Position Function: Works closely with the OCOK Director of Quality Improvement and Contracts to manage the Provider Network quality improvement process and compliance of providers to the terms and outcomes of their contracts. This position is responsible for engaging and completing the contracting process for Residential and Purchased-Services Network Providers. Also responsible for ensuring that the quality of services is monitored and tracked, including out-of-home services, protective supervision, adoption-related services, independent living and purchased services. Assists in the development and implementation of performance and quality improvement plans, tracks results, monitors and reports the outcomes. Ensures contract compliance of provider network.

Working Conditions:

Position includes exposure to parents, guardians, and conservators as well as to youth with behavioral problems, including possible physical aggression. A personal vehicle is required for travel in and out of the contract region with overnight stay. Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and have a driving record, which is within guidelines of the insurance underwriter.

Exposure to Confidential Information:

The Quality Improvement and Contracts Specialist will have access to confidential records including personnel records, child/youth records, foster care and adoption records, and caregiver/foster parent information. Must maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to all of these records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

· Maintains high ethical standards which are outlined in the ACH Child and Family Services Code of Ethics.

· A commitment to empowering others to solve their problems.

· Value a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person.

· A conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.

· The ability to assist in the development of goals for the Quality Improvement and Contracts Department and implement strategies for achieving these goals.

· The ability to establish a respectful relationship with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence.

· The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers and professional.

· The capacity to maintain a helping role and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals.

· The ability to set appropriate limits.

Planning:

· Participates in meetings with collaborating partners and agencies.

· Maintains close working relationship with public and private agencies for the assimilation and coordination of data.

· Provides leadership in QCC process and planning meetings as needed to facilitate quality care.

Implementation:

· Monitors and reports on contracts, standards and regulations to ensure compliance.

· Responsible for collecting, sorting, interpreting, measuring and analyzing outcome/expectations in support of Agency contracts and Performance and Quality Improvement Plan.

· Monitors and audits contract compliance of network provider programs/facilities and prepares reports summarizing results.

· Coordinates and conducts external reviews of client and residential facilities records (policies and procedures, case/client, caregivers/foster/adoptive parent and personnel records).

· Prepares professionally written and timely reports which indicate overall trends, strengths, needs and recommendations for network providers.

· Reviews, tracks and reports on a variety of departmental compliance standards (Accreditation reportable critical incidents, abuse/neglect, licensing paperwork, training requirements, etc.).

· Serves as liaison to monitor and assure response to all client reported concerns and complaints relating to services provided by or purchased by the Agency.

· Conducts program data evaluation and reporting.

· Submits timely and detailed reports to management, supported by accurate data, concerning the status of Agency contracts.

Training and Supervision:

· Attends continuing education necessary to expand knowledge and maintain certifications or licenses.

· Communicates regularly with supervisor and seeks supervision when appropriate.

· Participates in and conduct in-service training.

· No direct supervision of staff.

Educational Requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related degree required. Master’s preferred.

Experience Requirements:

Two years of experience in a health, social service, or other organization that deals with contractual requirements, confidential information and/or wellbeing of clients. Child-placing agency experience given preference.

Functional Requirements:

The Quality Improvement and Contracts Specialist is responsible for managing the continuous quality improvement process within the provider network. Monitors contracts, standards, and regulations to ensure compliance. Conducts internal, external, and specialized program studies to measure program effectiveness. Reports findings and makes recommendation to supervisor to correct discrepancies or improve services. Coordinates outcome measurement data with provider network and recommends actions on areas not within compliance standards. Facilitates and coordinates trainings for the provider network.

Additional Functional requirements:

· Participates in quality improvement activities to improve compliance, efficiency and effectiveness of service provision.

· Assists in conducting internal quality reviews and makes recommendations.

· Collects, analyzes, tracks and presents data for performance reporting, on a regular basis to the Director.

· Demonstrates an ability to collaborate with the provider network and TDFPS management staff to optimize the quality of services delivered to children and families.

· Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively with youth, families, collaborating agencies, outside professionals and OCOK staff.

· Demonstrates good judgment and the ability to work independently.

· Demonstrates an ability to continue learning through supervision, continuing education, and experience.

· Must be able to handle a high degree of emotional stress related to client issues.

· Must have excellent writing skills and the ability to complete reports and documents in a timely manner.

· Must not have been convicted of a felony or criminal offense against a child.