Substance Use Clinical Quality Improvement Specialist

Gateway Foundation Inc.; Cochran (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

403(b) Retirement Plan

Disability and life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is seeking an experienced Substance Use Clinical Quality Improvement Specialist to lead audits, site visits, and reporting across correctional healthcare sites in the region.

The role focuses on evaluating care quality, ensuring compliance with standards, and driving improvements in clinical processes. Travel to multiple sites is required, with responsibilities including data analysis, report development, and collaboration with State Directors and Program Directors to

Qualifications

• Conducts site visits and reviews client records for compliance with standards.
• Compiles audit data and documents findings for management review.
• Develops reports on strengths and improvements and shares with funder.
• Identifies trends and contributes to resolution with leadership.
• Facilitates monthly meetings for sites scoring <70% on QA.

Responsibilities

• Monitors adherence to Gateway’s clinical procedures and standards.
• Completes reports to ensure progress across identified areas.
• Works with funder and directors to develop quarterly trainings.
• Collaborates with on-site and off-site leadership.
• Performs additional site visits as directed by leadership.

Skills

Quality improvement

Auditing & compliance

Data analysis

Clinical supervision

Program evaluation

Regulatory knowledge

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)

Job description

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Substance Use Clinical Quality Improvement Specialist

Post Date: Aug 4, 2026

Location:

Cochran, GA, US, 31714

Position Type: Full Time

Requisition Number: 34194

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday

Who is Gateway Foundation?

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

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering 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, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

We are honored to offer behavioral healthcare services in Corrections

Perks of working in correctional healthcare:

• 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

Location:

• Candidates must reside in the South Georgia area (Valdosta, Bainbridge, Hawkinsville, Sycamore, Garden City) or surrounding areas.
• Mandatory travel at a minimum of 3 days weekly throughout the region:Valdosta, Bainbridge, Hawkinsville, Sycamore, Garden City

The Quality Improvement Specialist is responsible for:

• Conducts site visits on a regular basis and reviews client records and evaluate the adequacy and appropriateness of care in accordance with the established standards and medical necessity.
• Compiles audit data and document findings for review with site management.
• Develops detailed reports of the sites strengths and areas of necessary improvement and shares the findings of the report with funder in a timely manner.
• Identifies trends and issues within programs and/or involving clients at the direction of the State Director or State Clinical Director and provides input into resolution and communicates audit findings.
• Facilitates a minimum of a monthly meeting for each site that scores less than a 70% on their QA report. The meeting shall consist of QIS, State Director, Program Director, and the Administrative Assistant. The outcome of the solution‑focused collaborative meeting will be reported to Inmate Services within 5 days.
• Develops detailed reports containing risk areas, strengths, improvements needed and suggested actions plans; shares any identified issues with the State Director in a timely manner. In conjunction with the management team, develops a weekly Action Plan and conducts weekly visits for sites that score less than 70% on RRS QA Report or as deemed necessary by Inmate Services.
• Monitors program activities to ensure adherence to Gateway’s clinical procedures and standards.
• Completes reports and summaries to ensure improvements progress in all areas identified.
• Works with funder, State Clinical Director, State and Program Director at assigned sites to develop a minimum of a quarterly training tailored to the needs of the individual facilities.
• Assists 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 (i.e. client documentation, payroll/PTO approval, weekly MDT/staff meetings, program schedules)
• Conduct additional site visits at assigned/unassigned programs (as needed at the direction of leadership).
• Provide clinical supervision in the absence of an on‑site clinical supervisor (i.e. group observations, clinical chart auditing, individual supervision, clinical training).
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services, behavioral health, or 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 some 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 effectively collaborate 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 are 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/or audit information and data
• Must possess sight/hearing/speech sense, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met
• Normal or corrected vision in order to read and audit files

Compensation (based on experience and credentials):

Range is between $65,000 - $74,000 annually

Gateway Foundation conductsannual reviews including merit increases.

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 Wellbeing:

• 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 & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s 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 OFCCPhere .