Substance Use Clinical Quality Improvement Specialist

Gateway Foundation; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer0

Disability & Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

PSLF eligibility

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Gateway Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to substance use and mental health treatment, seeks a Quality Improvement Specialist to drive audits, data reviews, and program quality across South Georgia sites.

You will conduct site visits, compile reports for management and funders, and lead monthly QA meetings for under‑performing locations. Requires a bachelor's in human services and licensure (LPC/LCSW/LMFT or CAC II/CADC II) plus five years of relevant supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, or a related field.
• Current licensure as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT; or CAC II/CADC II with supervision eligibility (preferred).
• Five years of relevant supervisory or leadership experience in substance use treatment or behavioral health.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regionally.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site visits and review client records to evaluate care adequacy and necessity.
• Compile audit data and document findings for review with site management.
• Develop reports detailing site strengths, areas for improvement, and action plans for funders.
• Lead monthly QA meetings for sites scoring below 70% on QA reports.
• Monitor program activities to ensure adherence to clinical procedures and standards.
• Collaborate with State Directors, Program Directors, and funders to tailor training.
• Perform administrative tasks and support data retrieval across sites.

Skills

Audit & compliance

Data analysis

Site visits

Reporting to funders

Quality improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services/related field

Clinical licensure (LPC/LCSW/LMFT) or CAC II/CADC II (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PDF/reporting tools

Job description

About Gateway Foundation

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non‑profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, the organization provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, Gateway is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why Join Us

Our organization delivers high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence‑based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you’ll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations while working for an employer that values teamwork, professional growth, and personal fulfillment aligned with your values.

Corrections Behavioral Healthcare Services

• Opportunity to make a positive impact on a marginalized population
• Exposure to diverse patient demographics
• Focus on driving change, tracking progress, and improving care
• Development of skills in a unique healthcare setting

Position: Quality Improvement Specialist

• Must reside in the South Georgia area (Valdosta, Bainbridge, Hawkinsville, Sycamore, Garden City) or surrounding areas.
• Mandatory travel at least 3 days weekly throughout the region.
• Conduct site visits on a regular basis and review client records to evaluate adequacy and appropriateness of care per established standards and medical necessity.
• Compile audit data and document findings for review with site management.
• Develop detailed reports of site strengths and areas requiring improvement; share findings with funders in a timely manner.
• Identify trends and issues within programs and/or involving clients under direction of the State Director or State Clinical Director; input into resolution and communicate audit findings.
• Facilitate a minimum monthly meeting for each site scoring less than 70% on its QA report. The meeting will include QIS, State Director, Program Director, and the Administrative Assistant; outcomes will be reported to Inmate Services within 5 days.
• Develop detailed reports containing risk areas, strengths, improvements needed, and suggested action plans; share identified issues with the State Director in a timely manner; develop a weekly Action Plan and conduct weekly visits for sites scoring less than 70% on the RRS QA Report or as deemed necessary by Inmate Services.
• Monitor program activities to ensure adherence to Gateway’s clinical procedures and standards.
• Complete reports and summaries to ensure progress in all identified areas.
• Work with funders, State Clinical Director, and State and Program Directors at assigned sites to develop a minimum quarterly training tailored to facility needs.
• Assist in developing reporting mechanisms to evaluate standards of compliance and quality of care, establishing review criteria, recommending standards and measures, and selecting methodologies for data retrieval.
• Collaborate with on‑site and off‑site GDC Leadership.
• Complete administrative tasks as directed (client documentation, payroll/PTO approval, weekly MDT/staff meetings, program schedules).
• Conduct additional site visits at assigned or unassigned programs as needed.
• Provide clinical supervision in the absence of an on‑site clinical supervisor (group observations, clinical chart auditing, individual supervision, clinical training).
• Working schedule: Monday – Thursday, 7 am – 5:30 pm.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, or a related helping profession.
• Current licensure as an LPC, LCSW, or LMFT; or certification as a CAC II or CADC II with eligibility to provide clinical supervision preferred.
• Five (5) years of relevant experience, preferably in substance use disorder treatment, addiction recovery, or behavioral health, including supervisory or leadership experience.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of healthcare administration regulations, quality improvement principles, and state and federal standards governing substance use disorder treatment programs.
• Experience with auditing, compliance monitoring, program evaluation, project management, clinical supervision, and staff training preferred.
• Experience working with justice‑involved or incarcerated populations and substance use disorders preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and organizational skills, with the ability to evaluate data, identify trends, and produce clear reports and recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, regulatory agencies, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work involving sitting most of the time; walking and standing required only occasionally.
• Proofreading and checking documents for accuracy on a continual basis.
• Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and audit information and data.
• Must possess sight, hearing, or speech sense, or use prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately to meet the position requirements.
• Normal or corrected vision sufficient to read and audit files.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation

Health and Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash‑saving premiums.
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health.

Financial Well‑Being

• 403(b) retirement plan with 3 % employer match.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability and life and AD&D insurance paid for by Gateway.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Flexibility and Time Off

• 18 paid time off days per year—accrual rates increase with years of service.
• 9 paid company holidays.
• Work‑life balance.

Personal Development

• Training and development programs.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year.
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEUs and job‑related training.
• Clinical supervision: formal and informal guidance.

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.