure all documentation is accurate, appropriate, and aligned with client needs and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing Developmental Services and program designation requirements.
• Oversight of internal and external audits and inspections to include preparation for the program’s redesignation and group home licensing.

4. Policy Development and Implementation

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies that promote best practices in service delivery and quality assurance to include a Client Placement Policy and Checklist.
• Ensure consistent application of policies across the division.
• Monitor effectiveness and update policies as needed to ensure compliance and best practice.

5. Training and Workforce Competency Oversight

• Oversee the Developmental Services training program to ensure training plans are consistently implemented and effective, training content is current and compliant, staff competency is documented and maintained.
• Ensure training progress and outcomes are documented and reviewed at least semi-annually with executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

6. Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Provide regular, structured reports to MFRAU, Developmental Services Oversight Monitor, Agency Leadership, Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL), Developmental Services Local Program Standing Committee, Agency Board of Directors.
• Meet required reporting timelines including initial review timelines following hire, ongoing periodic reporting (monthly status updates until compliance benchmarks are met).
• Utilize data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for system improvement.

7. Performance Evaluation and Accountability

• Prepare and submit formal written performance evaluations of Developmental Services quality systems and improvements: within six (6) months of hire, annually thereafter.
• Participate in and support external performance evaluations conducted by MFRAU and the DS Oversight Monitor.

8. Collaboration with Oversight Entities

• Work collaboratively and transparently with: MFRAU, DS Oversight Monitor, Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL).
• Provide access to records, documentation, and information as required.
• Participate in internal and external meetings and reviews as required by the agency, funders, and other oversight entities to include MFRAU and DAIL.

9. Authority and Leadership

Exercise authority to review and evaluate all DS services and documentation, require corrective actions, recommend system and operational changes.

Collaborate with agency leadership and the State to define and expand the role’s authority as needed to meet compliance obligations.

10. Risk Management

• Identify potential risks to service quality and client safety. In coordination with the agency’s Compliance Officer, and the Director of DS, develops strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Leads investigations to incidents, complaints, and grievances, ensuring appropriate corrective actions are taken.
• Maintains a risk register for the DS Division and regularly reviews and updates the DS Division Risk Management Plan.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field (Healthcare, Administration, Social Work, Public Health) required; Master’s degree preferred.
• A Minimum of 5 Years Experience in quality assurance, performance improvement, and compliance, risk management and incident review, preferably within a DS or healthcare setting.
• Valid driver’s license, First Aid/CPR/AED (to be obtained within three months of hire)
• In-depth knowledge of quality improvement methodologies, regulatory standards, EHR systems and Developmental Services systems of care. Strong knowledge of DS systems of care, Vermont regulations (preferred) and Public Safety/Act 248 and Peggy’s Law requirements (or the ability to quickly develop expertise).
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills. Ability to work collaboratively and influence change.

Requirements: