Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Senior Director, the Quality Improvement and Incident Coordinator will support the FREE network by providing expertise and support in the areas of incident and investigatory services & regulatory guidance, conducting investigations, supporting FREE during state surveys and external audits and providing person-centered planning and reviews. The Quality Improvement and Incident Coordinator will work to increase the quality of services delivered to all people supported at FREE.

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts Quality Improvement Reviews/Audits on-site at respective programs.
• Assists with processing results from state surveys and reviewing formal Plans of Corrective Action.
• Conducts investigations into incidents occurring within the programs and writes investigative reports within regulatory guidelines.
• Ensures that all individuals receive medical treatment as needed and in accordance with regulations and Agency policy as it relates to incidents and allegations of abuse.
• Ensures that safeguards are implemented in an effort to prevent future incidents and allegations of abuse.
• Closes incidents in NIMRS/IRMA as well as submit corrective action plans into the system.
• Supports/Oversees others who are conducting investigations.
• Provides onsite support and guidance during state surveys and external audits (OPWDD, OFPC, OMH, DOH, SED, and CMS).
• Ensures that the individual's safety and needs are met and intercedes on their behalf as necessary.
• Ensures adequate training of staff and the men and women receiving services in abuse and incident reporting.
• • Mediates emergency situations pertaining to the program according to established policies and procedures and ensures communication of such situations in a timely fashion.
  • Responsible for monitoring adequacy and/or appropriateness of program participant services and for compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies.
  • Provides expertise and consultation to the organization and its affiliates with regulatory and incident related matters.
  • Participates with the development of safety plans required for OPWDD certified programs during construction and/or relocation as needed.
  • Implements a schedule of quality reviews in accordance with FREE’s plan.
  • Completes and reviews for accuracy, thoroughness, and appropriateness all necessary documentation and files it in a timely manner in accordance with regulations.
  • Maintains the utmost confidentiality of any information relating to departmental functions as outlined in the agency policy.
  • Participates in an on-call rotation within the department to triage incidents that are reported after hours.

   

Duties and Responsibilities

• Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.
• Provides necessary professional development education to the agency when needed. This may include acting as an instructor for ongoing trainings (i.e. SCIP, CPR/FA, etc.).
• Represents the Agency by participating in external committees (via trade, advocacy, government entities and other associations) and at agency functions.
• Participates in state, regional, and local planning as it pertains to program development.
• Reports all violations and/or accidents in Agency or personal vehicle in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
• Adheres to OSHA regulations.
• Provides necessary support to assigned programs during a crisis, including but not limited to: employee’s shortages, natural disasters, individual related emergencies, weather, etc.
• Completes all required trainings and stay in compliance
• Ensures that each of the departments within the division conform to all regulations and applicable federal, state, local and agency requirements.
• Ensures adequate supervision and services are provided based on the needs of the individuals served for the respective programs within the division, if applicable.
• Reports all possible violations of individuals’ rights promptly, and ensures the proper and timely completion of all incident reports in accordance with New York State regulations and Agency policy.
• Cultivates a work environment that promotes the development of individualized services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• HS Diploma is the minimum requirement, Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in health and human services field.

• Formal training and experience in performing investigations preferred.

• Experience and familiarity with state, local, federal regulations and OPWDD, OMH, DOH, OMIG and other government run entities preferred.

• Experience with MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with flexibility, keeping others informed and anticipating needs is essential.
• Must be efficient, well organized, and have excellent communication skills.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and satisfy criteria to be a driver for the organization.

Physical Demands

• Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours)
• Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Employee is required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines
• Employee might be required to reach with hands and arms, bend, lift and/or move light items

FREE’s Core Values

All team members are expected to represent the core values of the organization, outlined below, at all times.

Integrity...we expect the conduct of all team members in the FREE network to be rooted in transparency and honesty and to be consistent with our stated values.

Diversity...we believe in the dignity and worth of all people. We strive to foster an appreciation of, and respect for, the differences among all of us that enrich the world.

Responsiveness...we commit to striving to meet to the needs of the people we support, valued team members and the unmet needs of the community.

Quality...we support people to plan, choose, and contribute to their personal outcomes and to live a rewarding life based on their individual choices and preferences.

Stewardship...we recognize our responsibility in managing the resources of the FREE network responsibly, effectively, and efficiently.

Innovation...together, we find creative solutions to take advantage of opportunities and meet challenges while celebrating our collective accomplishments.

Interdependence... we pledge to promote a collaborative environment driven and enabled by a dedicated team of professionals. WE is more powerful than YOU or I.

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