Quality Improvement Specialist/OPWDD Investigator

Job Purpose: 

The primary purpose of this position is to investigate all incidents and allegations of abuse, follow up with the immediate and long-term corrective actions necessary to ensure individual protection, identify trends and make every effort to take measures necessary to prevent re-exposure to the same or similar risk.

Hiring Range : $22/hr-$26/hr commensurate with experience 

Benefits:

• 403(b) with discretionary match
• Dental & Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance with HSA and employer match
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Generous PTO bank
• Parental leave
• Referral program

Essential Functions:

• Maintain the health and wellbeing of the individuals EPI serves through conducting and documenting thorough and objective incident investigations.
• Compile necessary data to meet Agency and regulatory body reporting requirements, including maintaining current QI records (electronic and hard copy).
• Provide staff education and training regarding incident and abuse reporting, investigations, rights, and related areas.
• Assist with rotating Level I Quality Improvement on-call.
• In addition to completing investigative reports, presents investigation to Incident Review Committee and performs such duties as training and audits, as necessary. Capable of managing highly confidential and sensitive information, as well as interacting with all levels of internal staff within the organization. Independent judgment and decision-making are required to plan, prioritize, and organize a diversified workload.
• Performs other duties as assigned by QI Supervisor and/or designee within scope of practice.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Assist with development and enforcement of QI and other Agency policies and procedures.
• Promote workplace safety.
• Attend QI weekly meetings.
• Support Compliance/Audit workplan as needed.
• Participate on various committees as able.

Compliance:

• Must maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion concerning all business-related matters, including but not limited to board/vendors/donors’ names, investigations, finance, operations, and employee relations matters.
• Must be willing to complete specific company required training as mandated by our governing agency, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), at time of hire and annually thereafter.

• Must adhere to all departmental /company policies & procedures at all times & ensure compliance with direct report.

Professional Deportment:

Consistently demonstrate EPI’s Values:

1. Integrity
   • I will do what I say I will do.
   • I honor my commitments, follow up, and adjust expectations if circumstances change.
   • I do the right thing when no one is watching.
2. Courage
   • I own my responsibilities and take initiative without being told to do something.
   • I do not shy away from difficult conversations. I will give and receive honest feedback.
   • I constructively share my ideas and lean into disagreements for the betterment of the organization.
3. Adaptability
   • I am open to different ideas and ways of accomplishing our mission.
   • I am approachable and work to develop self-awareness around how I am being perceived by others.
   • I own my mistakes and learn from them.
4. Respect
   • I treat others the way they want to be treated.
   • I am courteous, responsive, and presume best intentions.
   • I recognize and acknowledge positive actions and contributions. I give credit where it is due.
   • I listen to understand and reframe my message to ensure I am understood.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in related field with three (3) years related experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of OPWDD and/or DOH TBI & NHTD Waiver regulations- preferred but not required.
• Other combinations of relevant education and experience will be considered.  

Supervision:

• None

Computer Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft programs to include Email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams. 

Qualifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License-use of an agency vehicle is required for business travel.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate with all a diverse work population of various levels within the organization.
• Mature interpersonal/professional skills to effectively collaborate, resolve issues, and maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to use poise, tact, maturity, and diplomacy during difficult and/or stressful situations to effectively collaborate and resolve issues.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, and customer requests, while meeting deadlines.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that are required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Individuals with disabilities, which impact their ability to perform the essential functions, will need to review reasonable accommodations with Human Resources.

• Must be able to talk, hear, stand, walk, and/or sit for extended periods of time; may have to twist, bend, use hand to finger, stretch with hands and arms. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus
• May be exposed to strong odors from time to time.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

While performing the duties of this position, exposure to changing weather conditions will occur.

#IND