Developmental Disabilities Policy Development Specialist 2

NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is seeking a Developmental Disabilities Policy Development Specialist 2 to advance quality improvement across the OPWDD service system. The role reports to the DQI unit and collaborates with providers, CMS HCBS requirements, and stakeholders to translate data into actionable improvement plans.

The ideal candidate will design and coordinate quality improvement initiatives, lead committees, and develop policies and training to ensure compliance

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and three years of professional administrative experience in the field of developmental disabilities.
• Two of the three years must have included responsibility for policy development and analysis, and/or standards development.
• A master's or higher degree may substitute for one year of professional administrative experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the formation of and contribution to an OPWDD-wide Quality Improvement Strategy and related projects.
• Lead and facilitate structured quality improvement processes (Root Cause Analysis, Five Whys, Fishbone Analysis, Process Mapping, Driver Diagrams).
• Develop Quality Improvement Plans with SMART goals and performance indicators.
• Interpret quality measure results with data staff and support dashboards development.
• Develop and deliver training curricula on CQI, PDSA, Root Cause Analysis, and CMS quality expectations.
• Provide consultation and coaching on PDSA cycle implementation and continuous quality improvement.
• Draft policy papers and summaries to support executive staff.

Skills

Project management

Policy development

Quality improvement

Data analysis

CMS HCBS requirements

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience

Tools

PowerPoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Duties Description

The mission of the Division of Quality Improvement (DQI) is to ensure quality services for people with developmental disabilities to lead a healthy, safe, and meaningful life. DQI’s vision is addressing this mission is to facilitate quality improvement, driving quality management, innovation and best practices within our Division, OPWDD, and the broader service system while consistently and effectively ensuring that service providers are delivering the highest quality services/supports that help people lead richer lives?

The mission of the Division of Quality Improvement (DQI) is to ensure quality services for people with developmental disabilities to lead a healthy, safe, and meaningful life. DQI’s vision is addressing this mission is to facilitate quality improvement, driving quality management, innovation and best practices within our Division, OPWDD, and the broader service system while consistently and effectively ensuring that service providers are delivering the highest quality services/supports that help people lead richer lives?

The Developmental Disabilities Policy Development Specialist 2 (DDPDS 2) position will report administratively to the DQI Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Unit and will function as a Quality Improvement Specialist for assigned quality measures and/or quality improvement strategies under the direction of assigned leads and/or quality committee leadership. The DDPDS 2 will work to develop or support a variety of activities, interventions, and strategies that are designed to result in measurable improvements to the Access Rule Quality Measure Set and other related performance indicators that impact the quality of the OPWDD service system.

In addition, the DDPDS 2 will be responsible for designing, developing, coordinating, and supporting OPWDD’s emerging quality improvement framework. This includes but is not limited to analyzing and developing policies and standards that impact quality improvement, as well as leading committees, outreach and communication efforts within the Division, internally within OPWDD, and with provider agencies, CCOs, and stakeholders. The incumbent will partner with operational divisions to translate complex performance data into actionable, evidence-based Quality Improvement Plans with measurable benchmarks. Additionally, the DDPDS 2 will play a key role in ensuring compliance with CMS Access Rule reporting requirements, delivering comprehensive training on continuous quality improvement (CQI) principles, and fostering a culture of data-informed decision-making across the agency.

