POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Quality Assurance, the Quality Assurance (QA) Associate completes thorough and independent investigations of abuse, neglect or alleged misconduct and other reportable incidents as defined by Part 624, Justice Center, and OPWDD guidelines. The QA Associate also conducts investigations of incidents which occur in Birch’s special education preschools and school-aged special education program. The QA Associate assists in the development and implementation of agency internal review system.

The general purpose of the QA Associate includes investigating incidents and conducting internal management reviews and plant inspections to report findings and recommendations for program improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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  Ensures thorough and independent Investigation of Reportable Incidents as defined by Part 624, Justice Center, and OPWDD guidelines
• Ensures thorough and independent Investigation of Reportable Incidents as defined in the Education Department Policy and Procedures manual and the written Health and Safety Plan
• Provides detailed written reports using Justice Center and OPWDD-approved format within required time frames
• Completes Justice Center and OPWDD-approved Incident Investigation Certification Program and maintains certification as investigator
• Performs as a member of Incident Review Committee
• Assists with Incident tracking, monitoring and trend analysis
• Develops incidents trend reports
• Assists with maintenance of agency incident database
• Completes entries into OPWDD Incident Report and Management Application (IRMA) as needed
• Timely submission of investigative reports and corrective action plans for allegations of abuse and neglect according to the Justice Center requirements
• Conducts training related to incident reporting and incident management, as well as Justice Center and OPWDD regulations
• Works with management to monitor program compliance with required trainings
• Conducts internal management reviews (record reviews) and plant inspections in compliance with OPWDD standards as well as NYSED, NYCDOE and DOH standards
• Develop written reports of internal management audit findings
• In conjunction with management, develops and implements corrective action plans in response to external and internal audits
• Assists in the development of audit tools in accordance with applicable regulations
• Duties require appropriate handling of confidential information and materials and a high degree of competence and attention to detail
• Serves as a role model for all Agency staff in promoting the Agency’s Value, Mission, and Vision
• Fosters Agency and program-wide cooperation and teamwork through the use of positive/constructive communication techniques
• Collaborates with the Agency staff on the development of policies and procedures to comply with regulations and requirements of the various program services, incident management, the Justice Center and other OPWDD regulatory standards
• Ensures knowledge of all current applicable City, State and Federal regulations
• Attends training relevant to position
• Provide additional supports according to agency needs at the Director of QA’s discretion
• Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office products

EDUCATION

BA/BS required, MA/MS preferred

CERTIFICATION

Justice Center and OPWDD-approved Incident Investigation Certification

EXPERIENCE

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  Two (2) years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in OPWDD programs (e.g. Residential Services, Day Habilitation, Medicaid Service Coordination) conducting incident and occurrence investigations and quality assurance work
• Prior experience in investigative procedures and program auditing
• Prior experience in interpretation of regulation and policy development and implementation

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

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  Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills required
• Excellent critical thinking skills
• Advance policy interpretation skills
• Advanced organization skills
• Ability to perform with high degree of independence