Quality Assurance Specialist at United Community Supports of Maryland – pennsylvania pennsylvania, Pennsylvania

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist to join our team in York County, Pennsylvania. This individual will play a critical role in upholding and advancing the quality, compliance, and integrity of services provided to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The QA Specialist will not merely monitor compliance — they will be a proactive driver of continuous improvement, an advocate for the individuals we serve, and a trusted resource for staff and leadership alike.

The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of Pennsylvania's regulatory landscape for IDD services, relevant certifications, and a genuine passion for person-centered, high-quality care. This role demands someone who takes initiative, communicates feedback openly and constructively, and contributes to a culture of excellence throughout the organization.
Quality Monitoring & Compliance

• Conduct scheduled and unannounced audits of program sites, case files, and documentation to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) regulations, 55 Pa. Code Chapter 6400/6500 standards, and agency policies.
• Review Individual Support Plans (ISPs), incident reports, medication administration records (MARs), behavior support plans, and rights documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Monitor compliance with the Pennsylvania Everyday Lives framework and person-centered planning principles.
• Track and analyze trends in incidents, grievances, and non-compliance areas; prepare clear, data-driven reports for leadership.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes to ODP bulletins, waivers, and regulatory requirements, and proactively communicate implications to relevant teams.

Proactive Continuous Improvement

• Identify systemic quality gaps before they escalate and recommend preventative corrective action plans (CAPs).

• Partner with program managers and direct support professionals (DSPs) to develop and implement quality improvement strategies.
• Design and lead quality improvement projects utilizing root cause analysis, outcome measurement, and evidence-based practices.
• Benchmark agency performance against ODP outcome measures and national IDD quality standards.

Ongoing Feedback & Staff Development

• Deliver timely, clear, and constructive written and verbal feedback to program staff and supervisors following audits, observations, and file reviews.
• Develop and facilitate QA-related training sessions, coaching, and workshops for staff at all levels.
• Serve as an accessible, approachable resource for staff who have QA questions or identify quality concerns.
• Participate in leadership meetings and provide regular QA status updates, recommendations, and risk alerts.

Incident Management & Protective Outcomes

• Review, track, and analyze Critical Incident Management System (CIMS) reports; ensure timely follow-up and closure.
• Ensure investigations are conducted appropriately and that protective outcomes are achieved for individuals served.
• Collaborate with the agency's Incident Management Coordinator to maintain compliance with ODP incident reporting timelines and requirements.
• Support the implementation of abuse/neglect prevention and reporting protocols in alignment with the Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) and Adult Protective Services (APS) regulations.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, organized QA audit records, corrective action tracking logs, and compliance calendars.
• Prepare comprehensive QA reports for internal leadership, the Board of Directors, and external licensure/certification bodies as required.
• Support the preparation and coordination of ODP licensing inspections and provider monitoring visits.
• Utilize electronic health record (EHR) or case management software to review records and generate compliance reports.

All certifications must be current and maintained throughout employment. The following are required prior to or within a defined onboarding period:

Certification / Clearance	Details
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 31)	Required; renewed every 5 years
PA Criminal History Background Check (PATCH)	Required upon hire
FBI Criminal Background Check	Required (applicable for those not continuously residing in PA for 10+ years)
Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) Clearance	Required for services to individuals 18+
Mandated Reporter Training (Act 31 & Act 28)	Must be completed and maintained; documented record required
CPR / First Aid Certification	Current certification required; Heartsaver or equivalent
Medications Administration Training (if applicable)	Per ODP regulations, if role involves medication oversight
ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) Certification	Preferred; demonstrates knowledge of employment/community supports
ODP Certified Investigator Training	Required for incident management responsibilities; training provided if not yet completed
Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License	Required; acceptable driving record per agency policy

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or a related field. (Master's degree preferred.)
• Minimum of 3–5 years of direct experience in quality assurance, compliance, or program oversight within an IDD, behavioral health, or human services agency.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Pennsylvania ODP regulations, 55 Pa. Code Chapters 6400 and 6500, HCSIS/CIMS, and relevant Medicaid waiver requirements.
• Familiarity with ODP's Quality Assessment and Improvement (QA&I) process and Everyday Lives principles.
• Proven ability to conduct audits, analyze data, identify trends, and develop actionable corrective action plans.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver candid, constructive feedback professionally.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and audit schedules simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with EHR or case management platforms preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively across all levels of an organization.

• Master's degree in a related field or Certified Healthcare Compliance (CHC) designation.
• Experience with Therap, iConnect, or other IDD-specific electronic documentation systems.
• Familiarity with ODP provider monitoring and licensing inspection processes.
• Experience facilitating staff training and quality improvement workshops.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are a plus.

We are not just looking for someone who checks boxes — we are looking for a quality champion. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proactive Mindset: Anticipates issues, initiates solutions, and does not wait for problems to escalate.
• Integrity & Objectivity: Conducts audits and investigations with fairness, consistency, and transparency.
• Continuous Feedback Culture: Willingly provides ongoing, timely feedback to staff and leadership — and welcomes feedback in return.
• Advocacy for Individuals Served: Keeps the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals with IDD at the center of every QA activity.
• Collaborative Leadership: Builds trust-based relationships with direct support staff, managers, and administrators.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses audit findings, trend analysis, and outcome data to inform quality improvement recommendations.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to evolving regulations, agency priorities, and organizational changes.

• Position requires regular travel to multiple program sites across York County; reliable personal transportation required.
• Work is primarily performed in community-based residential and day program settings.
• Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required for audits or incident response.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during site visits.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs and navigate various physical program environments.

We offer a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Competitive salary range commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and observed holidays
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan (403(b) or 401(k) with match, where applicable)
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
• Supportive, mission-driven team culture

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, and copies of relevant certifications to the Human Resources Department. In your cover letter, please specifically describe your experience with IDD quality assurance, your approach to providing ongoing feedback to staff, and an example of a proactive quality improvement initiative you have led or contributed to.

Our agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.