Quality Improvement Specialist - 104209

Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association, Inc.; Decatur (GA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Claratel Behavioral Health in DeKalb is seeking a Quality Improvement Specialist to lead CQI efforts across programs, ensuring person-centered, data-driven improvements that align with accreditation standards.

You will monitor performance, facilitate cross-functional teams, and drive action plans; the role emphasizes stakeholder engagement, policy updates, and continuous staff development in a mission-driven, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the specified fields.
• 3–5 years in a similar role in human services or behavioral health.
• Master’s degree in related fields preferred.
• Knowledge of community behavioral health system and regulations.
• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset.
• Ability to coordinate quality improvement activities.

Responsibilities

• Drive CQI by coaching staff on effective QI methods, tools, and best practices to enhance service delivery and program outcomes.
• Monitor and measure performance through data collection, analysis, and reporting, providing actionable insights to leadership and program teams.
• Align programs with service standards by reviewing guidelines and collaborating with staff to optimize workflows and maintain fidelity to service intent.
• Ensure service excellence by conducting regular Quality Service Visits, facilitating internal audits, and preparing for external reviews/surveys.
• Elevate stakeholder engagement through structured satisfaction surveys, feedback loops, and targeted improvements based on data trends.
• Identify and address areas for improvement by initiating internal quality improvement plans, leading cross-functional workgroups, and facilitating problem-solving sessions.
• Strengthen compliance by drafting and submitting corrective action plans in response to audits, reviews, or investigations.
• Champion accreditation and certification readiness through preparation, coordination, and follow-up on quality-focused reviews and fidelity monitoring.
• Shape organizational policy by partnering with committees to develop, refine, and update policies and procedures.
• Engages in ongoing professional development and maintain role-specific certifications
• Advance the agency mission by supporting strategic initiatives and contributing to special projects that enhance organizational impact.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Collaboration

Project Management

Data Analysis Proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Non- Profit Management, Public Administration, 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 SPECALIST

The Quality Improvement Specialist 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.

The QI Specialist 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive continuous quality improvement (CQI) by coaching staff and stakeholders on effective QI methods, tools, and best practices to enhance service delivery and program outcomes.
• Monitor and measure performance through data collection, analysis, and reporting, providing actionable insights to leadership and program teams.
• Align programs with service standards by reviewing guidelines and collaborating with staff to optimize workflows and maintain fidelity to service intent.
• Ensure service excellence by conducting regular Quality Service Visits, facilitating internal audits, and preparing for external reviews/surveys.
• Elevate stakeholder engagement through structured satisfaction surveys, feedback loops, and targeted improvements based on data trends.
• Identify and address areas for improvement by initiating internal quality improvement plans, leading cross-functional workgroups, and facilitating problem-solving sessions.
• Strengthen compliance by drafting and submitting corrective action plans in response to audits, reviews, or investigations.
• Champion accreditation and certification readiness through preparation, coordination, and follow-up on quality-focused reviews and fidelity monitoring.
• Shape organizational policy by partnering with committees to develop, refine, and update policies and procedures.
• Engages in ongoing professional development and maintain role-specific certifications
• Advance the agency mission by supporting strategic initiatives and contributing to special projects that enhance organizational impact.

PERFORMANCE METRICS

• 90% or greater or exemplary fidelity on quality reviews for assigned programs
• 80% or greater on annual state-required key performance metrics

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Non- Profit Management, 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, Non- Profit Management, 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

Essential Skills

• Analytical Skills: The ability to effectively analyze data and identify trends and patterns is crucial for recognizing areas that need improvement.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary to effectively convey complex data and information to various audiences, including management and clinical teams.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: The QI Specialist often works with cross-functional teams, requiring strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Project Management Skills: The role may involve managing multiple competing objectives and projects simultaneously, requiring strong project management abilities.
• Data Analysis Proficiency: Experience with data analysis software and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) is essential.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The job is routinely 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in an office setting; Some non-traditional hours may be required occasionally to support agency’s goals. Travel to varies sites for quality reviews, training, and technical assistance. This position may be eligible for consideration for a hybrid work arrangement under the telework policy.

NEEDED ATTRIBUTES:

• Proficient with using technology
• Detailed oriented
• Strong communicator (written and verbal)
• Mission Driven
• Critical thinker and result oriented
• Team player
• Flexible & adaptable

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 dba Claratel Behavioral Health 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].