The incumbent must be able to independently research and gain subject matter expertise in quality improvement methodologies and tools (e.g., root cause analysis; Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles; Lean process mapping; project management; CMS HCBS quality improvement requirements; Access Rule requirements; Quality Measure Set; etc.) within the first three to six months in order to regularly apply this knowledge to their activities on an ongoing basis.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in the formation of and contribution to an OPWDD-wide Quality Improvement Strategy, as well as related committees and projects.
• Lead and facilitate structured quality improvement processes (including Root Cause Analysis, Five Whys, Fishbone Analysis, Process Mapping, and Driver Diagrams) to help multidisciplinary teams identify system barriers, process gaps, and measurable interventions.
• Partner with operational divisions and subject matter experts to develop Quality Improvement Plans, establishing SMART goals, defining performance indicators, selecting appropriate QI methodologies, and outlining sustainability strategies.
• Research and acquire subject matter expertise in quality improvement methodologies and tools, applying this knowledge effectively to Quality Improvement projects.
• Collaborate with data and analytics staff to interpret quality measure results, identify trends, review stratified performance data, and support the development of performance dashboards.
• Develop and deliver training curricula regarding CQI principles, PDSA methodologies, Root Cause Analysis, and CMS quality expectations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide ongoing consultation, technical assistance, and coaching to project teams on Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle implementation, barrier resolution, and continuous quality improvement principles.
• Identify and analyze policy issues, triggers, strategies, and best practices related to serving people with developmental disabilities and prepare written recommendations for quality improvement.
• Assist the agency in maintaining compliance with HCBS Access Rule requirements by supporting the development, implementation, monitoring, and revision of an OPWDD Quality Strategy aligned with CMS HCBS and Access Rule requirements and collaborating on required documentation and reporting.
• Translate performance measure results into actionable priorities and assist in drafting written Quality Strategy documentation for CMS reporting.
• Serve as an active QI consultant throughout project implementation, reviewing improvement plans, monitoring progress, recommending course corrections, and assisting with outcome evaluations.
• Draft policy and concept papers, summaries, data displays, and other materials necessary to assist executive staff in the design and implementation of quality improvement strategies and practices.
• Research, develop and draft policies, programs, and practices related to improving the oversight and quality of developmental disabilities supports and services.
• Establish and facilitate committees to address policy-related and quality issues and coordinate the flow of information between staff performing policy and standards development work.
• Create informational crosswalks and other analyses to provide performance and quality insights into information needed for quality committee work, to support decision-making and recommendations
• Supervise staff as required.
• Perform other tasks assigned by the Deputy Commissioner or Deputy Director of the Division of Quality Improvement, or by the Director of the Continuous Quality Improvement Unit or by assigned leads.

This is an ideal opportunity for an individual who enjoys varied work roles, tasks, and functions; values continuous learning; appreciates contributing to innovative solutions; and enjoys working collaboratively with a dedicated team of professionals.

Flexibility and comfort working in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and deliverables are essential. Excellent organizational, communication, facilitation, analysis, priority-setting, and multitasking skills are required. Ability to assimilate and apply new information quickly in support of assigned functions. Ability to create data displays, PowerPoint Presentations, and proficiency with Microsoft Office products. Comfort level functioning in ambiguity, translating goals into actionable strategies, and ability to create structure and processes when there is no existing framework in place.

Possible work locations include:

500 Balltown Rd, Schenectady

44 Holland Avenue, Albany

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nys-office-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities/posts/?feedView=all

Minimum Qualifications

Open Competitive:

A bachelor's degree and three years of professional administrative experience in the field of developmental disabilities. Two of the three years must have included responsibility for policy development and analysis, and/or standards development.

• A master's or higher degree in Human Services, Public Health, or Public Administration may substitute for one year of professional administrative experience.

Transfer:

Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/c status in the posted title and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1, 70.4, or 52.6 of Civil Service Law. The transfer cannot be a second consecutive transfer resulting in an advancement of more than two salary grades.

To determine if your current Civil Service title is eligible for transfer to this title, visit the Career Mobility GOT-IT website: https://careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo/gotit/index.cfm.

Additional Comments

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). HELPS Program titles may be filled via a non-competitive appointment. This means that you do not need to take an exam to qualify, but you do need to meet the minimum qualifications of the title.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), employees hired under NY HELPS are expected to have their permanent non-competitive employment status converted to permanent competitive status. You will not have to take an exam to gain permanent competitive status.

• If you are currently a New York State employee serving in a permanent competitive qualifying title and eligible for a transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law, you may be appointed to this title as a permanent competitive employee.
• The assignment of PS&T employees will be made in accordance with any agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding between PEF and the local DDSO regarding the posting of job vacancies.
• Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume.
• All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility.
• If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice.
• Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA).
• If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at [phone] or email [e-mail] to obtain information and RA forms.
• Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan.
• Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs.
• Life insurance and Disability insurance.
• The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
• Paid Holidays and Leave:

Paid Holidays and Leave

• Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.
• Five (5) days paid personal leave each year.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year.
• Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events.

Health Care Coverage

Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event. A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care.

Retirement Program

Participate in The NYS Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation.

Professional Development and Education and Training

NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/training-and-professional-development.

• Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/public-service-workshops-program-pswp.

OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. We believe that we are most effective in managing and improving our service system with a diverse team of employees. With such a large workforce, we rely on the collective individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, ideas and talent that our employees bring to their work. This speaks to our culture and is a key part of our successes. As we continuously recruit people for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that applicants bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. collective individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, ideas and talent that our employees bring to their work. This speaks to our culture and is a key part of our successes. As we continuously recruit people for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that applicants bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.