Vice President of Quality Assurance

Vice President of Quality Assurance

The Vice President of Quality Assurance provides executive leadership for Life Unlimited's quality assurance, compliance, and risk management strategy. This role ensures organizational effectiveness and regulatory compliance through data-driven decisions, process improvement, and system oversight. Reporting to the COO, this position champions a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across all programs and departments.

Basic Functions and General Responsibilities

Quality Ensure Exceptional, Person-Centered Outcomes

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of organization-wide quality assurance systems, including policies, metrics, and continuous improvement plans.
• Oversee compliance with internal standards and external regulatory, accreditation, and licensing requirements (CMS, DMH, CARF, KCRO, TCM).
• Coordinate and lead Health, Safety, and CARF committees; prepare and analyze data-driven reports to guide decisions.
• Ensure timely completion of inspections, audits, investigations, and satisfaction surveys, with clear analysis and actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Monitor incident reports (GERs and EMTs) daily, ensuring follow-up, documentation, and resolution to protect individual health and safety.
• Collaborate with program leadership to develop short- and long-range quality improvement strategies that align with organizational outcomes and mission.
• Establish, monitor, and report on key organizational quality metrics and outcomes.
• Ensure system-wide management of investigations including quality review, trend analysis, and corrective action planning.
• Oversee satisfaction survey design, implementation, analysis, and action planning across all programs. Ensure all program-related technology (e.g., EHRs, care coordination tools, case management systems) supports high-quality, compliant service delivery. Optimize systems to improve real-time access to critical data by direct service and supervisory staff.

Team Builder Develop High-Performing Leadership and Culture

• Hire, train, and supervise QA staff; foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Coach department directors and managers in developing and executing Quality Improvement Plans.
• Work closely with the training department to ensure staff development programs address trends identified through QA systems.
• Support the building of multidisciplinary teams focused on process improvement and risk management.
• Ensure clear role alignment, accountability, and performance expectations across all QA team functions.
• Build organizational capacity in quality improvement methodologies, data literacy, and compliance accountability.

Growth Lead Strategic Expansion and Innovation

• Collaborate with executive teams to analyze trends and advance strategic initiatives.
• Identify emerging quality standards and proactively position the agency.
• Promote continuous improvement using outcome data and feedback loops.
• Oversee organization-wide process improvement strategy and workflow optimization.
• Ensure QA systems are embedded into daily operations, not solely audit functions.
• Ensure effective use of systems (Therap, CIMOR, PowerBI) for decision-making.

Financial Strength Ensure Sustainability and Performance

• Oversee data analysis to identify operational trends and support strategic planning.
• Lead initiatives that enhance compliance and minimize risk.
• Contribute to budget planning and cost-benefit analysis.
• Ensure QA strategies align with value-based reimbursement and funding requirements.

Communication Drive Alignment and Organizational Effectiveness

• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment across Life Unlimited by positioning Quality Assurance as a supportive partner to programs and departments rather than a punitive or regulatory function.
• Communicate quality expectations, findings, and feedback in a manner that is clear, constructive, and solution-oriented, promoting engagement and shared accountability.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with leaders and team members at all levels of the organization to encourage transparency, open dialogue, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure communication of audits, investigations, and compliance findings focuses on learning, system improvement, and risk reductionnot blame or criticism.
• Promote a culture where Quality Assurance is viewed as an accessible resource that helps teams succeed, improve outcomes, and deliver high-quality services.
• Translate complex regulatory, compliance, and data information into practical, understandable guidance for operational leaders and staff.
• Actively model and reinforce professional, respectful, and supportive communication practices throughout the organization.

Physical Expectations This position requires extended periods of sitting with some periods of walking and standing. It may require light (5 lbs.) to heavy lifting (30 lbs.) and occasional stooping, kneeling, climbing stairs, and/or bending. May also require occasional climbing of small ladders. An individual in this position may need to drive a vehicle to resources in the community. There may be extended periods of using a computer and/or calculator. Working Conditions Office/home environment with noises from office equipment, telephones, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Minimum of 5 years senior-level leadership experience in quality assurance, compliance, or technology management (healthcare or human services experience preferred).
• Proven experience in process improvement, strategic planning, and outcome measurement.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex data and communicate findings clearly.
• Experience with business intelligence tools, accreditation standards, and risk management practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, facilitation, and team-building skills.
• Ability to lead large-scale change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Valid Class E driver's license and auto insurance as required by law.
• Must obtain seasonal flu vaccination. Equal Opportunity Employer