Quality Improvement Lead

Claratel Behavioral Health; Decatur (AL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Claratel Behavioral Health is seeking a Quality Improvement Lead to oversee the agency-wide Quality Improvement Plan. The role emphasizes data-driven CQI, engaging stakeholders, and aligning operations with regulatory requirements, including DBHDD and CARF standards.

The lead will supervise CQI activities, oversee external audits, and drive ongoing program improvements within a community-based behavioral health setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field; 3–5 years in a similar role.
• Master’s Degree preferred with 5+ years in similar role.
• Knowledge of the community behavioral health system, service guidelines, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Direct CQI cycle implementation and QA activities.
• Supervise and guide QI Specialists; ensure consistency in processes.
• Monitor quality initiatives and report to leadership and stakeholders.
• Align service guidelines and workflows to quality outcomes.
• Support accreditation, fidelity monitoring, and audits.

Skills

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Health, Public Administration, Psychology, or related field

Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Human Service Degree, Public Administration, Counseling, Psychology, or related field

Job description

About Claratel Behavioral Health

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel Behavioral Health operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct-care and support staff.

If you are passionate about driving change in behavioral health and developmental services and are eager to work in an environment that values innovation and inclusivity, Claratel Behavioral Health is the place for you. Here, your work is impactful, your growth is prioritized, and your well-being is supported. Together, we can forge pathways to a healthier future for all.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT LEAD

The Quality Improvement Lead is an essential member of the Quality Improvement team, which oversees and operationalizes the agency-wide Quality Improvement (QI) Plan at DeKalb CSB dba Claratel Behavioral Health.

Consistent with the agency’s commitment to improving client care through ongoing and systematic review of clinical services and business practices, the QI Specialist ensures that quality improvement efforts are person-centered, data-driven, systems-focused, and results-oriented.

Under broad supervision by Director of Quality Improvement, the QI Lead ensures implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes, promotes engagement across all levels of the organization, and facilitates integration of quality assurance measures and performance indicators into daily operations. This position ensures alignment with regulatory and accreditation requirements, including those established by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), CARF International, NADD, and other governing authorities. Also, oversee progress of specials grants and projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In the absence of the Director of Quality Improvement, directs projects and daily work of members of the Quality Improvement Innovations team.
• Supervise and provide direct guidance to QI Specialist and ensure consistent implementation of operational processes (i.e., manage productivity, team engagement, and reinforce organizational culture).
• Provide guidance and technical assistance regarding the CQI cycle to employees and other stakeholders who are direct participants in the QI program, as needed to address issues around quality and to increase understanding of program and service intent.
• Monitors the effectiveness of QI initiatives and ensures ongoing reporting to QI program participants, agency leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Systematically reviews service guidelines and works with program directors to align services and workflows to support the intent of services provided.
• Conducts ongoing quality checks of programs and operations.
• Manages stakeholder satisfaction survey and stakeholder feedback processes.
• Provides ongoing suggestions regarding areas to improve quality monitoring processes and tools.
• Initiates internal quality improvement plans for areas of opportunity.
• Under general supervision, completes and submits external corrective action plans in response to external audits, reviews, and investigations.
• Assists with preparation for accreditation, fidelity monitoring, and quality-focused reviews; and supports resulting quality improvement efforts, as assigned.
• Engages in ongoing professional development and maintain role‑specific certifications.
• Assists with departmental projects, as needed, to support and promote the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.

PERFORMANCE METRICS

• 90% or greater or exemplary fidelity on quality reviews for assigned programs.
• 86% or greater on annual state-required key performance metrics.

SKILL, COMPETENCY AND EDUCATION AND/OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Health, Public Administration, Psychology, or related field.
• Three to Five years in a similar role in a human services or behavioral health organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Human Service Degree, Public Administration, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
• Five or more years in a similar role in a human services or behavioral health organization.
• Knowledge of the community behavioral health system, service guidelines, and regulations.

INTER-RELATIONSHIPS: Must be able to communicate effectively and assist management staff in articulating results from quality monitoring and quality improvement initiatives; Attend various inter-departmental meetings. Incumbent must be professional and personable exhibiting a willingness, enthusiasm, and commitment to improving the overall quality of service delivery and operations to benefit all users Claratel Behavioral Health.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The job is routinely 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in an office setting/field work; some non-traditional hours may be required occasionally to support implementations or external audit preparation; Travel to varies sites will be required to provide technical assistance, observation, and conduct internal quality reviews. This position may be eligible for consideration for a hybrid work arrangement under the telework policy.

NEEDED ATTRIBUTES: Incumbent must possess a pleasant personality and exhibit enthusiasm in guiding improvement initiatives. Ability to work independently on projects and able to lead a team of peers; Ability to coordinate multiple concurrent projects and meet strict deadlines; Incumbent must be a great team player and work together with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that tasks and projects are completed in the most effective and efficient way. Must be able to work under time constraints to ensure that projects are delivered within specified timeframes; Stakeholders should see this staff person as a valuable resource and not hesitate to ask for help. The ability to evaluate program/service delivery and operational processes against quality indicators and service guidelines, write clearly, and speak before groups in a clear and understandable manner is a must; Must be comfortable using technology.

Pre-employment drug screening may be required. Selected applicant will be subject of an FBI Criminal History Record Check, and the applicant has the right to challenge the contents of their Criminal History Record Information, should they choose to do so. This employer participates in E-Verify.

DeKalb CSB is an equal opportunity employer regarding disability under VEVRRA and ADA.

Pre-employment drug screening and successful completion of a criminal history background check is required.

Claratel Behavioral Health participates in E-Verify (Company ID: 226305).

Claratel Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates who may require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law to perform the essential functions of this job are encouraged to contact Human Resources at [e-mail].