Quality Management Specialist

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

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 teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Program Specialist I (Quality Management (QM) Specialist) performs routine(journey-level) quality management consultant and technical assistance work. Work involves assisting with the oversight of their State Hospital System’s Quality Management Program, and working closely with Medical Staff specialist and the hospital Medical Director helping oversee credentialing, privileging and ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE) processes. Assists in preparing and documenting the hospital Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee.  Serves as the hospital’s Quality System Oversight (QSO) coordinator Works with department and agency staff as well as external stakeholders. Provides guidance to others, as requested. Works under moderate supervision, with limited 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 (EJFs):

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.

Assists in the oversight of the State Hospital System’s Quality Management Program, ensuring compliance with governance standards. This includes tracking Governing Body meetings, monitoring committee activities, and verifying that required reports are submitted and reviewed on schedule. The specialist maintains accurate records of committee decisions and follows up on pending action items to ensure timely completion. Additionally, they help prepare materials for meetings and ensure all documentation meets regulatory requirements.

Aids in supporting meeting preparation, documentation, and follow-up with the hospital Quality Assessment & Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee. Responsibilities include assisting with  drafting agendas, recording detailed minutes, and tracking progress on action items. Assists with maintaining organized records to ensure transparency and accountability in quality initiatives.

Serves as the coordinator of the Quality System Oversight (QSO) program by distributing monthly samples, and audits in a timely manner.  Provides education and support to designated hospital auditors. Completes data entry.  Works with the Texas State Hospitals QSO Coordinator with aggregating data, compiling reports, conducting trend analysis and scheduling annual external validation reviews.  Works with the QM Director on sharing this information with hospital staff.

Works closely with Medical Staff coordinator and the hospital Medical Director assisting with the credentialing and privileging processes. Reviews documentation to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards, flagging discrepancies for resolution. Maintains records of provider qualifications and assists with audits or reviews as needed to ensure that only qualified professionals deliver care within the hospital.

Assists the medical staff coordinator with conducting Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE) process that ensures that the hospital assesses a practitioner’s clinical competence and professional behavior on an ongoing basis.

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 and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions

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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Two years of 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, and a minimum of six months experience in social services, psychiatric/health care, auditing or investigating work; and developing plans of correction required.

OR

Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months experience in social services, psychiatric/health care, auditing or investigating work; and developing plans of correction required.

OR

No degree and a minimum of four years of experience in social services, psychiatric/health care, auditing or investigating work; and developing plans of correction required.

Additional Information:

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, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). 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 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 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. Vaccines may be provided. 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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.