Systems Improvement 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:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. 

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Quality Assurance Specialist IV, Systems Improvement Specialist, oversees and coordinates the development and implementation of the SSLC’s Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs), Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), and monitoring processes. Reviews reports to analyze data and evaluate trends. Oversees and reviews the quality and accuracy of action plans developed to improve systems and processes and provides recommendations for improvement.  Participates in Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QAQI) council, Incident Management Review Team (IMRT) and other committees. Provides supervision and oversight of external and internal reviews, such as the settlement agreement review process, and quality review team process. Provides technical guidance and assistance prior, during and after external and internal reviews. Facilitates and coordinates review of monitoring reports and coordinates response. Ensures reports and files are updated and retained in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and the needs of the SSLC.  Develops, updates and conducts training for staff at various levels related to quality assurance and improvement policies, procedures, processes and priorities.  Contributes to improving the quality of services at the SSLC by participating in “buddy home” process, participating in discipline specific meetings and conducting special projects as assigned. As appointed by the SSLC Director, serves as the Quality Assurance Director (QAD) in the absence of the QAD and as administrator on duty (AOD) in the on-call rotation. Performs other work as assigned.  Works under the minimal supervision of the Quality Assurance Director, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Oversees and coordinates the development and implementation of the SSLC’s Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs), Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), and monitoring processes.  Reviews data and provides technical assistance and support to discipline coordinators in analysis, identification of salient points, summarizing findings, and developing recommendations/next steps to promote achievement of goals. Promotes an interdisciplinary approach by facilitating the collaboration of various departments in the development and implementation of plans.  Conducts monthly meetings with disciplines to review QIPs, CAPs, monitoring processes, and initiatives to determine status and identify barriers to timely completion.  Works with staff to identify and modify their quality assurance procedures and plans based on barriers, challenges and/or lack of meaningful progress.

Actively participates in the QAQI council and Incident Management Review Team (IMRT).  Reviews various reports such as QAQI presentations and State Office trend reports to analyze and evaluate trends.   Evaluates the quality of SSLC improvement plans presented to assist in determining if the goals, indicators and actions steps effectively address targeted and identified areas in need of improvement and contain all the required elements.  Resolves any identified issues in collaboration with the subject matter experts to improve the plans. 

Reviews and evaluates documents submitted by subject matter experts for quality, accuracy, and compliance with requirements prior to submission to federal and state entities, such as HHS Regulatory and settlement agreement monitoring.  Ensures documents have the elements needed to address requests. Works with various staff to develop and improve systems to ensure documents are corrected if issues are identified, and to initiate corrective action when warranted.

Provides technical guidance and assistance prior, during and after external and internal reviews such as settlement agreement monitoring, HHS Regulatory activity, and state office quality reviews.  Gathers, organizes, and distributes document requests.  Coordinates, schedules and oversees all logistics of on-site and virtual reviews/meetings/interviews/observations.  Provides technical assistance to SSLC staff and reviewers throughout the review process such as scheduling additional meetings, uploading documents and handling additional document requests during the review.  Serves as the liaison for any questions or issues that arise between reviewers and subject matter experts. 

Facilitates and coordinates review of monitoring reports such as those from HHS Regulatory, State Office and other reviewers, with designated staff.  Gathers and compiles response comments and questions for reviewers.  Reviews reports of findings to assist SSLC staff in identifying priorities, focus areas, and areas in need of immediate action for the development and implementation of corrective actions and/or improvement plans.  Works with subject matter experts to conduct a root cause analysis, if needed, and create plans to successfully address citations.

Develops and/or conducts training for staff at various levels to include training on new processes, state and local policies and procedures, quality improvement plans, corrective action plans, processes, and logistics for internal and external reviews, etc. Conducts new employee orientation classes related to state, federal and local processes, and requirements. Updates training when policies and procedures change, or new mandates are issued, to ensure staff have the most current information.

Ensures reports and files are updated and retained in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and the needs of the SSLC. Coordinates and ensures completed reviews and documents related to reviews are transmitted to end users.  Submits various SSLC reports to State Office designees as required.  Distributes and/or electronically posts to shared folders internal and external reports such as external monitoring reports, State Office reports, Program Compliance Coordinator (PCC) visits, trend reports, and minutes from QAQI meetings.  Prepares and submits reports of meetings held with various departments as requested. 

Contributes to improving the quality of services at the SSLC.   Supports and mentors staff working directly with individuals by serving in the “buddy home” process.  Oversees the quality of services, and staff compliance with policies and procedures on the assigned home(s).   Completes buddy home reports in accordance with procedures.   Assists designated staff in compiling and analyzing the buddy home data as assigned.   Participates in various discipline specific meetings such as behavioral support committee and admission review committee, as assigned based on SSLC needs.  Conducts special projects as assigned.  As appointed by the SSLC Director, serves as the Quality Assurance Director (QAD) in the absence of the QAD. During that time, supervises staff assigned to the quality assurance department.

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 ICF/IID Standards, interpretive guidelines and survey process.

Knowledge of Texas Administrative Code, HHSC policies and procedures related to State Supported Living Centers, and the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement.

Knowledge of and experience in ensuring the provision of quality services, treatment, training and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Skills in defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, conducting root cause analysis.

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Skills in using computers and agency/facility software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and SharePoint. 

Skill in motivating all levels of staff.

Skill in facilitating change.

Skill in writing quality improvement plans and corrective action plans.

Ability to gather, assemble, and correlate data for trend analysis.

Ability to effectively facilitate work groups and meetings.

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both in spoken and written word, to a wide variety of audiences.

Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.

Ability to manage time with latitude for independent judgement,

Ability to maintain flexibility in work hours, which may require overtime or extended hours.

Ability to accurately and clearly interpret/develop pertinent policies/procedures and technical reports. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, individuals, parents, members of the community in work context.

Ability to organize, coordinate and oversee routine and complex tasks.

Ability to develop monitoring systems, collect and analyze information.

Ability to make effective decisions regarding meeting the requirements of the Settlement Agreement.

Ability to demonstrate commitment to facility mission and workplace/service values.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.

Experience assessing and/or monitoring compliance with quality standards.

Experience participating in committee meetings and/or workgroups.  Facilitation of meeting and/or workgroups is preferred.

Experience working with persons with intellectual disabilities is preferred. 

Experience with facilitating external and/or internal survey or audit processes is preferred.

Experience with developing corrective action plans or quality improvement plans is preferred.

Experience with analyzing data, identifying trends, and presenting the results is preferred.

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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

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

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

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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.