Quality Assurance Associate - Residential (6345)

Charles River Center; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles River Center is seeking a Quality Assurance Associate to support the Director of Quality Assurance in monitoring, evaluating, and improving the quality and compliance of DDS-funded residential services. You will work with program leadership to ensure adherence to regulations, policies, and person-centered care standards.

The role emphasizes audits, training, and data-driven improvements, with a focus on health, safety, and individual rights across residential programs.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in human services within DDS-funded programs.
• DDS certification standards for residential services.
• ISP development and implementation.
• Data collection and outcome measurement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine audits of residential programs to assess compliance with DDS regulations and agency policies.
• Review documentation across systems to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Identify quality concerns, develop improvement strategies, and support implementation.
• Track corrective actions and verify timely completion.
• Provide training and coaching to staff on documentation and incident reporting.
• Collaborate with operations to design quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Data analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Admin (07) - Needham, MA 02492

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range: $31.25 - $31.25 Hourly

Job Shift: Day

Classification: Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Department: Administration

Reports to: Director of Quality Assurance

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Associate supports the Director of Quality Assurance in monitoring, evaluating, and improving the quality and compliance of DDS-funded residential services.

This role partners with program leadership to ensure adherence to DDS regulations, agency policies, and best practices related to health, safety, individual rights, and person-centered care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administration

• Conduct routine and targeted audits of residential programs to assess compliance with: DDS regulations (e.g., licensing indicators, MAP requirements, ISP timelines) Agency policies and procedures
• Review documentation across systems (e.g., HCSIS, electronic health records, and paper records) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency
• Identify quality concerns, develop improvement strategies, and support implementation
• Verify implementation and effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives
• Provide technical assistance and subject matter expertise to operational leadership
• Partner with operations to design and implement local process improvement initiatives
• Identify deficiencies and assist with developing corrective action plans
• Track corrective actions and verify timely completion
• Participate in division meetings and report on quality indicators
• Review satisfaction survey data and support the design, implementation, and evaluation of improvement strategies

Compliance

• Partner with operations to implement agency and local policies and procedures
• Conduct regular audits of residential operations to assess compliance with: DDS regulations Agency policies and procedures Internal quality standards
• Analyze audit findings, incident data, and quality trends (e.g., medication occurrences, ISP compliance)
• Assist residential programs in preparing for DDS licensing, certification, and survey reviews
• Conduct mock audits and certification readiness reviews
• Identify systemic issues and recommend training or process improvements
• Partner with program leadership to implement measurable quality improvement initiatives
• Monitor progress toward compliance benchmarks and performance indicators
• Collaborate with operations leadership to develop corrective action plans and verify implementation
• Provide guidance on regulatory requirements and documentation standards

Risk Management

• Review incident reports for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance
• Support investigations involving incidents, allegations, and complaints, as assigned
• Conduct internal investigations by reviewing facts, determining findings, and recommending appropriate responses
• Identify trends and collaborate with operations to develop risk mitigation strategies
• Assist with the implementation of risk reduction initiatives

Education and Training

• Identify training needs in collaboration with Quality Assurance leadership and Operations
• Partner with Human Resources and Operations to develop training resources that support quality and compliance standards
• Provide training and coaching to staff on topics including: Documentation standards Individual rights and human rights processes Incident reporting Risk management
• Provide ongoing technical support and consultation as needed

Systems Analysis, Design, and Improvement

• Provide quality assurance and process improvement expertise across residential services
• Partner with Program Directors, nursing staff, and clinical teams to resolve compliance concerns
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and quality assurance reviews
• Communicate audit findings, recommendations, and improvement opportunities clearly and professionally to leadership
• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives designed to strengthen service delivery and regulatory compliance

Qualifications

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in human services within DDS-funded programs.

Knowledge

• DDS certification standards for residential services.
• Individual Support Plan (ISP) development and implementation
• Data collection and outcome measurement

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent organizational skills
• Effective written and verbal communication

Core Competencies

• Attention to detail and audit accuracy
• Data analysis and trend identification
• Knowledge of person-centered and outcome-based services
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and audits simultaneously
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills
• Professional communication and presentation skills

Performance Expectations

• Timely completion of audits and certification readiness activities
• Measurable improvements in compliance and service quality
• Effective collaboration with program leadership
• Ongoing certification readiness across all residential programs
• Meaningful contributions to continuous quality improvement initiatives

Language & Communication Skills

• Fluent in English, with the ability to read, analyze, and interpret reports, clinical data, policies, and other professional documentation.
• Strong ability to write professional reports, progress notes, correspondence, and other clinical documentation.
• Capacity to effectively communicate with individuals using various communication methods.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
• Frequent lifting of up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds to assist with personal care activities and crisis interventions.
• Adequate vision, including close, distance, and peripheral vision, necessary for monitoring, observation, and maintaining safety.
• Ability to travel between program locations and participate in on-site meetings, trainings, and emergency response activities as needed.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions.
• Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment in complex situations.
• Ability to analyze information, identify solutions, and implement appropriate interventions while maintaining compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and make timely decisions in a fast-paced environment.